how to
photograph
wild birds

Altering the composition for better photos

Why do all my photos have the same feel to them? Composition is the arrangement of the subject, the background, and other elements in a photo. Photos change dramatically depending on the composition, even when shooting the same subject in the same location.

Common Reed Bunting

For an amateur photographer, it is common to place the subject in the center of a photo. But since a perfectly centered subject is not visually interesting, adding a bit of a daylily flower to the left edge of the photo creates a composition that incorporates the Rule of fourths. A calm atmosphere is created by including space in the direction of the bird's gaze.

Image data

Aperture value: f/8
Shutter speed: 1/400 second
ISO speed: ISO400

Exposure compensation: -0.7
Focal length: 207mm
Digital Compact Camera

Why do all my photos look the same?

As noted in Lesson 3, you should focus on the bird's eyes, keeping them in the center of the AF area. If this recommendation is followed, you will end up with centered compositions in which the main subject is placed in the middle of the photo. This is the most basic composition technique and is effective for beginners that are trying to capture the main subject. This lesson will introduce three other common composition techniques as well as centered compositions.

What are some basic photography composition styles?

Centered compositions

This composition style places the main subject in the middle of the photo. This is the most basic composition and is effective for beginners who are learning to capture the main subject. Mastering this composition style is the first step toward better photos.

Common Greenshank / Centered composition

Diagonal composition

This composition style arranges the main subject and other key features in the background along lines running diagonally across the frame. Diagonal compositions can create a sense of vibrancy or a sense of depth in a photo.

Black-winged Stilt / Diagonal composition

Rule of thirds

This composition technique divides a photo equally into thirds both vertically and horizontally. The main subject and background features are placed on the lines, or at the intersections of lines. The rule of thirds creates a sense of narrative about the subject and gives your photos a professional, polished look.

Little Egret / Rule of thirds

Rule of fourths

This composition technique divides a photo equally into fourths both vertically and horizontally. The main subject and background features are placed on the lines, or at the intersections of lines. The rule of fourths makes the background appear even wider than the rule of thirds, resulting in a more expanded expression.

Common Reed Bunting / Rule of fourths

Changing the composition is difficult!

When you are starting out, it can be difficult to think about the composition at the same time you are taking the photo. A useful exercise is to try holding the camera vertically while keeping the subject centered in the frame. You can also shoot at the highest resolution possible and later crop the image to adjust the composition.

one point advice

Ways to make composing photos easier using camera functions.

Some cameras have a function that superimposes a grid over the image when looking through the viewfinder. This makes it easier to gauge the composition before taking a photo.
Some cameras also have an electronic level function that indicates the camera's inclination. This function allows you to check the horizontal and vertical orientation of the camera using the viewfinder, which is very convenient when composing your shots.

Comment from a learner

In this photo, I used a basic centered composition while holding the camera vertically. Although the subject is the same, the atmosphere of the photo is quite different. Next time, I'll try a greater variety of composition approaches.

Varied Tit, by a learner

Horizontal shooting

Aperture value

f/5.6

Shutter speed

1/400 second

ISO speed

ISO1000

Exposure compensation

0

Focal length

300mm

DSLR Camera (APS-C image format)
Varied Tit, by a learner

Vertical shooting

Aperture value

f/6.3

Shutter speed

1/400 second

ISO speed

ISO1250

Exposure compensation

0

Focal length

300mm

DSLR Camera (APS-C image format)

Message from Mr.Tozuka

The horizontal shot has a very static composition with a feeling of peeking through the thicket. In the vertical shot, the direction of the bird's gaze is more clear, giving a sense of movement. Unfortunately, the shadow of the leaves at the top of the photo distracts from the subject a bit.
By paying more attention to what is around the subject, you will get significantly better results.

how to photograph wild birds