Looking at the settings for this image, you might be wondering why on earth I was shooting at ƒ/2.8 with a lens capable of ƒ/2. That is a very good question and the only answer...
The concept of the Golden Ratio dates back millennia to Greek and Roman mathematicians and has been utilised in maths, art and architecture ever since, particularly by the great Renaissance artists. If you're a geek like me and these...
Somewhat related to “leading lines” - using diagonals and triangles in your images can help to draw the viewer’s eye into and through the image, “pointing” to important parts. Important elements can be placed along...
Composition using the juxtaposition of one element with another is something not often used in pet photography, as we're often shooting in natural environments. Juxtaposition is the technique of placing two contrasting, very different subjects in...
Filling the frame is a compositional technique that is exactly how it sounds - filling the frame with your subject! Instead of using other methods to place the subject in the frame, surrounded by space...
Today we’re discussing depth. Giving the impression of three dimensions via a two dimensional medium is always a challenge. Adding depth to your images can be done in a number of ways and helps your...
Symmetry, also referred to as symmetrical balance, often goes hand in hand with centering, which was the very first element of composition we covered. Symmetry occurs when there are equal weights on both sides of an...
Balancing Elements is our focus today. Placing your subject off to one side when using the Rule of Thirds or another compositional technique can sometimes leave the image feeling a bit “empty” on the other side....
Today we’re focusing on negative space - the area of your image not taken up by the subject. It’s a universal element of composition also widely used in design, sculpture and architecture, as well as...
The “rule of thirds” is probably the most well known and widely used rule of composition - and for good reason - it’s probably the most easily understood and effective rule of them all. The basic...
Pattern can be a tricky element to incorporate into pet photography as often we’re working in natural environments, but it can be done if you always keep an eye out out for opportunities - you’ll...
Another rather straightforward technique used to draw attention to the subject within an image, is framing. In this case, Clive here is perfectly framed within the chair - with the chair cushion forming a kind...
Using leading lines is a great way to draw the viewers attention to where you want it - your furry subject! Leading lines often go hand in hand with perspective created by man-made objects such...
We’ll start off with the simplest element, which is often overlooked and even shunned because it is so basic. Centering is what most people who are starting out as photographers default to - after all...
When shooting in urban areas, always keep an eye out for interesting doorways - those that are rustic, brightly coloured or contrasting with the surrounding wall, or have unique features. Doorways are handy for framing...
Pop quiz! Which element of composition does this image use?...
Use perspective to lead the eye to your subject. Man made structures such as roads, fences, railings and walls are all great as they provide straight “leading lines” in your shot....
A long lens is invaluable when shooting in busy, cluttered environments. The narrow field of view (only 10 degrees with a 200mm focal length) helps isolate the subject against a small area of background. With...
Use negative space to improve your composition. If your subject is looking or facing towards one side of the image (not front on), always leave more space on that side of the shot. It gives...
I often think the medium of photography is all about the process of condensing three dimensions into two, while retaining a sense of depth. One of my favourite ways to do this is by including...