In photography, capturing a subject is only half the battle; the real challenge lies in telling a story that draws the viewer in. Your approach to composition and understanding how to frame each element in your shot can make or break that impact, and it’s crucial to get this right to elevate your work from simple pictures to meaningful visual narratives.
Coming to you from James Popsys, this thoughtful video explores the idea of creating "photos about things, not of things." Popsys doesn’t merely document the scenes he photographs; he discusses what he calls “context without distractions.” As he scours the Welsh coastline for the perfect angle of a seaside chapel, Popsys focuses on building the story around the chapel, emphasizing the need for both a subject and supporting elements that enhance it without detracting from the main focus. His advice is simple but impactful: including elements that support the main subject adds depth, but cluttering the frame with distractions weakens the story you’re trying to tell.
Popsys also emphasizes curiosity as the driving force behind his photography. For him, it’s not just about pressing the shutter for a well-lit scene or impressive landscape; it’s about finding those moments that invite questions. His goal is to create images that feel incomplete, encouraging the viewer to wonder about the story behind the shot. Standing in front of the chapel, he explains his preference for images that provoke more questions than answers—images that are rich with mystery and hint at a larger narrative just outside the frame.
Popsys’ insights on composition reinforce how simplicity can amplify a photograph’s impact. By stripping away distractions and focusing only on elements that add to the subject, you maintain a balance that makes each part of the image feel intentional. In his case, this means framing the chapel with just enough of the surrounding landscape to show its unique placement near the sea without losing sight of its architectural significance. It’s about maintaining a delicate balance where the setting provides context but doesn’t overwhelm the central subject. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Popsys.
