Better way to compose?

[rx2010]

I was looking for ideas on a better composition for this photo. I wanted to emphasize the color contrast, yet I feel like it might have looked better in horizontal layout once I started looking at it on the computer screen. Any ideas and opinions are appreciated.

[sybren]

I'd make sure that the fire hydrant doesn't overlap things in the background. By moving the camera more to the left, the hydrant would be separated more from the poles behind it. The gray/brown concrete behind it would then be its only background, providing a nice bland background for the colours to contrast against.

[wulf]

Try the 36 shots technique. Pick a subject and then take 36 shots of it (ie. the same number of exposures as commonly used for film cannisters), trying as many ideas as you can. Vary your position, aperture and whatever else you can. Try some wacky angles. Try paying particular attention to background elements. Taking 36 different shots will probably be quite hard work but the effort is likely to broaden your palette of ideas next time you come to a similar subject.

Wulf

[nerf09]

That is a great idea!
I am a beginner too
Thank you!

[in2mtns]

Originally Posted by wulf

Try the 36 shots technique. Pick a subject and then take 36 shots of it (ie. the same number of exposures as commonly used for film cannisters), trying as many ideas as you can. Vary your position, aperture and whatever else you can. Try some wacky angles. Try paying particular attention to background elements. Taking 36 different shots will probably be quite hard work but the effort is likely to broaden your palette of ideas next time you come to a similar subject.

Wulf

Having tried this on a Mailbox I can definitely concur with Wulf. This is a great way to expand your vision. Try writting down a shot list before hand, it gives you a good starting point to go to as you start shooting.

[Benno]

Originally Posted by wulf

Try the 36 shots technique. Pick a subject and then take 36 shots of it (ie. the same number of exposures as commonly used for film cannisters), trying as many ideas as you can. Vary your position, aperture and whatever else you can. Try some wacky angles. Try paying particular attention to background elements. Taking 36 different shots will probably be quite hard work but the effort is likely to broaden your palette of ideas next time you come to a similar subject.

Wulf

Thank you for offering this interesting idea. I just started in photography and I have been looking for ways to help me increase my skills. Something was telling me I just wasn't putting enough effort in many of the shots I have taken. This technique will open a new avenue.

[cphoniball]

On this shot, if you want to emphasize the color of the hydrant, drop down lower. Right now you have two main composition elements in the picture - the contrast in the hydrant and the leading lines of the corridor/walkway. The second draws your eye away from the first. By dropping down you eliminate the leading lines, thus leaving only one clear element for us to focus on.

[love2learn]

Originally Posted by wulf

Try the 36 shots technique. Pick a subject and then take 36 shots of it (ie. the same number of exposures as commonly used for film cannisters), trying as many ideas as you can. Vary your position, aperture and whatever else you can. Try some wacky angles. Try paying particular attention to background elements. Taking 36 different shots will probably be quite hard work but the effort is likely to broaden your palette of ideas next time you come to a similar subject.

Wulf

Wow, 36 shots. Sounds a lot but I'll definitely give it a try.

[Sharin]

Wulf, I like your suggestion. I've seen you post a similar answer in various posts so this *must* work. I need to try it.

At first I can't imagine 36 interesting shots of a static object like a fire hydrant. But I guess that's the point...to discover in your digital lightbox which ones are the true keepers.
Thanks!

[xinman]

Great idea Wulf, I will have to give that a shot. I think in my shots I take a few and then I'm done, I don't really push my creativity too much. 36 shots will surely have me pushing my creativity!