There is a lot that goes into creating an eye-catching photograph: a lot of quick considerations and decisions about subject, light, background and position, to name a few.
First you must consider the subject and whether it is strong enough to command attention in the frame. This is generally not a problem for most of us travel and wildlife photographers—the world is filled with amazing, exotic subjects that command attention in the frame! But, TOO many times a photograph is created by a reactionary click rather than a skilled decision, which usually results in a mediocre image. Therefore, I recommend that you do not make the spray and pray technique your main plan!
Being at eye level with your subject is not new to many of us, but the importance of even a few inches, much less a foot, has a significant impact on the viewer’s experience. Perspective can completely change the way a subject appears in a photo, even when the subject is quite familiar (there are a billion photographs of leopards, lions and cheetahs on the net).
When I was in the Mara in December, everyone was expecting to see Jonathan and I in the white Landy. However, it was not practical for us to able to get a low enough angle, eyelevel shots with the big cats in particular. The evening we returned from the north we knew we had to quickly switch out the Landy for a vehicle that allowed us to take out seats and take off doors so that we could lie as low as possible. After all, we were headed to the BIG CAT Mecca of the world.
A low prospective that puts you at eyelevel with the your subject brings a more intimate experience. Remember, what you are experiencing in real time is usually always exciting and intimate, but when clicking the shutter your goal is usually to bring your experience to the viewer.
These images may not be unique, but they will stand out because of the low angle perspective, rather than the majority of images captured from angle shooting down on to the animal. A few inches, a foot or half a meter can make a world of difference in creating a more impactful photograph.
Thank you so much. Some of those pictures are totally heart-stopping.
You’re an amazing teacher.
Thank you so much for the lovely compliment!
Thank you for your lessons.
You are so very welcome!
All these pictures are amazing. And the one that took my breath away was the large elephant. The textures of its limbs, face and trunk, the eyes. I was gobsmacked, as though I was standing right in front. Thank you!
Wow, thanks for the incredible compliments!!! I also love the large elephant!