7 SIMPLE photo COMPOSITION TIPS to IMPROVE your photography

Composition is often the area of photography that people struggle with. So I have broken down how I go about composing an image into 7 simple areas. These simple tips and tricks will help you take better landscape photos and aim to dymistify the art of composition. Lets get started!

MY PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR

NIKON GEAR (Main STILLS camera)

FUJI GEAR (Main FILM camera)

OTHER PHOTO GEAR

#photography

[NigelDanson]

Apologies for the sound at the start of the video. I uploaded a version that hadn’t been sorted. When I discovered this I didn’t then wanted to reupload as had many great comments. Won’t make the same mistake again! Thanks for watching

[monkiram]

I make notes on Nigel's videos to refer to later and figured I'd share my notes on this video in case others find it helpful (definitely not a substitute for watching, but for review or future reference!)

1. *How do I look for a composition?* (2:48)
– Acronym: FLICS (focus, light, interest, corners, simplicity)
– Start experimenting with iPhone before pulling out DSLR
– Find a point of interest (may not be a person/object, can be an area of the image that draws your eye)
– Simplicity is key: try to eliminate distracting elements at the corners

2. *Look for patterns* (6:30)
– Patterns are visually pleasing and can help direct your eye to a point of interest

3. *Use lines and shapes* (7:40)
– Use lines and shapes to direct the eye to the point of interest

4. *Move from 3D to 2D* (9:39)
– Remember that depth & layers are often lost when going from a 3D landscape to a 2D image - help the brain build a dynamic 3D image by conveying layers (eg. using the texture of snow on trees, fog)

5. *Tell a story* (13:24)
– The picture should convey the mood, the feeling and the story of when you were there

6. *Use negative space* (15:26)
– Have the subject a long way off centre or right in the middle of the image

7. *Remove distractions* (17:10)

[fightingfitPT]

I find composition vlogs so interesting. They always make me 'think' more when I next go out. I think making sure there is always a focus/point of interest is the best advice

[scotty]

It is always insightful to hear the thoughts of others and one of the aspects Im trying to work harder at in conjunction with taking time and not just be shutter happy. Thanks Nigel it is always appreciated that you share your knowledge and experience

[whall]

Thank you for explaining what composition is. You are the first one I have found that has explained it.

[swiftnick]

To have the Basic Principles of Image Composition so clearly explained and demonstrated by your stunning images is so refreshing. Thank you Mr Danson. I will come back to this excellent tutorial over and over again.

[shokane]

I really love how you are really enjoy g taking pictures and amazed by the view, the way you explain/teach is easy to understand and very thoughtful. Thank you so much Nigel!

[markkujantunen]

When you talked about taking your time finding a great composition at a scene, one thing crossed my mind and that was the idea of looking for compositions out there even when you're not out shooting (except when you're driving or something, of course).

[CatherineDemski]

gosh, i went to binge watch composition vids, yours was the first one and now it's a lot harder to get myself to click away to the others because this whole video of art and wisdom blew my socks (and expectations) off. I see you, I see your work/effort man. grateful. 🙏✨✨✨

[trdougherty]

Thank you, Nigel, for your easy-to-follow commentary. Your delivery and logic are superb. Photography is about passion, which is an attribute you demonstrate very clearly here.

[Dramnovir]

I just came back from my trip to Iceland and hadn't really taken the time for all the images I shot. So after a slight disappointment I am glad that I have now learned all these things to create better images for the next times I am out shooting. Thank you!

[vanessarealrose]

Beautiful dog I love how in the beginning they are looking to see who you are talking to

[leonaldobrum]

THANK YOU for joining me for tea!... Oh, and for the EXCEPTIONAL explanation 🙏👏👏👏👏👏
The best I've seen so far - and also for drawing from your own catalog of wonderful photos.

[JamieGillies]

Just when you thought you had a good understanding of composition, you've gone and re-written the rule book. Some great info and thought process to creating compositions. Much appreciated. Keep it coming 😀

[dylanwnorman]

This is the best video about composition that I have seen.

[dr.house.md.]

Those music and scenery are blessing to eye and ears. Thanks.

[TheRedrusso]

I call Nigel "The Poet of Light"! Cannot get enough of his Videos. God bless you my brother!

[nhamty]

Your enthusiasm explodes from the screen with this Wonderful presentation. Thank you.

Thumbs up ere' Nigel, another great inspiration of going out and taking photographs. Great set of tips and tricks. Many thanks for passing on the info :)

[jrmakawoody]

I really enjoy photos where I can look at them and imagine myself exploring the area. Most of the landscape photos you take really do that for me. Thank you for the tips, great video as always.