Mastering Photo Composition: Avoid This Common Pitfall
This composition is clean and effective, but had I shifted slightly to my right, the book would have blended into the curtains, losing its distinct shape and becoming distracting. Moving too far left would have positioned the window separator as if it were emerging from her head. Such mistakes are especially pronounced in silhouettes, where the focus intensifies on the human form. It's crucial to position elements carefully to get it right.
My quick Guide to Fixing this Simple Composition Mistakes in Photography
Understanding Common Composition Mistakes
As a photographer, I know how easy it is to fall into the common traps that can detract from our images. Composition is key—it's all about how we arrange the elements in our frame. But even the best of us can get it wrong sometimes. Today, I want to share a typical composition error that many photographers make and show you a quick way to fix it, so your photos really pop.
The Composition Mistake You're Probably Making
I've noticed a sloppy practice that's incredibly common, something that both newbies and seasoned pros do. It's all about how we handle the space around our subjects. Sometimes, we clutter our frames with unnecessary elements, or we arrange things in a way that just doesn't look right. This not only affects the look of our photos, but also the story they're trying to tell.
See that tree growing out of my head? If the photographer (my wife) just moved to her left a little bit, she could’ve avoided the curious case of trees growing out of people’s heads. The same goes for power lines and other distracting elements in everyday life.
My Quick Tips for Composition Fixes
Here’s what I do to avoid this mistake: Before I press the shutter, I take a quick scan of my frame. I look for anything that might be pulling attention away from my main subject. Sometimes, it’s about moving a few steps to the left or right, changing my angle, or asking my subject to shift slightly. Other times, it might mean choosing a simpler background. This isn't just about fixing mistakes—it's about making every element in your photo work towards a stronger, more compelling image.
Just a second earlier or later, and the monk would have had the window panes appearing to grow out of him, creating a distracting visual. Timing is everything in photography to avoid such composition errors.
Conclusion: Put These Tips into Practice
These tips have transformed the way I approach photography, and I'm confident they can do the same for you. Recognizing and correcting these common errors can elevate your photography, ensuring that your images convey the emotions and stories you intend. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been behind the camera for years, take a moment to consider your composition before your next shot. It could make all the difference.
I live in Hanoi, Vietnam, one of the most congested cities in the world so if I can still capture clean compositions, so can you.
For anyone interested in 1:1 coaching for their photography, I offer a variety of online classes to choose from.
