
More on composition - Learning to 'see' the landscape (the difference
between a holiday snap and a photograph.)
We've all done it. I know I have. We are out in the field, armed with
camera and tripod, searching for that killer image. And then we see
it! The excitement of the moment takes hold and quick as a flash we
set up our gear and go for it. But when we get home the final image
rarely lives up to our expectations. Sure it's in focus, it sort of
looks like the location, but there is no drama, no 'wow factor'. Why?
Chances are you will have done at least one, or all, of the following:
1. Set up your tripod less than three feet from where you were standing
when you first saw your 'view'.
2. Taken your shot from head height.
3. Taken your shot in 'landscape' format.
As a result, chances also are you have ended up with nothing more than
a technically competent 'record shot'. A holiday snap. Now don't get
me wrong, holiday snaps are great, I have taken plenty in my time, and
they are very good at their job. Being holiday snaps that is. But when
I am out in the field I am a landscape photographer on a mission. I
want to produce high quality work that stands apart from a mere record
shot. And this takes thought, consideration and effort.
So let's pause, relax, take a few deep breaths and have a look at the
first thing on our list. It is very tempting to just photograph the
first view you see. After all, that was the view that attracted you
in the first place so it has to be the one to take. Yes. And no. This
is landscape photography, not sports or news photography. You have the
luxury of a little time on your side. That may only be five or ten minutes
if the sun is going down or the rain is about to move in, but that is
more than enough to do a quick reconnaissance of your immediate surroundings.
So have a wander, check the angles, is the image better with that tree
in it or should I move a few steps forward, or to the right? Be careful
doing this on a beach for obvious reasons. You don't want to work out
your ideal position to then have your pristine foreground full of footprints.
Next, as ski instructors the world over have cried, 'Bend ze knees!'
It's generally accepted that good landscape images have strong foreground
interest. Something to lead the eye into the frame. Something to give
an element of context. This is often best achieved by getting close
to your foreground, being as one with your landscape if you like. I
am not suggesting you need to prostrate yourself in an effort to achieve
a worm's eye view. Just try comparing the view through the lens when
you are stood up with the view if you go down on one knee and you'll
see what I mean.
Thirdly, just because this is landscape photography doesn't mean you
can only take pictures in a landscape format. Turn your camera on it's
side and see how that looks. Using a 'portrait' approach can often enhance
an image by compressing the scene and reinforcing the verticals. Waterfalls
are probably the most obvious subjects to benefit from this treatment
but it can be used on any subject matter.
So, we have just spent 10 minutes considering our options and after
all that we have found that a landscape image, taken from head height,
where we were stood 10 minutes ago, is still the best view. Great. So
take it. Trust me, you have not wasted your time. I would suggest that
the chances of this happening are slim to none, and even if it has happened
I would suggest you have also come away with a handful of alternative
views that are just as good but for different reasons. At the end of
the day you have captured the best picture you could, given the circumstances,
and you have done the location justice. That's all anyone can ask.
A word of warning though. From now on you will never be able to take
a holiday snap again, and this may cause some friction when all your
partner wants is a quick picture of the kids eating their ice cream,
but you insist on walking round the scene, kneeling, standing and checking
alternative framing options.
Hey, nobody ever said being a photographer was a pain free existence!
About the author: David Stanley is a freelance photographer concentrating
on landscape
and travel images. He has growing portfolios of royalty free images
with Alamy
and istockphoto.
For more articles and reviews, along with a selection of his work available
as open and limited edition prints, please visit his website at www.davidstanleyphotography.com.
(If you are reproducing this article please ensure you include the 'About
the author' footer in full on each occasion. Thanks.)
