9 Wildlife Photography Composition Tips and Tricks
We consider composition being the most vital property of any photo. For beginners, they characterize the composition as the layout of elements within your image.
We boost the value of the composition through wildlife photography. Setting up your wildlife photography lets you express the habitat of animals so that they would have the chance to appreciate each animal’s expression.
If you decide to travel and you choose to go in the forest with so many wild animals, then you’ll need these nine composition tips and tricks that are ideal for both beginners and experts:
1. Symmetry
Symmetry is one of the standard composition techniques, and the effects can be very fulfilling. Symmetry in photos shows a sense of balance in its elements. It appears when portions of your composition replicate other parts like the reflection of an animal in lakes or shores or capturing them directly.
Symmetry shows orderliness, proportion, and offset and will make photos look clean and plain.
2. Zoom Out for Surroundings
Taking shots of animals’ faces with their breathtaking expressions is a worthwhile experience. You get to see each detail on their faces since the background will automatically blur once you fully zoom in on your camera.
But we can justify the photos more by making the animal’s background visible on your shots and not blurry. It will show you more about them. You can have the chance to know more about their environment and engaging yourself entirely in the picture.
3. Zoom in and isolate
We certainly do not observe wildlife at a close range and notice all the instinctive details. Most of the animals possess distinct flaws and looks, particularly in the wildlife.
That is why the best composition technique for capturing the subject closely and isolating it from everything surrounding it is called zoom in and isolation. It is possible by capturing a subject and zooming in the camera's lens to make the object look bigger in the frame. Then, isolate the subject by placing the entire focus on the portion need to emphasize.
4. Use the Rule of Thirds
This composition technique applies to many photographs, and most photographers use this trick. The key idea is to divide the photo into thirds vertically and horizontally and position the subject on the four crossing lines.
We can use this rule by taking pictures of birds and some wildlife settings. Using this technique is all about which parts stay and put off in the frame. Also, this technique promotes creativity.
5. Avoid distracting backgrounds
When preparing yourself to capture wildlife, be mindful of the setting. When there is a vehicle or any unnecessary object following your subject, try to discover if you can take from a different angle to refrain from these disturbing elements.
Bringing your legs open wide can help to reduce background disruptions with a narrow depth of field. However, this option can make it difficult for you to get a sharp focus on your subject, specifically if the animals are moving.
6. Shoot at eye level
This technique of photography is a camera approach by which the focal point is parallel to the eye level of the subject. Capturing pictures at eye level requires the subject's head to be in balance or parallel with the camera. This way, you can expect to achieve the best result of the photograph.
7. Focus on the Color & Light
When you focus on the light in wildlife photography, take time to estimate the angle and the amount of light and how it relates together with your subject. Consider the shade and highlights and also how you can apply the existing light to make a pleasant image.
While varying your setting color and arrangement is just about changing your pose only a couple of feet to get a finer perspective. Color and shallow depth of field can also fit together, be aware of how your aperture settings can reduce the surroundings behind the subject.
8. Place the Wildlife in your Scene with Intent
Going back to the rule of thirds, to generate a fascinating image, you must position the subject to the lines where they cross.
It might look normal to put your subject in the middle of the frame. That’s why positioning your subject far off the center creates a more interesting image. Remember to be aware of where to put the whole elements of your image within the frame.
9. Fill the Frame
When filling the frame, you make the subject a big part of your photograph. It means that you have to be nearer to your target subject.
The simple tip to turn attention towards your aimed subject is by making it bigger within the frame. One way to do this is by simply getting close to your subject intently to get a closer look using your camera lens, or you can also do this physically by moving your body close to your subject.
Final Thoughts
Wildlife photography will be an amazing experience once you employed these composition tips and tricks. You can perfectly enjoy this when you have the determination and willingness to learn wildlife photography, specifically if you are new in this genre.
If you want to try out these composition techniques, you can go to the nearest local wildlife park in your area and apply these nine composition techniques. It does not mean going to far places to get a great subject. Using photography techniques can help enhance the appearance of the photographs. You can also use the techniques on your succeeding travel photography journey.
