5 Tips for Capturing Jaw-Dropping Compositions in Photography

Use Compositions to Tell a Story

Photography is more than just clicking a button; it's about capturing moments that evoke emotions and tell stories. The secret is to use composition to your benefit. Tell a story. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, mastering composition can take your shots from ordinary to jaw-dropping. Here are five essential tips that can enhance your landscape and cityscape photography skills and create compositions that are visually striking.

1. Use a Strong Foreground Subject

One of the best tips in photography is to incorporate a strong foreground subject. This can act as an anchor for your viewer's eye, making the image more compelling. For instance, if you’re shooting a landscape, consider including flowers, rocks, or any interesting object in the foreground. It adds depth and invites viewers to explore the image, creating a seamless transition to the background. In the above photo I showed how the human spirit rides on, despite the thick San Francisco fog.

2. Frame Your Background Thoughtfully

While your foreground subject is crucial, don’t forget about the background! A well-composed background can tell a story or set a mood. Look for elements that add context to your foreground, like mountains, buildings, or skies. Make sure they complement but don't overpower the main subject. Consider adjusting your angle or perspective to capture the best relationship between the foreground and background. The tiny visible part of the upper span of the bridge gives the viewer knowledge that the rest of the spans are lost in fog.

3. Explore Different Angles and Perspectives

Don't just stick to eye level! Experimenting with various angles can drastically change the composition of your image. Try crouching down to capture a low angle or shoot from above for a bird’s-eye view. Changing your perspective can introduce unique lines and forms that enhance the visual interest of your photographs. A dramatic angle can also help highlight your foreground subject against its background, adding an extra layer of storytelling.

4. Pay Attention to the Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds is a classic guideline that helps you create balanced and engaging compositions. By dividing your frame into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, you create nine equally sized sections. Place your foreground subject at one of the intersecting points, and let the background unfold naturally. This technique draws the viewer’s eye into the image and promotes a more dynamic atmosphere. The bicyclists are placed below the only visible bridge span and they are mainly in the left third of the photo. I brought them closer to the center to balance the nearly invisible bridge.

5. Be Mindful of Lighting

Finally, lighting plays a vital role in photography composition. Soft, diffused light during golden hour can create magical compositions that elevate the mood of your images. Pay attention to how light interacts with your foreground and background. Shadows can add depth and drama, while highlights can draw attention to key elements. Always keep an eye on the source of light and adjust your settings accordingly to capture that perfect shot! I love shooting in the fog, because it was always there in the "City". And it didn't disappoint on the day I took the above photo. Shooting in the fog is like shooting in a light box.

Conclusion

Mastering composition is all about practice and experimentation. By focusing on your foreground subject, thoughtfully framing the background, exploring angles, adhering to the rule of thirds, and being mindful of lighting, you can create jaw-dropping images that capture and convey powerful stories. Grab your camera and start shooting—it’s time to elevate your photography game!