It sounds simple enough—just move a few feet forward; but when you’re in an exciting new place, it is too easy to react, holler STOP, point, shoot, spray, and pray—especially in wildlife photography, with limitless pixels. This is why my simple motto of asking, “What is my light? What is my background?” rarely fails if you think it through before you position yourself and take that first click!
Out in the African bush, either driving my own Land Rover or working with one of my amazing guides, I know the environment, what we are looking for, or what we may be racing to. In my mind, I am already envisioning what the scene may look like, and I am evaluating the light of the day and discussing positioning with my guide. When we pull up, I want to be ready to make some last, quick decisions about positioning before grabbing my camera.
Near to the water’s edge of Lake Nakuru lays a magnificent Euphorbia forest, filled with massive yellow acacia trees. The reserve is not visited much by photographers because it is small, popular with tourists, has limited roads, and you must remain on the roads.
However, this reserve is stunning and has unique photographic opportunities; several of the BBC wildlife Photographer of the Year award-winning images have been captured there. Most photographers who visit this reserve envision pulling up to a leopard lying on a log in a forest opening. This past September it was our turn to get lucky, but luck only gets you so far.
Chances are, if you did not spot the action, you may have a lot of company and a limited choice of positioning, but keep your eye on the prize! That was our situation.
We positioned the best we could and took a few shots. Many people may have been happy with the first photograph, but a professional always wants better, and moving a few feet can make a world of difference. We pushed forward!
In the first image, the branches of the tree create a distracting background behind the leopard.
In the second image, we had moved up a few vehicles and the background behind the leopard was better, but a tree trunk still ran through him.
In the third image, we were able to pull forward more and place the dark, shadowed foliage behind the leopard. I naturally placed the leopard in the lower right third of the image, but I found the bright area and branches to the left distracting.
In the final image, I chose to frame the shot to the right instead. Isolation of your subject, even in an environmental setting, will always add strength to your subject and keep your viewers’ attention on it. These subtle differences in a composition can be the difference between a snapshot and a strong image.
By simply changing my physical position, I can portray my subject the way I envision it, which will change how it is perceived. A few feet can make a world of difference!
The Composition comments are helpful. I am emailing to know if you still plan to continue with workshops on the California Horse Ranch. My wife and I would be interested to join you. When would the next one be?
Thanks,
James Nabwangu.
Thank you Jame, I am glad they are helpful. Yes, I am offering 3 workshops at the ranch in 2021. The Dust-N-Light workshop (June) is sold out, but you can put your names on the waitlist. The spirit-N-Light workshop(Mar/Apr) has only one spot open. The Spirit-N-Light it up workshop is the most advanced workshop, one week long, and adds flash, and there are still some spots open. All the information is on my tours page. Thanks for your interest.
Piper
Simple but, powerful advice. Light, background – two of Piper’s four tips that stick with me and make better shots. (The others, motion and emotion).
Thank you! It is a complement that you remember the whole motto. This is just what works for me when creating an image.
Thank you so much! That was such a clear explanation and so perfectly documented it was easy to see where my quick fingers go wrong!
You are so welcome. I am glad you found it helpful!
Clear, concise lesson about framing and composition. Thanks, Piper
Thank you!! I am honored by your compliment! I hope you are both doing great! Staying safe and healthy because we are not done traveling together yet!!!
Best teacher i know
Great post, Piper! Clear, well illustrated, and full of memories! I especially recall your excitement at spotting this beauty, and your commitment to getting in the best possible position. Do you know how often I hear your voice saying, “What’s your light, what’s your background?” Grateful for all I’ve been able to experience and learn with you ??