Wildlife Photography_ From Snapshots to Great Shots - Laurie Excell [40]
A wider aperture and tighter composition diminishes the background, throwing everything out of focus and providing a diffused color palette that complements your subject rather than competing with it for your viewers’ attention (Figure 7.15).
Figure 7.15 A Bighorn sheep stands out against the snowy background.
Applying the Rule of Thirds
The rule of thirds is the basis for strong compositions in photography. If you divide an image into nine equal segments, the four intersecting points are called power points. When an image is placed within one of the intersections, it becomes more balanced and pleasing to the eye. Placing the snow goose (Figure 7.16) in the upper-left power point as it flies into the frame not only gives a sense of balance, but it also lends height to the goose, emphasizing flight.
Figure 7.16 The distant mountains add to the sense of height that the placement of the snow goose provides.
On the other hand, getting low and placing an approaching grizzly bear in the lower-left power point enhances the impression of power and strength (Figure 7.17).
Figure 7.17 The blurred background adds to the feeling of visual depth.
Rules are meant to be broken. But to successfully break them, you must understand them in the first place. Knowing the rule of thirds and the placement of your subject in one of the power points gives your images a feeling of symmetry, equilibrium, and rhythm. Placing your subject in the center of the frame can be one of the most powerful compositions if the subject fills the frame and makes a bold statement, as Figure 7.18 illustrates.
Figure 7.18 Breaking the rules and centering your subject can make a dramatic composition.
Chapter Assignments
Applying what you learned about composition in this chapter, take some time to work through the assignments to get a better understanding and feel for what makes a good composition.
Move in Tighter
Beginning photographers have a tendency to compose more loosely and include more than is necessary in the frame. Using the techniques you learned in Chapter 6, compose your image, take two or three steps closer to your subject (if you can do so safely), and then recompose your image. Take a before and after shot to compare the difference a few steps closer can make in the impact of your images.
Look for Lines, Shapes, and Patterns in Your Images
Using leading lines in nature draws your viewers’ eyes to your subject. Shapes and patterns add a graphic element to an image. Look through your existing images. Have you used leading lines to create a path to your subject? Are there shapes and patterns that make up pleasing groupings or graphics in your images? Then go out and consciously look for these elements the next time you are photographing. Nature is full of lines, shapes, and patterns that add interest and create more compelling images.
Rule of Thirds
Using the rule of thirds, make four photographs placing your subject in each of the power intersections, and then compose the image so the subject is dead center. Do this several times with different subjects, and then compare the images to see how moving the subject in each frame leads your eye to your subject.
Share your results with the book’s Flickr group!
Join the group here: flickr.com/groups/wildlifephotographyfromsnapshotstogreatshots.
8. Beyond the Basics
Going Beyond the Basics for Creative Control over Your Images
If you take everything you have learned so far in this book, practice the techniques, add on the needed equipment and accessories, and really prepare for a photographic outing, you can expect to come back with some great shots. However, if you really want to increase your odds in the field to produce a higher keeper ratio or to come back with some unusual images, you need to take your wildlife photography to the next level. In this chapter, I’ll share some of the tools I keep in my bag of tricks to pull out when conditions are less than perfect or I’m feeling particularly