COMPOSITION MISTAKES that photographers make and how to avoid them

Summary

In this video, photographer Sim Donal shares practical tips to help you improve your photo compositions. He identifies common mistakes such as squashing subjects against the frame, placing them in the middle without symmetry, and neglecting the background. He also discusses the importance of perspective, subject clarity, and leaving room for visual storytelling. With a bonus tip on avoiding overly tight shots, Sim emphasizes how small adjustments in composition can elevate your photos from average to great. Perfect for both beginners and seasoned photographers looking to enhance their skills and storytelling through photography.

Takeaways

• 😀 Leave space for your subject to look into for a balanced composition.
• 😀 Avoid placing your subject in the middle unless there's symmetry or balance in the surroundings.
• 😀 Ensure your subjects aren't cut off in the frame unless it's for an artistic reason.
• 😀 Keep your composition simple by having a clear subject; avoid too many elements that confuse the viewer.
• 😀 Don’t crowd the edges of your frame; give your subject room to breathe.
• 😀 Experiment with different angles and perspectives to make your subject stand out.
• 😀 Always be mindful of your background; move around to eliminate distractions.
• 😀 Avoid filling the frame too tightly with your subject—leave room for context and other elements.
• 😀 Use the rule of thirds to place points of interest off-center for more dynamic compositions.
• 😀 The background is part of your photo—make sure it's clean or intentionally complements the subject.

Q & A

What is the most common mistake photographers make regarding the placement of their subjects in the frame?

A common mistake is placing the subject too close to the edge of the frame, which can make the photo feel unbalanced. It’s important to leave space for the subject to 'look into' or allow for balance in the composition.

Why is placing a subject directly in the center of the frame often not ideal?

Placing a subject in the center can sometimes be less engaging unless there is symmetry. The rule of thirds is generally a better guideline for placement, as it creates a more dynamic and balanced composition.

What are the benefits of applying the rule of thirds in composition?

The rule of thirds helps create a more visually engaging photo by positioning key elements off-center. This allows for a sense of balance and directs the viewer's attention to specific areas of interest within the frame.

What is the issue with including too many subjects in a photo?

When there are too many subjects, it can confuse the viewer as there’s no clear focal point. The photo lacks direction, and the viewer may not know where to focus their attention.

How can you avoid the mistake of having no clear subject in a landscape photo?

To avoid this, include a compelling foreground element, like a rock, tree roots, or flowers, that anchors the photo and gives the viewer something to focus on, while still allowing the beautiful background to complement the composition.

What can happen if you place a subject too close to the edge of the frame?

Placing a subject too close to the edge can create a cramped or uncomfortable composition. It works if you leave some breathing room around the subject or include complementary elements in the negative space, but being too close to the edge often feels unbalanced.

Why is perspective or angle important in wildlife photography?

The right perspective enhances the subject and makes the composition more compelling. For instance, shooting at eye level with the subject, such as a bird, can create a much more engaging photo compared to shooting from a standing position.

What does the background contribute to a photo's composition?

The background is a crucial part of the composition. A distracting or cluttered background can take away from the subject. Photographers should carefully consider the background and move around to eliminate distractions, ensuring that it complements the subject.

What is the 'bonus tip' mentioned in the video, and why is it important?

The bonus tip is to avoid shooting too tight by leaving some room around the subject in the frame. This provides context, allowing viewers to better understand the story or environment around the subject.

How can post-processing help enhance a photo's composition?

Post-processing in Lightroom or other editing software can help fine-tune elements like exposure, contrast, and color, but the foundation of good composition needs to be there in the first place. If post-processing is relied on too heavily, it can’t fix poor composition.