Photography often begins with the challenge of figuring out what to leave out of the frame. It's tempting to capture everything, especially when faced with a breathtaking scene. But often, this leads to cluttered, unfocused images. Learning to simplify your compositions and make clear decisions about what to include is crucial for creating stronger, more compelling photos.
Coming to you from Jamie Windsor, this insightful video addresses a common problem for beginners: including too much in a shot. Windsor explains that when you start, there’s a natural urge to capture everything, especially with wide lenses. The result is often an image with no clear subject, leaving viewers unsure of where to focus. Windsor suggests that one way to avoid this is by using longer focal lengths, which force you to be more selective. He highlights the work of Craig Whitehead, who often uses an 85mm lens to isolate details, showing how even in street photography, tighter compositions can create striking, clean visuals.
The video goes on to explore how color can either add to or distract from your images. Windsor points out that shifting to black and white can help strip away unnecessary elements, allowing you to focus on light, shadow, and texture. He mentions artist Noell Oszvald, who uses monochrome to create minimalist, abstract compositions that feel both atmospheric and precise. Conversely, Windsor explains how color can be used effectively when it's controlled and balanced. The work of Preet Uday, for example, uses a selective range of hues, resulting in vibrant yet simple scenes. These choices in color palette make each image more cohesive, proving that you don't always have to rely on black and white to simplify.
Windsor also emphasizes the importance of experimenting with perspective. Changing your angle can entirely transform a shot, turning something ordinary into a visually engaging composition. He uses the example of Petra Leary’s drone photography, which captures familiar subjects like tennis courts from above. This top-down view turns everyday objects into geometric patterns, creating a sense of abstraction and design. By adjusting your viewpoint, you can uncover new, creative ways to frame a subject, whether you’re on the ground or using a drone.
The last point Windsor discusses is the controversial subject of editing. While it’s always best to get things right in-camera, there are times when post-processing is necessary to remove distractions. Windsor advises using tools like Photoshop’s Clone Brush or AI features to clean up your images, but he stresses doing this with intention. It’s not about altering reality for the sake of it, but about maintaining focus and clarity in your shot. He acknowledges that this can be a divisive topic, especially when it comes to ethical considerations, but his take is pragmatic: use the tools you have to enhance your images, not to deceive. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Windsor.
