I recently attended a couple of seminars, conducted by Andy Rouse, an eminent wildlife photographer, and John Freeman, a bit of an allrounder really who has dabbled with the photography of wildlife. It was quite interesting to hear two conflicting ideas with regard to framing of the image. On the one hand Andy Rouse was explaining how it wasn't always necessary to use a long lens to get in as close as possible to the subject. He also advocates placing the subject in its environment by using a wider lens and including some of the surroundings in the image. This helps to give the subject a sense of place. I tried this technique on a recent holiday and came up with this image of a Great Hornbill in its most natural environment atop a tree at the summit of a small mountain.
Although Mr Rouse doesn't strictly adhere to the same technique, I believe in this instance the picture says a lot more about the life of this wonderful bird than a standard close up shot would.
John Freeman was endorsing the idea of getting in as close to the subject as possible, and not just with his wildlife shots. He took a series of pictures of Zebra and framed or cropped very tightly so that we are left to view just the eyes and some black and white stripes. Very striking images indeed and again, much more dramatic than a picture of a "whole" zebra would have appeared.
I found it interesting to compare the two differing styles of framing and composition, and certainly would hope to find a use for both in the upcoming months as I progress with my studies.
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