Filling the frame – some tips on wildlife photography

I see a lot of wildlife photography from both amateurs and professionals. At the highest level in both domains, there are perfectly composed, pin-sharp, exquisitely exposed photos of the natural world, and then there are those that aren’t quite up to snuff. Capturing the beauty of nature can be an exhilarating experience, but even the most enthusiastic amateur photographers can run into common pitfalls that hinder the impact of their shots. Here a few key challenges faced by us all at different stages in our photography: Put Nature First: The most important point to make is that your photography should not have a negative impact on the nature you photograph. Keep your distance, do not disturb, do not interfere. But, fill the frame if you can either through judicious lens choice or by photographing from a hide on a nature reserve, for instance. Compose Thoughtfully: Some nature photos lack a deliberate composition, leaving viewers unsure where to focus their attention. Before hitting the shutter button, take a moment to consider the background and overall framing. Ensure that your subject is positioned thoughtfully within the frame, creating a visually compelling image. Make sure you’re not cropping the bird’s wingtip or feet or the top of those protuberant petals unless you’re doing it on purpose for dramatic effect. Fill the frame as best you can but crop and re-compose to your personal taste, if necessary, when processing. Focus on the Essentials: Ev...
Source: David Bradley Sciencebase - Songs, Snaps, Science - Category: Science Authors: Tags: Photography Source Type: blogs