Part 2 of 6
Cancelling the noise
This article continues our second outdoor journey in the “Learning to see” series. In the second part of his journey Chris Eyre-Walker talks about the importance of just starting, getting out there. Through his stories you get to hear what Chris’ inner voice tells him, what draws his eyes, and how he constructs photographs along the way.
How to make the main subject shine?
“The tree among trees”
OM SYSTEM OM-5
M.Zuiko Digital 8‑25mm F4.0
N 50° 38’ 29”
E 6° 04’ 34”
Focal length: 8 mm
Shutter speed: 1/20 s
F-Stop F5.6
ISO 200
As I hike, basking in the morning light filtering through the forest, I encounter a remarkable tree. Towering and distinct, it captivates me with its age and majesty. Amidst the quiet of nature, I pause to appreciate its presence, realizing the essence of my journey. With my camera in hand, I eagerly frame the tree with my wide-angle lens, intending to capture its grandeur. Grateful for this unexpected encounter, I snap a photo, acknowledging the tree’s silent impact before continuing along the trail. Today holds the promise of something special!
Lesson 2: see how it was done
What to avoid?
Sometimes capturing the subject as you saw it is more difficult than you think. In real life our vision does not immediately see all the distractions that we clearly notice in static photos.
Exclusion
“Painting is an art of inclusion – artists decide on what to put on the canvas.
Photography is an art of exclusion – Photographers select what to keep and what to leave out of the frame.”
- Symmetry
balances out the composition - Isolate Subject
as little obstruction as possible - Low Angle
lines converge towards subject - Clean Foreground
less distraction in an already busy environment - Colour Contrast orange
leaves vs. green leaves
How did I see the photograph?
While hiking in the forest, I often come across unique trees that catch my eye. Intrigued, I approach, pondering the light and what makes this tree stand out. Finding the perfect composition isn’t simple; even when something catches your attention, capturing it effectively can be challenging. I typically step back to include both the subject and its surroundings, ensuring it stands out against the backdrop.
Things to consider:
Exclude distractions
When taking a photo in a busy environment like a thick forest, it’s always a balance of what to include and what to exclude. Once you see something attractive, step back and think about the following:
Simplify the Scene
Identify the main subject of your photograph and eliminate any unnecessary elements that might divert your viewer’s attention. Sometimes, less is more. Don’t feel you need to include everything you see.
Clean the background
Remember to look past your subject and think about the background. Choose backgrounds that are simple and complement your subject. A cluttered background can take away from the main focus of your image. Walk around to find your spot.
Check your edges
Before clicking the shutter, check the edges of your frame for any distracting elements. Adjust your composition to eliminate or minimize these distractions. Remember that the eye usually gravitates to the brightest parts of your image, so minimize bright areas at the edges.
Think about your foreground
Having the foreground, the main subject and its background all visible in your images helps create a sense of depth. Experiment with shooting from a lower perspective to bring more attention to the foreground. This can be especially effective when photographing landscapes or scenes with interesting ground elements.
Finding the perfect spot to take a photograph can be difficult, especially in the midst of a dense forest. Experiment with different angles by walking around your subject.
It’s okay to just be
Nature and photography can mean different things to different people. For some either one of then can mean a profession. In my case both kind of do. But that does not mean that I should make a sport of either of them.
Photography in nature does not need to be an endless game where you must reach a certain level or accomplish set goals. Your camera should in most cases just be an enhancer of experiences, your own seeing, and of course your memories.
So don’t be afraid to just be, to just enjoy the places you visit. Not everything needs to be photographed or recorded. This freedom will keep you more engaged and motivated in the moments that call for photography.