When you're starting out, one of the best things you can do to fast-track your photography style and hone your composition technique is to shoot 'small-in-frame'.
Small-in-frame photography is a style where your subject (for me that's mainly a bird) occupies a tiny portion of the overall image, allowing the environment to play a significant role. This technique emphasises the surroundings and tells a story beyond, creating a mood or atmosphere that can be very striking.
Added bonus - you don't need a massive (and pricey!) lens to do it. You can use whatever lens you have. My 'general shooting' lens is a 12-100mm.
Key Tips for Small-in-Frame Photography
Use of Negative Space: Negative space is the open, uncluttered area around the subject. In small-in-frame photography, the subject is often placed in one part of the image, with the rest left open to emphasise vastness or isolation.
Composition: Follow rules like the rule of thirds to position the subject in a way that enhances visual interest. This doesn’t need to be the centre (although that can work too), off-centre positioning often looks better to balance the scene.
Highlight the Environment: This style works well in scenic landscapes or habitats that complement the subject's presence. Whether it’s a forest, shoreline, or urban environment, the surroundings become as important as the subject itself.
Focus and Detail: While your subject might be small, ensure it's still in sharp focus. This can be challenging when it's far away, but focus accuracy is key to making the subject stand out even though it’s small in the frame. This style of shooting generally gives you a bit more time to adjust settings, so use your focus pointer on small and move it to the right spot in the frame or shoot using manual focus for accurate results.
Mood and Atmosphere: Cloudy skies, mist, or dramatic lighting can add emotion to the scene. Think of this style as creating a painting where the bird is part of the broader environment.
Lens Choice: Use what you have - of course having some zoom gives you more scope, but it's not essential for this style of photography. Think about optimal framing rather than getting up close.
Patience and Timing: Wait for moments when the subject is in an interesting part of the scene. This style is less about capturing detailed portraits and more about storytelling.
Would you like to receive my monthly newsletter? It's a round up of my latest videos and blog posts, plus news and exclusive content and downloads - only for subscribers. Opt out if you're over it with just a click or two!
The beauty of capturing birds in this way is the pressure is off to get up close. It's gives you time and space to really think about your composition, without worrying about scaring your subject away before you get the shot.
Be pro-active in seeking out a good composition instead of being reactive and just grabbing what is close.
The great thing about this technique, is it gets you into good habits which otherwise might not come to you until later in your photography journey.
A few more tips....
1: Look at everything in the frame and the relationships between the objects before you click. Is there a nice balance or juxtaposition?
2: Compose for the whole scene don't just focus on the bird.
3: Include habitat for better story telling.
4: Slow down, don't give into FOMO (fear of missing out - I STILL get caught up in this!).
5: Wait until your subject is in a naturally brighter part of the frame or illuminated with natural light.
The light is just as important as the subject, if not more so. You know you have succeeded when the shot is still good without the bird. ... But we all know every shot is better with a bird in it 😁
This technique is not just for birds and wildlife, it's great for people too!
A few tips to help you master this style:
1: Watch out for visual clutter and background distractions. Less is more, try not to include too many different elements.
2: Silhouettes are your friend. Take advantage of soft or dramatic light to create mood and pretty outlines.
3: Look for leading lines,"S" shapes and curves to guide the viewers eye through the composition.
4: Get out at those prime times for landscape photography 😂 Yep, there I am banging my YOU MUST GO EARLY drum again 🥁
It's also a useful technique for tricky birds like Southern Emu-wrens who can be very camera shy! They are difficult to get close to... but doesn't mean you can't get a nice shot.
Small-in-frame shots can be challenging to get right, but they definitely get you focused on all the right elements to move your photography forward in leaps and bounds. As a former landscape photographer, I really enjoy taking these kind of shots and they are sure to always feature in my portfolio.
Try it for yourself!
Comments