February 28

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3 Tips for Stronger Photographic Compositions

By Dan

February 28, 2012

I’ve got a few tips that can help jump start your creativity today- three to be specific. These are very simple decisions that you can, and should apply to your image taking mentality and methodology. They’re designed to get you thinking actively about your photography, because creating powerful images should never be a passive activity.

1. Be Deliberate

Be bold. Know what you want to portray in your image, and then get right out there and show it, dammit! Don’t be timid about your photography or your compositions, come up with a creative idea, grab the moment with both hands and then slam it down onto the sensor with all your might. If it works, great. If it doesn’t, brush yourself off and try something different.

Fur Rondy dog sledding race. World sprint championships, Anchorage, Alaska

2. Think Relationships

The most compelling photos aren’t just about the subject alone, they tell a story of how the subject fits within its environment and how relates to the other elements around it. These relationships can revolve around similarities, contrasts, parallels, convergence, diverging ideas… whatever you want. It’s your picture. It’s your subject. It’s your story, so narrate your visual tale as you see fit.

3. Strive for Simplicity

Get rid of all that other crap in your photo and just give your viewer the bare essentials. Nothing kills a good photo like having too much stuff in the frame. Tell the story with as few words as possible and don’t try to include too many sub-plots and side stories in your photograph. Keep it simple… don’t worry, I won’t call you stupid. Just don’t clutter your pictures. The end.

Rock climber jugging fixed lines in the Canyonlands, Arches National Park, Utah

Check out my new eBook!

If you liked this post and want even more creative tips, check out my brand new ebook, Creative Photography Techniques – 20 Tips for Stronger Images.

These 20 tips are all short, concise and easy to remember, and yet they clearly outline a few necessary elements that are needed to produce a great image. They’re meant to inspire and jump start your own creativity.

Right now, it’s only 99 cents, and you can read it on any device with the free Kindle app.

 

 

 

About the author

Hi, I'm Dan Bailey, a 25+ year pro outdoor and adventure photographer, and official FUJIFILM X-Photographer based in Anchorage, Alaska.


As a top rated blogger and author my goal is to help you become a better, more confident and competent photographer, so that you can have as much fun and creative enjoyment as I do.


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