One Composition Skill that'll Forever Change Your Photography!

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In this week’s episode, we discuss one composition skill that'll forever change your photography. Out of the many different techniques required for photography, compositional skills are perhaps the most difficult. There is a ton of information available with regards to helping others improve their compositional skillset, but the technique I discuss in this video is one that I rarely hear mentioned and it's something that has improved my compositions the most. This is a simple technique to apply and I hope you'll have as much success with it as I have. Thanks so much for watching this week's video. - Mark D.
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Пікірлер: 121

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto
    @MarkDenneyPhoto Жыл бұрын

    The photo I was most excited about didn't work out, but I hope you enjoy the ones that did make the video.

  • @nevvanclarke9225

    @nevvanclarke9225

    Жыл бұрын

    Hi Mark it’s really interesting I’m an Australian and it’s interesting I would not of had it for the woodland I would’ve probably had it for the beach and tried to incorporate some of their woodland in a beach shop. In Australia there is often this type of woodland very close to the shore line and it is often difficult to shoot depending on the light because the woodland is often so thick there’s not a lot of light getting in but it is interesting how many of the American and English photographers like to shoot the forest in the woods where is Australian photographers will go to the beach and shit. It’s always good to try things though and it sort of open my eyes to the possibility of Woodland photography.

  • @clear_image_photos5477

    @clear_image_photos5477

    Жыл бұрын

    something I find myself doing is, angle the ball joint on the tripod, and have the tripod under my arm, really helps stabilize it, and i don't have to get overwhelmed with moving the tripod back into my bag. I already miss enough wildlife shots lol.

  • @nevvanclarke9225

    @nevvanclarke9225

    Жыл бұрын

    @@clear_image_photos5477 I have just invested in the new Ulanzi tripod. It is awesome and it’s light carry and you can quickly fold the legs down but keep the camera on and quickly set up again making it a much more mobile device There are heaps of videos on this tripod and it’s revolutionise the way I’m doing photography again. No more lugging the big heavy tripod around. So long as the tripod is stable and still which this one is then that’s all you need I’ve always said the tripod does one thing keeps the camera still in need of achieves that it’s doing its job

  • @clear_image_photos5477

    @clear_image_photos5477

    Жыл бұрын

    @@nevvanclarke9225 it's very handy having something like that, when I go hiking, I like to take pictures of every opportunity, mostly birds, occasionally deer or hawks, snakes etc but hate having to take the 5 minutes to set up the tripod again and 5 min to put it back when I want to get a nice photostack of something. Only thing is, it still limits your range a bit, but that's still a compromise I allow especially since 90% of my photos or scenery and just keep the camera in my hands for the photos I don't expect (a deer walking in front of me )

  • @nevvanclarke9225

    @nevvanclarke9225

    Жыл бұрын

    @@clear_image_photos5477 I have a cotton carrier that goes over my chest and I keep the 70 to 200 on that chest first and then I have the wide angle lens and camera inside the backpack. Having two bodies is such an asset when you go out and not having to change lenses. I know it’s a little bit of extra weight but I just look at the fitness aspect as well. If I have to change lenses mid shoot I just get really annoyed.

  • @bernzmedia
    @bernzmedia Жыл бұрын

    To me, you are the Bob Ross of landscape photography and that is meant to be a compliment.

  • @KaylaFaithful

    @KaylaFaithful

    Жыл бұрын

    I get that same soothing feeling from his videos as Bob Ross as well!

  • @MLC48
    @MLC48 Жыл бұрын

    Yup, that's the way it goes with great light!

  • @kevinroberts1888
    @kevinroberts1888 Жыл бұрын

    Great shots! I love getting out to the woods for photography, even the ones I visit regularly, I always seem to find new compositions.

