Do you find yourself overwhelmed and stuck when composing a landscape photography scene? Having some tips on what to look for can help if you are stuck. This video looks at the world of abstract photography as a way to find scenes and compositions.
Landscape photographer Michael Shainblum explores a remote location in the desert southwest while talking through composition techniques with a wide angle lens and smaller abstract scenes with a telephoto lens.
On day one, Shainblum works with a wide angle lens and helps talk the viewer through what he is looking for in his compositions. He demonstrates several techniques that can make significant differences in the composition.
Shainblum works with a telephoto lens on his second day in the location, with greater emphasis on the abstract compositions. He also works with his drone to highlight the unique textures and patterns of the area. Both the telephoto and drone share some common elements in finding creative compositions. Shainblum concludes with his best tip for those seeking more interesting abstract photos.
I appreciated the work with the wide angle lens and Shainblum’s tips on using that focal length in the field, from the orientation of the camera to how subtle shifts of position can have dramatic effects on the final composition. I know in the future, I will work to put some of these ideas into practice.
I wish to experience this location as I can see it offers a lot of choices for abstract images. May I ask where this location is?
It definitely looks like an amazing location with a lot of possibilities! I don’t recall him saying the exact location beyond the US Southwestern Desert - so probably somewhere in the Utah/Arizona area.
It can be found. It's not a super-secret location. If you are serious about this type of image, get the "Photographing the Southwest" series by Laurent Martrés. Then get a 4WD vehicle or be prepared to pay guides.
I'll have to check that book out! Thanks for the recommendation! I lived in the Southwest for several years a long time ago, but I wasn't as into photography then.