7 PHOTOGRAPHY MISTAKES I see all the time
TLDRThis video discusses seven common mistakes the presenter sees people make when starting photography. These include lack of balance in composition, ineffective use of foreground elements, disconnect between foreground and background, absence of a compelling subject, shooting in the wrong light for the scene, overly complicated or cluttered images, and not considering the edges and corners when framing shots. He provides examples of these mistakes from his students' photos and gives tips on how to avoid them such as using diagonal lines, simplifying scenes with a longer focal length, and being more thoughtful about including purposeful foreground elements. He stresses that thinking carefully about composition is key to improving landscape photography.
Takeaways
- 😀 The video discusses 7 common mistakes in landscape photography and how to avoid them.
- 🌄 Having a balanced composition is key. Position elements so the image doesn't feel too heavy on one side.
- 🌅 Purposeful foregrounds add to the image's story. Make sure they are dominant and interesting.
- 🌇 Avoid foregrounds that disconnect from the rest of the image. Link areas together with leading lines.
- 🏞 Include a compelling element that draws the eye and gives it somewhere to rest.
- 🌉 Shoot in the right light for the scene. Flat light may need enhanced atmosphere.
- 🌁 Simplify cluttered scenes. Isolate and highlight a single point of interest.
- 📐 Pay attention to the edges and corners. Give yourself space to crop later.
- 🎥 Experimentation and breaking rules led to the creative 'Beach Baubles' shot.
- 📸 Masterclass students shared photos demonstrating common mistakes to help others learn.
Q & A
What are the 7 common mistakes Nigel discusses in landscape photography?
-The 7 common mistakes are: 1) Lack of balance in composition, 2) Unpurposeful foreground elements, 3) Disconnected foreground and background, 4) No compelling subject focus, 5) Shooting in the wrong light, 6) Overly complicated or cluttered scenes, 7) Not considering the edges and corners when framing/cropping.
How can using diagonal lines help with balancing a landscape photo composition?
-Drawing imaginary diagonals through a scene and placing elements along those lines can help balance the composition. Having elements in one diagonal balanced by elements in the opposite diagonal creates harmony.
Why should foreground elements have purpose?
-The foreground should enhance the story of the photo and have visual interest. If the foreground is unimportant or confusing, it detracts rather than adds to the image.
What is meant by compelling element or subject focus?
-This is the part of the image composition that draws the viewer's eye and gives it a place to rest. This could be a lone tree, winding river, mountain vista, etc. It creates a focal point.
How can shooting in different light conditions improve an image?
-The lighting plays a huge role in bringing out textures, details, shapes and depth. Shooting a scene at different times of day or in various weather can transform it.
What does it mean for an image to be too cluttered or complicated?
-When there are too many elements competing for attention in a scene, it becomes visually confusing. Simplifying by using a longer lens or framing tighter on one element can help.
Why should you pay attention to the edges and corners when composing/cropping?
-Considering the entire frame allows you to create better balance and symmetry. It also gives you flexibility to crop out distractions later.
What piece of advice did Nigel get from photographer Mark Littlejohn?
-Mark said: "Don't show the viewer too much - hide something away." Using longer focal lengths to simplify scenes is an effective technique.
What basic elements does Nigel say lead to a good photo?
-Nigel outlines 4 key things: Subject, Lighting, Composition, Timing. Mastering those basics is critical for landscape photography.
How did the 'Beach Baubles' photo demonstrate creative experimentation?
-Nigel was trying a technique to blur the foreground and accidentally focused on the rock instead. Keeping an open mind led to this unique, captivating image.
Outlines
🎥 Introducing the 7 common mistakes in photography
The video will discuss 7 common mistakes the host used to make when starting photography related to composition, not camera settings or exposure. Good composition is key for good photos. The 4 fundamentals for good photos are: subject, lighting, composition and timing.
🌄 Having an unbalanced composition
A balanced photo composition has elements that fit nicely together. An unbalanced composition feels heavy on one side. You can use diagonals through the scene to help balance an image.
🌿 Not having purposeful foregrounds
A foreground should add to the story and interest of the image. Make sure foreground elements like rocks are prominent, not blending into surroundings. Position yourself to make foreground elements dominant.
🚶♂️Foreground not connecting with background
There should not be a visual drop-off between foreground and background elements. Good foreground connections guide the eye through the image. Position yourself to see good diagonals connecting elements.
🔍 No compelling subject element
Images should guide the eye to rest somewhere interesting. Compelling subjects could be a lone tree, winding river, mountain with clouds. Images without this can feel aimless.
⛅️ Shooting in the wrong light
There's no bad light, just light used incorrectly. Flat light calls for woodlands or different scenes. Overcast and shaded light can tone down busy, contrasty scenes.
🗝️ Too many competing elements
Simplify cluttered images by focusing on one interesting element, using longer focal lengths. Removing competing elements helps improve composition.
🌐 Considering image edges and corners
When shooting, consider space to include interesting edges/corners. Cropping out unneeded elements along the edges and corners can improve images.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡composition
💡lighting
💡foreground
💡framing
💡depth
💡negative space
💡focal point
💡leading lines
💡balance
💡rule of thirds
Highlights
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Transcripts
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