  • @dougheizenrader2280
    @dougheizenrader2280 Жыл бұрын

    As a lifelong Oregonian, I really enjoy these locally shot images and videos from photographers such as your yourself as you discover this beautiful state. For me, as I’m surrounded by this beauty everyday, it’s often hard to see the compositions that abound right in front of my eyes! It’s all so familiar, dare I say boring, that I tend to miss it. Seeing it all though your eyes allows me to rediscover the beauty, and recognize that what can seem ordinary and boring, can actually be beautiful and worthy of my photographic attention. Thank you for that!

  • @mikebartow9415
    @mikebartow9415 Жыл бұрын

    Some of the most rewarding photos (at least for ones’s self) is being spontaneously capturing the unplanned.

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    Agreed!

  • @alanhumbard8298
    @alanhumbard8298 Жыл бұрын

    Your video was the best I’ve seen of adapting to what Mother Nature gives.

  • @ralphtroutman184
    @ralphtroutman184 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for sharing Mark. I don't feel quite as bad about chasing around to find the right spot. You are really right that it is a lot of fun!

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    Glad to do it Ralph!

  • @gabrielmeyer7661
    @gabrielmeyer7661 Жыл бұрын

    Hey Mark, your videos are much appreciated. It seams you get better with time….thanks and please….keep on

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Gabriel!

  • @mariecruttenden2887
    @mariecruttenden2887 Жыл бұрын

    Those light rays! Wow! Talk about potential composition overload. You embodied the conflict that all photographers face when the light goes off in a scene like yours. Great video!

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Marie!

  • @noelmallia
    @noelmallia Жыл бұрын

    Well done great video as always! and thanks for sharing this information every week with us

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    Glad to do it Noel!

  • @kreygscott
    @kreygscott Жыл бұрын

    Words of wisdom Mark. You're absolutely correct. I cannot begin to tell you how many times I've made the mistake of allowing my tripod to grow roots only to revisit the location several times before I could walk away with an image I was really happy with. Great content mate. Keep it coming.

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much!

  • @rolandholtz8250
    @rolandholtz8250 Жыл бұрын

    I knew that taking on this channel was a good idea, thanks Mark!! Roland from good old Germany

  • @wimscheenen3535
    @wimscheenen3535 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for sharing. I like your outdoor video and the story you tell in them 👍🏻

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks - this is always great to hear!

  • @fpoastro
    @fpoastro Жыл бұрын

    For me at least youre narration of the panic/moving/trying to stay calm in that situation is pretty much the norm and something I work my butt off to try to stop but it never happens. While I love taking photos I try to remind myself that I still capture these images in my memory so they are not lost even when they are missed. Really great chronicle of the "chaos" (one of your favorite words) of being in a cool spot wishing you had a dozen cameras. Great video.

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    Glad to enjoyed it Mark!

  • @michaelgoulding4425
    @michaelgoulding4425 Жыл бұрын

    Great stuff Mark, enjoy the remainder of your trip 👍

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Michael!

  • @michaelhale416
    @michaelhale416 Жыл бұрын

    As always, another awesome video. Chaos is definitely the word to describe the situation. Happens all too often for me (lack of patience). I guess that is why the best photographers, like yourself, pre-plan most of the time. Keep up the great work. Cheers.

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Michael!

  • @sahbisamer5360
    @sahbisamer5360 Жыл бұрын

    i saw this on instagram and was just waiting for the video, totally loving your work

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much!

  • @sahbisamer5360

    @sahbisamer5360

    Жыл бұрын

    @@MarkDenneyPhoto any chance in this time of the year to do something that reunite " lac - fog - fall "

  • @troporobo
    @troporobo Жыл бұрын

    Hey Mark, thanks for yet another great episode. I’m a northwest native, with many years on the Oregon coast and now on an island in Puget Sound. Knowing something about your style, I’d suggest you need to get out to the Olympic peninsula, specifically the Hoh River valley and the beaches to the west. You’ll get more atmosphere and spectacular forest scenery then you’ll believe, when the weather cooperates, which is of course not every day! Next time you’re out this way, I’d be honored to drive you around and hike the trails in search of compositions.

