Composition - Simplify!

[baldmountain]

While reading this please keep in mind I'm a total amateur and looking for guidance. One of the things I've noticed with a lot of the photos I really like is how simple they are. They have little or no background elements. Even shots outdoors. So I went on a little photo safari in my backyard to experiment. A shot like this is rubbish. It's a cluttered snapshot.

http://baldmountain.smugmug.com/photos/435715418_3XJoW-M.jpg

This is the same fallen tree. It's more interesting, and I think a better shot, but still too cluttered with background.

http://baldmountain.smugmug.com/photos/435715321_xutcF-M.jpg

This one is better but the background shadow of the tree is distracting and detracts from the shot.

http://baldmountain.smugmug.com/photos/435706897_jzTBr-M.jpg

The plain background in this shot makes the shot work better than if there had been a lot of the normal house/cage/pearch junk normally in these kinds of pictures.

http://baldmountain.smugmug.com/photos/435723390_sZMnD-M.jpg

What do you think?

[dlplumer]

Good Parrot portrait, and I agree with your point. :thumb

[eL eSs Vee]

Well said and demonstratecd. I'd say you've got it. :photo

[anonymouscuban]

These are basic concepts of composition. However, it's amazing how something so basic can make such a dramatic difference in taking better photos.

I learned these concepts in art classes I took in High School and College, but I didn't start applying them to my photography until I began using photography as an outlet for creativity. Before, all my shots really had that "snap shot" feel, well, because that's what they were. Now, I look at potential images as if I am "painting" the photo. I try to pay attention to what I want to be the focus of the image and then compose around it.

Basic... I know... but critical.