Stop these COMPOSITION MISTAKES and improve your photos

4/01/2023 ISO 1200 Magazine 0 Comments

Photography is an art that requires attention to the composition of the images. Composition is the way the elements in the frame are arranged to create a pleasing and balanced visual effect. It can make or break the photos, no matter how good the camera or lens is.

In this video, Nigel Danson explains some common composition mistakes that many photographers make when they are starting out are discussed, and how they can be avoided or fixed in their own photos.

Mistake #1: Blending the subject into the background

One of the biggest challenges in photography is to make the subject stand out from the background, especially when shooting in complex environments like woodlands or valleys. If the subject blends into the background, the photo will look flat and boring, and the viewer will not know where to look.

To avoid this mistake, some contrast or separation between the subject and the background needs to be created. This can be done by using different techniques, such as:

Choosing a different angle or perspective that creates some distance or depth between the subject and the background
Using a shallow depth of field that blurs the background and makes the subject sharp and clear
Using light and color to create some contrast or harmony between the subject and the background
Using negative space to give the subject some breathing room and emphasize its shape or form

Mistake #2: Placing the subject in the center of the frame

Another common composition mistake that many photographers make is placing their subject in the center of the frame. This can make their photo look static and boring, and it does not use the full potential of their frame.

To avoid this mistake, some compositional rules or guidelines that help them place their subject in a more dynamic and interesting position need to be used. This can be done by using different techniques, such as:

Using the rule of thirds, which divides their frame into nine equal parts with two horizontal and two vertical lines. They can place their subject along one of these lines or at one of their intersections to create more balance and interest.
Using leading lines, which are lines that guide the viewer's eye towards their subject or a point of interest. They can use natural or artificial elements in their scene, such as roads, rivers, fences, bridges, etc., to create leading lines.
Using frames within frames, which are elements that surround or enclose their subject or a part of it. They can use natural or artificial elements in their scene, such as windows, doors, arches, trees, etc., to create frames within frames.

Mistake #3: Ignoring the background

A third common composition mistake that many photographers make is ignoring the background of their photos. They focus too much on their main subject and forget about what is behind it. This can result in distracting or cluttered backgrounds that take away from their main subject.

To avoid this mistake, they need to pay attention to what is in their background and how it affects their photo. They can do this by using different techniques, such as:

Changing their position or angle to avoid unwanted elements in their background
Using a wide aperture to blur out their background and make it less noticeable
Using a telephoto lens to compress their background and make it more uniform
Using a polarizing filter to reduce glare or reflections in their background
Using a flash to illuminate their subject and darken their background

Conclusion

Composition is an essential skill for any photographer who wants to improve their photos. By avoiding these common composition mistakes and applying these simple techniques, they can create more pleasing and balanced images that capture their viewer's attention. They can also experiment with different compositions and find their own style and voice as a photographer.

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About Nigel Danson:

I am passionate about landscape photography and the great outdoors. Follow my adventures taking beautiful landscapes in the UK and US. My aim is to inspire with Landscape photography tips and techniques. Let's Get Connected: www.nigeldanson.com | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Get $100 off Mastering the Art of Landscape Photography - www.nigeldanson.com/masterclass

Image and video via Nigel Danson