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    I'll actually been in Olympic next May - can't wait for it!!

  • @raewebb6365
    @raewebb6365 Жыл бұрын

    What a great Woodland made even greater by the light. Enjoyed this very much

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    Glad to hear this Rae!

  • @marilyngiannuzzi9867
    @marilyngiannuzzi9867 Жыл бұрын

    I agree.I always look around for awhile without my tripod,so much easier for me!

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for checking out the video!

  • @jackphillips1383
    @jackphillips1383 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks!

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much Jack! This really means a lot - thank you!!!!

  • @tonymollengarden
    @tonymollengarden Жыл бұрын

    Great video as always! I’m constantly trying not to put the tripod down and just walk around with my camera first to discover better shots. It’s hard though once the tripod is setup to breakaway from the shot 😅

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    Much appreciated Tony!

  • @davidhendrickson9446
    @davidhendrickson9446 Жыл бұрын

    You're truly alive. Much better than corparate America!

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    Agreed!

  • @rudyrodriguezjr.
    @rudyrodriguezjr. Жыл бұрын

    Great Video! Great shots.

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    THanks Rudy!

  • @douglashohulin5087
    @douglashohulin5087 Жыл бұрын

    It seems you always have your act together while I'm searching and wondering what I'm doing wrong. It's helpful to know that what we envision doesn't always come to be but keep looking and remember to enjoy the journey.

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    It's great to hear I seem like I have my act together as it feels totally different between my ears🤣🤣

  • @jimswift2400
    @jimswift2400 Жыл бұрын

    Chasing the light, isn’t that Landscape photography in a nutshell? Nice job.

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    That's true!

  • @clear_image_photos5477
    @clear_image_photos5477 Жыл бұрын

    very fun video, wish we had exciting forest area like this where I live.

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it!

  • @davidjboozer
    @davidjboozer Жыл бұрын

    Welcome to Oregon! I live about 89 miles east of the coastline.... Beautiful place! Great video by the way Mark!

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    Glad you enjoyed it David!

  • @davidjboozer

    @davidjboozer

    Жыл бұрын

    @@MarkDenneyPhoto I Enjoy them all, and rewatch my favorites as I can. Thank you for all the hard work, it really does matter to many of us out here wanting to grow our photography skills as beginners... God bless.

  • @Djdelae
    @Djdelae Жыл бұрын

    As always, great video with some good tips and techniques. When are you going to host a workshop in NC instead of overseas? Keep these videos coming.

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks David! Nothing in 2023, but perhaps in 2024.

  • @lusl1094
    @lusl1094 Жыл бұрын

    Thank you for another great vid. I like to use my phone camera to try and find compositions before I set up my tripod. Other times while waiting for good conditions, I will set up the tripod where I want to capture the image, then take my camera and walk around taking other shots until the conditions I'm waiting for occur.

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much!! Yes the phone is critical!

  • @suryas4425
    @suryas4425 Жыл бұрын

    I love your videos

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks so much!

  • @TheGentlemansCode-i8r
    @TheGentlemansCode-i8r Жыл бұрын

    Subscribed, i like how you explain everything and have the same gear, or at least almost, what sony camera do you use Mark?

  • @KellyPettit
    @KellyPettit Жыл бұрын

    Some great photos! This is Adam Gibbs wheelhouse. Looks like yours as well.

  • @markallemang7745
    @markallemang7745 Жыл бұрын

    Another excellent video. And so frustrating to be really excited about a photograph and it just doesn't work out. Or to be really happy with the result and everyone who sees it is like, "eh, it's ok"

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks a million Mark!

  • @simonf6977
    @simonf6977 Жыл бұрын

    I fully expected you to say “Quit yapping…..and start snapping,”!

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    Ahhh - I should have!

  • @markgoostree6334
    @markgoostree6334 Жыл бұрын

    Light changes, and with it comes those extra decisions! Don't worry, you made good photographs. Sounded like you had fun.

