Nature Photography Photo Workshop

4.6. GUIDELINES FOR COMPOSING BETTER NATURE PHOTOS

On a case-by-case basis, you can use all the aforementioned graphic elements and techniques to deliberately design better photos. I encourage you to take a somewhat technical approach to designing your photographs — the aesthetic aspects of nature photography can be learned. Develop your visual vocabulary and apply your creativity with purpose and intention.

With so many tools at your disposal, knowing a few rules and guidelines will give you more creative freedom and successful results:

• Don't center the subject. Most compositions are most interesting when the dominant element isn't centered in the frame. Centering the main subject creates a bull's-eye effect, making it difficult for the viewer's eye to move around the frame. Interestingly, a photo often looks more balanced when things aren't centered.

• Don't center the horizon. Similar to the concept outlined in the previous bullet point, centering the horizon usually creates a boring, static composition with little room for eye movement. If the horizon (or any horizontal line) extends across the frame, try placing it above or below the middle of the frame; a 60/40 ratio often works well. The exception to both rules is any photo in which you want to emphasize symmetry by centering mirrored elements.

• Watch for crooked horizons. If you have a horizon or any line resembling a horizon in the frame, it often should be straight to "feel right." Use a bubble level (discussed in Chapter ...