Mastering Composition Techniques for Mind-Blowing Travel Photography
Hey, fellow travellers and photographers! Are you ready to level up your photography game and capture jaw-dropping images that will make your friends green with envy? Well, you've come to the right place! In this article, part two of three, I'll share some fantastic composition techniques that will transform your travel photographs from ordinary to extraordinary. If you’ve missed part 1, you can find it here. In part three, I’ll cover storing, sharing and preserving your newly created masterpieces. Make sure to subscribe below to get informed of the latest articles as soon as they’re available. Right! Get ready to master composition techniques for mind-blowing travel photography and make your memories shine!
How To Create Better Travel Photos: Part Two - The Power of Composition:
Mastering the Rule of Thirds:
Finding Balance and Interest: One of the simplest and most effective composition techniques is the rule of thirds. Imagine dividing your frame into a 3x3 grid and placing your main subject or points of interest along the lines or at the intersections. This creates a visually pleasing balance and adds interest to your images. Don't be afraid to experiment and break the rules occasionally, but keep this technique in your toolbox for those winning shots.
Here are two examples of images I’ve taken that incorporate the rule of thirds (Click each image to see full scale). The giant gas rig on Cromarty Firth in the Highlands of Scotland looks tiny when composed to show the vastness of its surroundings. In Margate, Antony Gormley’s submersing statue is placed on an intersecting line of our 3x3 grid. Also, the points of interest in the image are all within the lower third of this image.
Unlocking the magic of Leading Lines:
Leading lines are like magical pathways that draw the viewer's eye deeper into the frame. They can be roads, fences, rivers, or any other element that creates a visual path within your photo. Look for opportunities to incorporate leading lines into your road trip shots. They not only add depth and dimension but also guide the viewer's gaze, creating a sense of exploration and discovery. Mastering leading lines will take your road trip photography to the next level.
In these two shots you can see how I’ve used the road as a leading line. In the Highlands of Scotland, the winding road leads you through the scene and also the differing weather. In Porto, the roadway/tramline leads you across the Ponte Luis I and the Tram that is heading into our scene.
Adding Depth and Context with Framing:
Framing is a technique that uses elements within the scene to create a natural frame around your subject. It could be an archway, a window, or even tree branches. By framing your subject, you add depth and context to the image, making it more engaging and visually appealing. Explore your surroundings and look for opportunities to frame your subjects creatively. Master the art of framing and watch your road trip photos come to life.
Here I’ve used tree branches as a frame for the Sleepy Hollow lighthouse in upstate New York. In the other shot, taken at the Marlins baseball stadium in Miami, I used palm tree branches as a frame to add depth and dimension to the incredible architectural column.
Incorporating Foreground Interest:
Don't forget about the foreground! Including interesting foreground elements can make your road trip photographs truly stand out. Whether it's wildflowers, a unique roadside sign, or a captivating detail, incorporating foreground interest adds depth and visual intrigue to your images. Get creative and use these elements to anchor your composition and create a sense of place.
While photographing and filming my Road Trip around the Coast of Wales (here’s the link to it if you haven’t read it), I needed to shoot the Menai Bridge. But it's such a vast structure that just photographing it at an angle left something missing. Luckily, the flower borders along the approach road were in bloom, and hey presto, the bright colours give you something value added to your shot, some depth and context.
The Menai Bridge joining mainland Wales to Anglesey.
Capturing the Essence of the Journey:
Sometimes, the smallest details can tell the most significant stories. Don't forget to zoom in and capture the little things that make your road trip special. It could be the worn-out steering wheel, the nostalgic bumper sticker, or the patterned tiles of a roadside café. These close-ups add texture, nostalgia, and a personal touch to your photographic narrative. Master the art of capturing details and bring your road trip memories to life.
It’s important to capture the grandeur of the scenery you find yourself in, but I always try to capture some of the essence of where I am through macro details too. It could be an ornate door handle, a cafe table decoration, or some beautiful hotel room details. They simply add to and enhance the memories of a place.
Portraits and Candid Shots:
Travel photography is not just about the landscapes; they're also about the people and the connections you make along the way. Don't shy away from capturing portraits and candid shots of your travel companions or the friendly locals you encounter. These photographs immortalise the emotions, stories, and human connections that make your road trip truly special.
If I’m planning a trip here or farther afield, I’ll always check to see if there’s anyone I’d like to take a portrait of while I’m there. It could be someone I know personally or someone I’m intrigued by. For example, on a trip to the States, I knew I’d be in New York for a couple of days. I’d read about a guy who’s run an independent hat store in Harlem for years. If you know me, you know I like a good hat… so, I called in one quiet morning, explained who I was and got some shots. It’s always an amazing opportunity to do the work I do and meet some amazing people.
Unique Perspectives:
To truly make your travel photos stand out, don't be afraid to experiment with unique angles and viewpoints. Get low to the ground, climb a nearby hill, or even take to the skies with a drone if allowed. Changing your perspective can breathe new life into familiar scenes, revealing fresh angles and surprising compositions.
The Berlin Wall was constructed, lethally enforced and eventually demolished within my lifetime. Thankfully the city realised it couldn’t erase the dark times of its past and instead marked its existence with a cobbled line that follows the route of the wall throughout the city. A very low-angle image of these cobbles gives the viewer a much deeper feeling of what that track means. It really draws you into the image.
A low angle shot of the cobbles, showing the route of the Berlin Wall through the city.
Congratulations, travel photographers! Armed with these easy composition techniques, you're now equipped to transform your travel photographs into captivating works of art. Remember to experiment, be patient, and let your creativity run wild. Capture the essence of your journey, whether through leading lines, framing, or incorporating foreground interest. Above all, have fun and let your passion for photography shine through every image you capture. Master the art of composition techniques and take your travel photography to extraordinary heights.
Look out for part 3 of this series where we talk about editing, sharing and preserving your epic travel images.
Safe travels and happy image-making!