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Mark!

  • @indraalapati989
    @indraalapati989 Жыл бұрын

    Great one. Not sure if this is in your radar, I would appreciate if you can make some content about metering. Thank you.

  • @trinasculley4989
    @trinasculley4989 Жыл бұрын

    Great video. I spend a lot of time in the northwest forests and along that coast. I have difficulty finding the right settings to capture the detail of the subject when trying to shoot backlit like with light rays. Either the subject is too dark or the back light is too bright. Can you offer any suggestions for settings or filters? I have a 10-16 wide and a 16-300 zoom. I would appreciate any help. Thank you.

  • @joedc8169
    @joedc8169 Жыл бұрын

    That was great. I thought I was doing it wrong . I set my camera on the Tripod, get set up, take a few setup shots and then I see something and pick up the camera and tripod and try to get back to the original. lol, You do nice work. I get a lot out of your Videos always well done.

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    Great to hear this Joe!

  • @steviesteve750
    @steviesteve750 Жыл бұрын

    I only use my tripod when the shutter speed I want demands it, usually long exposure stuff. I can handhold to 1/15s with IS though not ideal and of course focal length dependent. There's nothing better than being able to continually adjust and find new compositions in changing light!

  • @Bonsainz
    @Bonsainz Жыл бұрын

    Great video enjoyed it, just wondering what lens did you use for this, have you moved away from 16 35GM and 100 400gm?

  • @victahh281
    @victahh281 Жыл бұрын

    Mark, another great video of something many of us can relate to, chasing light and recomposing in a rush! If I may, I'd like to suggest a topic which is White balance. I usually leave mine set to auto, as conditions can change by the minute. However, at times, images I've taken seconds apart appear vastly different, one may be much cooler than the other, which makes selecting the best image of the set more difficult as they need to be edited differently. Any suggestions?

  • @stephenschmid492

    @stephenschmid492

    Жыл бұрын

    If you shoot in raw, you can set the white balance while editing.

  • @nevvanclarke9225
    @nevvanclarke9225 Жыл бұрын

    I always carry two cameras for this very reason one will be mounted on the tripod and then I’ll start scouting around with the handheld camera are you the problem with that method is it does involve lugging to quite heavy NikonD850 cameras all around the place but it comes with rewards as well if you get some interesting shots I always have the wide angle lens set up on the tripod and then handheld I put the 70 to 200 on but then sometimes I switch them over as well you mentioned about not liking the tripod around I’ve just invested in a Ulanzi tripod which is much lighter and easy to move about with camera on

  • @cherbertsimagery
    @cherbertsimagery Жыл бұрын

    Great tip. I find I once I get set up on the tripod I don't move around a lot.

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks for checking out the video!

  • @SimonWillig
    @SimonWillig Жыл бұрын

    In this video I sense the same feeling that I experience when facing changing conditions: fomo.

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    Yes!!

  • @frankkearney1429
    @frankkearney1429 Жыл бұрын

    Hi Mark - What "L" bracket are you using in this video please? It doesn't appear to be RRS, and I am in the market for one similar to yours. Love the vids, and thanks. Cheers!

  • @trevorphillips3276
    @trevorphillips3276 Жыл бұрын

    What a beautiful area. By chance did you capture a wider angle image at the 9:50 make of the video. That was a beautiful composition on the video. And if not, do you ever look back at your videos and kick yourself for not seeing those shots at the time?

  • @jennyoakley7668
    @jennyoakley7668 Жыл бұрын

    Basic question sorry but what settings do you need to capture those light rays?

  • @blujeans9462
    @blujeans9462 Жыл бұрын

    I'm sure you considered this, but decided against it - so, what was the reason for not doing a low hyperfocal image of that mass of white flowers as the foreground, with the sun pouring through the gnarly trees in the distance? Either way, great location - and nice images!

