Creating Great Compositions in Nature Photography with Jennifer King

*Please scroll to the bottom of the post for more images from our guest.*

Explaining the Rules and Tools of Composition
with Jennifer King

“If you have a true understanding of the art of composition and
understand the rules and tools, you can become a better photographer.”

 

Principles of Design

Can be traced back centuries in fine art.
- Fibonacci Spiral – a mathematical formula found throughout nature

- Place points of interest along the points of the spiral to help guide the viewer’s eye through the image.

- Golden or Divine Rule – dividing the image into 3 areas both vertically and horizontally
(not proportionately)

- Rule of Thirds / “Tool of Thirds”- a lazy adaptation which divides the space equally

- Place the horizon on one of the horizontal lines and your “hero” at a cross point

-It is perfectly acceptable to center both the horizon and the subject if the image remains in balance.

- Give more space to the area of the image with the most drama.

 

“By continuing to practice and work at your compositions,

you begin to develop a subconscious eye for the elements of design.”

 

Perspective is Very Important

• Move around the scene - get high, get low, move left and right 10 to 20 feet.
• Take pictures from all angles – you’ll be glad to have options in post-processing.

 

Negative Space

• Try to stay away from 50/50.

• A minimalist approach can work very effectively.

 

“The cleaner the image, the more the subject will pop off the page.”

 

Controlling the Viewer’s Eye

• Leading Lines

- They are not always obvious.

- Walk around the scene to find objects that create a line and direct the viewer into the image.

- A hard horizontal line in the foreground can be distracting and stop the viewer’s eye from entering the scene. (A softer line can sometimes work.)

• Foreground Details

- Details create depth, drama and dimension.

- Foreground elements provide a place for the viewer to step into the image.

- Get low to exaggerate the size of the foreground to add texture and drama.

- This technique cannot use a shallow depth of field – open up to f/16 or f/22.

- Use a wide-angle lens with a fast aperture.

- Your lens will reach optimal focus about 1/3 of the way into the scene.

This will differ for all equipment. Find the sweet spot for your gear.

 

“Great composition combined with great lighting creates magic.”

 

• Lighting and Color

- You don’t always have to light from the front. Look for side-lighting and back-lighting.

- Directional lighting can add contrast and highlights.

- Light can be a distraction – your eye will always travel to the brightest spot.

Use graduated ND filters to help balance the sky with the foreground.

- Look for colors that compliment each other. If you can’t find colors that work together, dramatize the scene by changing to black and white.

• Horizon Lines and Verticals

- A slightly tilted horizon line is distracting – take the time to straighten it.

- An exaggerated skewing of the horizon line can be very effective.

- Straighten vertical lines – especially if they are near the edge or cause a distraction.

• Isolate your subject from the background
  - Use a shallow depth of field to soften the background and make the subject pop.
  - Use a vignette to darken the edges and draw the viewer’s eye toward the center.
• Cropping and Framing

- Crop to remove distractions from an edge.

- Frame the subject using the principles of design. Find the story of the image.

- Use natural elements to frame your hero.

Finding Jennifer

JenniferKingPhoto.com

Instagram @JenniferKing_Photographer

Facebook Jennifer King Photo Workshops