Good composition makes a huge difference
Analyse your landscapes
Techniques
22 October 2007 14:49
To improve your landscape photographs, you have to be quite critical of them and ask yourself a few key questions.
First analyse the technical aspects:
• Is the main subject pin-sharp?
• Is the exposure perfect?
• Have I used the right shutter speed and aperture?
Now take a look at composition:
• Is there too much boring background or foreground?
• Did I crop the subject tightly enough? (Using the Crop tool in Photoshop is a great way of trying out different framing options)
• Is there an 'anchor' in the scene to create a focal point for the composition?
• How do the elements of the scene work together?
• Was I standing in the right place?
Finally, ask yourself about the mood and drama:
• What was I trying to achieve?
• Was it the right day? Season? Time of day?
• How does the light work with the landscape to create mood and drama?
You need to be ruthless, but don’t be disheartened: the best photographers admit many of their shots can be improved. Self-criticism is the best way to learn and keep you striving to do better next time.
However, you may find it easier to call on a photographic friend to give you some feedback. Don’t forget that what they say is only their opinion; apart from any technical issues, photography, like any other art form, is often down to personal preference.
