Simplifying an image of the scene is one of the most difficult things to master and it’s always challenging to me. As a landscape photographer, I often observe a wonderful vista and hopefully glorious sky and immediately think about capturing as much of it as possible. However the best images are those that tell the story you are trying to convey with only the supporting elements visible in the frame. It helps to eliminate everything else that would otherwise be a distraction by altering your framing, perspective, and viewpoint etc.
For this specific image, I was up early on the river watching the swans and other birds on the water as the morning fog rolled in. This lone sailboat moored a little way out into the water was very interesting and I wanted to capture it as a subject for my image. All the other elements of the scene, the rising sun, the dock just off to the right, the birds in the foreground, even most of the river reeds were eliminated through perspective, and viewpoint. I even eliminated the color which was a gorgeous yellow that lit up the fog, but didn’t really help tell the story. All that remains is the water, a few reeds, the boat and the fog, even the other side of the river is difficult to see. The result is a compelling image that works for me.
Do you have a hard time simplifying your scenes or have you got this nailed or is it somewhere in between?
Also please share any simple scenes that you really dig in the comments below.
This is the first post in a series from a recent presentation to the 21st Century Photography Club in Charleston. Let me know if you enjoy seeing these and stay tuned for more.
