So why didn’t I listen?
Subject and background, point of view, simplicity and balance. These are the four elements we’re supposed to be looking for. And in order to get them, Mr Long says we need to look around and try lots of different shots of whatever it is we’re trying to photograph.
Here’s what happens when I don’t listen to Mr Long:
This bit of driftwood on Swansea beach could be a nice subject. The sea and Mumbles Head could make a nice background. There are three or four slightly different shots in this series, but they’re almost all the same, and they don’t deliver the four elements properly.
Mumbles Head really needs to be in the frame. Why isn’t it? Not looking around the viewfinder carefully, that’s why. The log could have been a nice leading line.
It’s a half-hearted point of view. Get closer to the subject!
Where’s the balance? The log’s just lying there. A couple of steps to the right, a lower point of view and getting closer to the log could have made it all better – and probably simplified the picture.
Here’s the picture that I was most (but not really) satisfied with:
The log’s position in the frame is still dodgy and I wasn’t close enough to it. This time, maybe circling around to the left would have helped. Maybe the log could lead the eye to Mumbles Head? Getting closer would also eliminate the distracting grass in the foreground.
So, lessons learned:
- Do what you’re told
- Apply the lessons, don’t just sit there reading and watching
- Take more time – circle around and try several different things
- Look around the scene properly through the viewfinder
