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More intuitive composition with eye-focus of mirrorless cameras

November 8, 2020 Neil vN 4 Comments

More intuitive composition with eye-focus of mirrorless cameras

Continuing on a topic we have discussed here before: a strong advantage that mirrorless cameras have over DSLRs – how Eye-focus makes Composition more intuitive. When I reviewed the sequence of images while photographing a wedding recently, where the bridesmaids were helping to lace up the bride's corset, the composition immediately stood out for me -- all the elements just came together. A bit of luck ... and being ready. The composition really hangs together, because the bridesmaid in the center is framed by all the  Read more inside...

Photography composition: Tilted horizons in photographs

November 27, 2017 Neil vN 8 Comments

Photography composition: Tilted horizons in photographs

A disconcerting angle perhaps with this photograph's composition - still, there is a dynamic balance of sorts. Because Anelisa is 'upright' / vertical in the photo, it matches our sense that vertical and horizontal lines should be just that. Still, everything else is at a dizzying angle. While the horizon is at a slant, I placed her vertically in the composition, which hopefully creates a balance when we look at the photo. I am not particularly fond of tilted horizons or tilted photos (also known as the "Dutch angle" or  Read more inside...

Using tele-converters: Extra lens compression for tighter portraits

August 12, 2014 Neil vN 31 Comments

Using tele-converters: Extra lens compression for tighter portraits

One of the techniques to have your subject really stand out from the background, is to use the longest focal length on your 70-200mm telephoto zoom. One of the first things I do, is to zoom to maximum focal length, and then step backwards to find the composition … and then only zoom wider if necessary.  Doing it this way, forces you to use the longest focal length. This compression focuses attention on your subject by creating separation from the background. To extend the range of my 70-200mm f/2.8 lens, I always  Read more inside...

photographic composition – eliminate & simplify

June 6, 2011 Neil vN 19 Comments

eliminate & simplify - the first steps in photography composition

These two images were taken from more or less the same spot. All that changed was my vantage point, and my choice of lens. This vibrant park in Manhattan seemed like an interesting place to photograph, but when photographing a couple, I really want the accent to be on them. The best way to do this is to frame them so that the background is as simple as possible, but still complements the final photograph. I had the couple sit on top of this grassy mound, and I lay down on the grass, and framed them tightly  Read more inside...

photographic composition – the neon sky

October 14, 2010 Neil vN 14 Comments

composition: finding the perfect background for photographs

Photographers and clients alike regularly comment on this photograph in my portfolio, and the question invariably asked is whether this is a Photoshop effect.  Far from it - this image is straight out of the camera ...  Read more inside...

Photographic composition – Rules & guidelines

May 31, 2007 Neil vN 5 Comments

"There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs." - Ansel Adams  

Guidelines to great composition in photography

Most or all beginners tend to 'shoot' pictures - the camera is aimed at the subject and then the shutter is fired. The result is one of most common errors in photographic composition - the feet of the person being photographed are cut off and lots of empty sky or dead branches or irrelevant whatever in the top half of the picture. Also, the placement of focusing sensors in the camera tend to be clustered around the center. Especially  Read more inside...

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