Composition Rule #5

VIEWPOINT. 

Often times I find myself drawn to simple photography. By this I mean, a simple subject with simple colors, taken in a simple way. Take this tree, trees are everywhere, we have all seen them. The color pallet green and brown, nothing to flashy. But using the VIEWPOINT rule of composition makes this shot stand out. 

Viewpoint is a simple concept, and one of my favorite rules of composition. By changing the angle of the shot from what we see with our own eyes every day, and giving the viewer something completely different to look at you can create a shot that is more pleasing to the eye.  

The next time you are out taking photos, take the shot in three ways. First from eye level, next from ground level, and if possible from a birds eye view. You may need to get creative with this, maybe use a remote shutter or timer on your camera and holding your tripod by the legs above your head. You will look foolish I promise, but you might just get one of those wow shots that will make it all worth it!  

The shot above was taken in just that way, no fancy equipment, just holding my tripod up with both hands waiting for the timer to snap the photo. It took a few try's to get the right angle but I think in the end the shot is so much more interesting. your shots are only limited by your imagination.  So get out there and find a new VIEWPOINT! 

Composition Rule #3

The third rule of composition is "Leading Lines". The idea is to use defined lines in an image to make the viewers eye follow along from one area of the image to another. The line can be anything, roads, trails, fence line, rivers, train tracks... These are some of the more obvious ones. Try useing shorelines, tree limbs, a cresting wave, a crack in a rock, or maybe a row in a beautiful garden to carry the viewers eye through the shot. 

Leading lines work very well portraying depth in your image. A diagonal line across your image will make the viewer feel distance. In the night shot above taken in Reed Bingham State Park in GA you can tell exactly how much distance is between each of the trees because the line gets thiner as it gets farther away. As the line weaves in and out of the pines it adds depth.