Your best photos of the week, February 22, 2019
Each week, our editors choose stunning photos submitted by members of Your Shot, National Geographic's photo community.
While editing Your Shot photos this week, I started wondering what makes a photograph stick with you long after you stop looking at it. My immediate instinct was to look to the composition. Technically, composition is the first thing you “see” when looking at a photograph because it’s essentially the photo in its entirety. Your first reaction to a picture is likely due to the way it’s composed.
Composition isn’t just the end result, though—it’s a key thought process in every step of making photographs. A thoughtful composition can create a visual symphony that quickly communicates the story, while also enhancing the visual aesthetics in the photograph.
Take, as an example, Terra Fondriest’s photograph of a dog with a stick splashing through water. She utilized a low perspective that added drama to the moment, while also adding a sense of place. By being in control of her camera, her composition gave the stick some breathing room on the top edge and showed the reflection and splash of the water at the bottom edge.
A clean, well-composed photograph can offer multiple layers of information to tell a story, evoke an emotion, and lead your eye around a moment suspended in time. When looking through your viewfinder, think about the perspective in the frame, using the rule of thirds, and avoiding visual distractions.
Next time you make a photograph, think about how your composition is going to support the story you wish to tell. Subtle adjustments like moving to the side so a pole isn’t sticking out of the center of your portrait character’s head, or getting on your knees to photograph from a low perspective can create a greater impact in the final photograph. Take an extra second to assess all areas of your frame, and ensure the moment communicates the message you want to send. There’s no formula to the perfect composition, just small steps in your visual awareness that will make a big difference!
Related Topics
You May Also Like
Go Further
Animals
- Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?
- This pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilienceThis pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilience
- Octopuses have a lot of secrets. Can you guess 8 of them?
- Animals
- Feature
Octopuses have a lot of secrets. Can you guess 8 of them? - This biologist and her rescue dog help protect bears in the AndesThis biologist and her rescue dog help protect bears in the Andes
Environment
- This pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilienceThis pristine piece of the Amazon shows nature’s resilience
- Listen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting musicListen to 30 years of climate change transformed into haunting music
- This ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrificeThis ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrifice
- U.S. plans to clean its drinking water. What does that mean?U.S. plans to clean its drinking water. What does that mean?
- Food systems: supporting the triangle of food security, Video Story
- Paid Content
Food systems: supporting the triangle of food security
History & Culture
- Heard of Zoroastrianism? The religion still has fervent followersHeard of Zoroastrianism? The religion still has fervent followers
- Strange clues in a Maya temple reveal a fiery political dramaStrange clues in a Maya temple reveal a fiery political drama
- How technology is revealing secrets in these ancient scrollsHow technology is revealing secrets in these ancient scrolls
- Pilgrimages aren’t just spiritual anymore. They’re a workout.Pilgrimages aren’t just spiritual anymore. They’re a workout.
- This ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrificeThis ancient society tried to stop El Niño—with child sacrifice
Science
- Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?Soy, skim … spider. Are any of these technically milk?
- Can aspirin help protect against colorectal cancers?Can aspirin help protect against colorectal cancers?
- The unexpected health benefits of Ozempic and MounjaroThe unexpected health benefits of Ozempic and Mounjaro
- Do you have an inner monologue? Here’s what it reveals about you.Do you have an inner monologue? Here’s what it reveals about you.
- Jupiter’s volcanic moon Io has been erupting for billions of yearsJupiter’s volcanic moon Io has been erupting for billions of years
Travel
- On the path of Latin America's greatest wildlife migrationOn the path of Latin America's greatest wildlife migration
- Everything you need to know about Everglades National ParkEverything you need to know about Everglades National Park
- Spend a night at the museum at these 7 spots around the worldSpend a night at the museum at these 7 spots around the world
- How nanobreweries are shaking up Portland's beer sceneHow nanobreweries are shaking up Portland's beer scene