Digital Camera World - UK (2021-03)

DIGITAL CAMERA^35

Five steps to being creative while out walking

2

Framing

Framing a photograph with tree branches fills

gaps in the image that might not otherwise

have had much texture, or just failed to add

much to the photo. Framing this way helps us

to focus more on the main subject. Branches,

flowers ,tunnels and doorways all make good

natural frames. You can always shoot a little

wider to give you the option of cropping later.

1

Strong leading lines

Leading lines help to make a strong image:

they draw our attention into the frame and

create depth. You can find leading lines in

all environments, whether it’s a road, a river,

a rock formation or a treeline. When you

find a leading line, it’s your job to create and

capture the best scene around it. With this

photograph, I knew I would have to be up early

to get soft light beaming through the trees.

3

Patience

Waiting for the perfect moment can make all

the difference. Here I waited for the moment

the family of swans moved into the spot

I wanted them to be in. The light was just

starting to shine through and I was ready,

using the bridge as my frame while waiting

for the light and swans to come together

in the right place. Try to keep your

camera level and steady.

4

Minimalism

The saying “A little goes a long way” can

help make a good photograph. Sometimes

images have so much going on that it can be

very distracting to take it all in. This framing,

with the tree off to the side leaning down

the hill, created a simple but effective

photograph. The rule of thirds also had a big

part to play, and was difficult to get right with

the sloping foreground but straight horizon.

5

Composition

Composing the photograph is the deal-

breaker between a good or bad image and

brings all the techniques together. Be mindful

of all the elements around you. Here I used

the rails and walkway as my leading line,

which draws us to the reservoir and moors.

I had to be patient for the light to creep

through the cloudy skies, which I think

helps to improve the photograph.

Photo Active

photography skills. During these difficult ,
unpredictable times we’re living through,
I have found that more people are getting
out for exercise and taking photographs,
which is fantastic to see.
http://www.jamesmaloneyphotography.com
Instagram: @jamesmaloney
photography

http://www.digitalcameraworld.com MARCH 2021 DIGITAL CAMERA^35

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