Composition tip: look for graphic shapes to add drama to your photos

I am always looking for opportunities to use shapes when creating my nature photo compositions. The human brain tends to react to shapes, and to categorize random elements into shapes in an effort to simplify the world around us—think of the way we have organized stars into constellations and you can easily see my point. Using shapes when composing nature photos helps simplify chaotic elements for viewers so that your images have more impact, and the relationship of shapes within an image can help lead the eye and aid visual progression. When making nature photos, it pays to take some time to think about the shapes formed by the various elements of the scene before you, and to figure out a way to relate those shapes to one another. If you find a dominant shape within the scene—what I like to call a “power shape”—find a way to incorporate it into your composition.

"Rio de las Vueltas" - Patagonia, Argentina

The image above was taken in Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina, during my Epic Patagonia photo workshop which I co-led with Richard Bernabe. Although mighty Fitz Roy or Cerro Torre would have each made a fine subject, I resisted the urge to zoom in tight on the peaks with a telephoto lens. Instead, I was attracted to the powerful shape formed by the sweeping curve of the Rio de las Vueltas, deep within a canyon below. The curving shape creates foreground interest and depth in the photo, and it helps simplify the composition and lead the eye directly to the glowing mountains in the background. The curving river adds compositional interest, and tells a more complete story of this striking landscape. Although a tight telephoto shot of the mountains in the background would have worked nicely, I find the wider view, which incorporates the river, to be more satisfying. The power shape helps draw viewers into the scene, creating a sense of “being there.”

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Technical details: Canon 5D Mark II camera, 24-105mm lens (@28mm), Singh-Ray 2-stop reverse graduated neutral density filter, ISO 100, f/11, 0.4 seconds.

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About Ian Plant (275 Posts)

Ian Plant's photographs and instructional articles have appeared in a number of books, calendars, and magazines, including Outdoor Photographer and Popular Photography. Ian writes a regular blog column for Outdoor Photographer online, and he is the author of numerous instructional eBooks and digital processing tutorials. Ian leads several photo tours each year.

Tags: cerro torre, fitz roy, los glaciares, patagonia, rio de las vueltas

2 Comments

Steve March 31, 2011 at 12:37 pm

Simply stunning. This trip has been great for you, well, and those of us who get to see your photos. Thanks for sharing. This is just a wonderful shot.
Brian Furbush March 31, 2011 at 1:03 pm

Great shot Ian – and an interesting concept. I think my first reaction would have been to zoom in on Fitz Roy – I really like how you took a step back and found a more interesting composition. Thanks for sharing.