  • @goranritterfeldt2608
    @goranritterfeldt2608 Жыл бұрын

    Thanks a lot. Very inspiring as always. Just one thought… when you showing the pictures they have always a very light background around the photo and that is a little distracting and don’t allow the photo to stand out. Take care. Göran from Latvia

  • @tjsinva
    @tjsinva Жыл бұрын

    Chasing light, what a concept. Endless, eh? 👍

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    Indeed!

  • @samjones5129
    @samjones5129 Жыл бұрын

    This might be a weird question, but what pants are you wearing? I’ve been looking for a new pair for hiking and those look really nice. Great video as always!

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    They"re from Fjallraven - expensive but incredible pants.

  • @samjones5129

    @samjones5129

    Жыл бұрын

    @@MarkDenneyPhoto thanks!

  • @charleskear9530
    @charleskear9530 Жыл бұрын

    You're not reading too much into it. I took a photo in WA near Mt. Ranier where a standing Cedar had an arm (branch) over his fallen friend. I wish I knew how to add to the post so you could see it.

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    Thanks Charles!

  • @tdawg719
    @tdawg719 Жыл бұрын

    Whats that tripod ball head called? the one with the holes drilled in it

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    It's the Aspen Ballhead from Colorado Tripod Co

  • @steveroden6670
    @steveroden6670 Жыл бұрын

    Given that the Fujifilm GFX has a maximum ISO rating of 102,400 with noise and colour resolution very well controlled at ISOs close to this, I don't really understand the necessity to use a tripod. Added to this is a huge sensor and five-axis image stabilization, which allows for hand-held shooting at slower speeds than were ever possible when I first started taking photographs, sixty years ago. I do use a tripod myself for those shots where the light is not very bright, water needs to be smoothed using slow exposure, focus stacking and bracketing, and where a long lens benefits from stability, however, I am not convinced that it is required for the equipment that you use Mark, and as you seem to indicate in your video, you can be far more creative and capture more images when wandering around using hand-held techniques. What do you see as the advantages of a tripod? I really enjoy your videos.

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    The biggest advantage to me has nothing to do with keeping the camera still rather it's all about composition refinement, being able to make subtle changes to dial in a composition.

  • @ElMeach
    @ElMeach Жыл бұрын

    How about this for a t-shirt: photography is chaotic!!!

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    Love it!

  • @ryancrouch3238
    @ryancrouch3238 Жыл бұрын

    What tripod head is that? You told me during the workshop, but now I can’t remember.

  • @40Rodsta

    @40Rodsta

    Жыл бұрын

    Forget it. I had my money with them for almost a year and they could never give me a production date. Very poorly mananged company.

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    Hey Ryan! It's the Aspen Ballhead from the Colorado Tripod Co.

  • @ryancrouch3238

    @ryancrouch3238

    Жыл бұрын

    @@MarkDenneyPhoto Thanks!

  • @davecorry7723
    @davecorry7723 Жыл бұрын

    What was the one composition skill? Look around for other compositions before the one you selected? Follow the light-rays?

  • @jrt2792
    @jrt2792 Жыл бұрын

    I only bring the tripod if I NEED a long exposure.

  • @iRabb
    @iRabb Жыл бұрын

    I enjoyed the video, but it’s not clear to me what the skill is that you referred to in the title.

  • @MarkDenneyPhoto

    @MarkDenneyPhoto

    Жыл бұрын

    It's looking for compositions handheld rather than putting the camera on the tripod immediately.

  • @iRabb

    @iRabb

    Жыл бұрын

    @@MarkDenneyPhoto thanks 🙏

  • @OutdoorActionPhoto
    @OutdoorActionPhoto Жыл бұрын

    Maybe, like me, you are a little to tethered to your tripod at times. I know I get that way, and by the time I unlock, that great shot just to the left is gone.

  • @fpoastro
    @fpoastro Жыл бұрын

    8:40 is the bible