Look for the bigger picture.
That is something that we don’t always do enough of when we are out in the field photographing wildlife. It’s always about bigger lenses, more focal length and getting closer to the subject. Absolutely no problem with this and I also love getting in nice and tight on some shots but every now and then remember to drop the camera and look at the bigger picture.
A few days ago we were busy photographing four young lions as they were playing on a dam wall. One of the youngsters slowly walked down the dam wall and into the late afternoon sunlight. Almost without fail, everybody had their longest lens focused on the youngster trying to capture the visual moment.
As I was was about to click the shutter my eye caught the reflection in the water. Almost perfect. I chose a focal length that would place both the lion and his reflection in the power points (based on the rule of thirds) which left me with quite an interesting, different photograph.
Normally I would not put the horizon, or in this case the water’s edge’ in the middle of the frame as it cuts the frame in half but I felt that there is enough happening in the frame to make you eyes jump over the line again and again. What do you think?
Oh, I did get a few great tight shots as well. One of them being the reflection shot of the four cubs that I posted in ‘Magic Light‘. Lesson in all of this? Work your subject. Don’t just stay in tight or only shoot wide, environment shots. Draw the outlines of your visual story with the wide shots and then color the scene with the close up, tight compositions.
Tomorrow is guest post Thursday and I am very happy to welcome back Nick van de Wiel.
A few months ago Nick wrote ‘Eastern Shores’ in which, he highlighted the photographic beauty of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. In tomorrow’s post Nick introduces us to the small, picturesque town of St Lucia.
Another great article, amazing images and must-visit photo destintion to add to your list!
I will be back on Friday with the announcement of an exciting new partnership and details on Photo-Africa’s new to day workshop, ‘Wildlife Photography 101‘.
See ya on Friday! 
Gerry
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my kind of shot – love it…