Ten Composition Tips

Further to my last post on composition, here are ten composition tips that will improve your vacation photos.

1) Juxtaposition. Look for ways to bring two or more images into a frame that either show a contrast or a complement to each other.

2) Triangles. Triangles bring a dynamic feel to a photograph.

3) Keep your image simple. MOST of the time, a simple image tells a better story. Try to eliminate things that don’t add to the photo…trees or signs directly behind a person’s head are never a good thing.

4) Try shooting from higher or lower than the usual angle. Kneel down or stand on a bench. This can add a lot of interest by showing a scene in a way the viewer would not normally see it.

5) Try to make “frame within frame” scenes.

6) Walk around. When you find an interesting scene, walk around and look for a not-so-obvious viewpoint.

7) Use the background to put the subject into context.

8) Odd numbers are more interesting than even numbers. Try for three flowers, not two for instance.

9) Add depth to a photo by creating layers.

10) Take a moment and check the edges of the scene and avoid things that don’t belong. Tree branches are famous for peeking around the corner into a scene.

Take some time to practice looking for these compositional ideas before you head out on your trip. Once you start to see them, you will find they are all around you.