Episode #8 will take an in-depth examination of the compositional element of “visual balance.” We will explore the concept, how to develop an eye for visual balance, how to use it to increase the visual impact of your images, and how to develop the skill for detecting visual balance in a scene before you press the shutter. So often, what could have been an excellent image, is left wanting due to a lack of visual balance.

The reflection in this image helps provides visual balance to this image.

This image is visually balanced from right to left as the iguana’s head and rock flow to the thinner section of body and rock in the lower left.

The curves of the Snake River flowing toward the dip in mountains to the right of Grand Teton peak provides visual balance along with the larger group of trees to the left and the anchor tree on the right lower corner.

We take a look at a new filter adaptor that could save you a lot of money on step-down rings. The H&Y RevoRing will change how you use circular filters!

Finally, we take a quick look at waiting for the right head angle in wildlife photography.

Why do you find this head angle pleasing? Hint: Consider the eyes.

While this body position is certainly odd (which I enjoy about the image), what is it about the head angle that makes the image more pleasing?

What about this head angle is pleasing or displeasing to your eye?

 

This episode will discuss the planning, logistics, and travel to the Galapagos Islands, the proper selection, use, and considerations of using a tripod, and five tips for beginning bird photographers.

Blue-footed Booby

Common Cactus-finch

Galapagos Sea Lion

Swallow-tailed Gull

The Galapagos Islands are dream destination for many photographers and for good reason! It offers up close and personal wildlife, dramatic island landscape and even underwater photography while snorkeling! I just finished my fourth workshop and first as the solo leader; but Kevin Loughlin, owner of Wildside Nature Tours, has been 41 times! To say Wildside reigns supreme as the Galapagos Photography Workshop is an understatement! If you are going to go to the Galapagos, what should you know about planning a photography trip? Do you go solo or do a live aboard? What will you miss if you go solo? How do you make sure you choose a great company for a photography workshop to this amazing destination? Find out what a “generic” Galapagos trip will leave you sadly disappointed as a photographer.

Tripods are a critical piece of photographic gear and as such, I am often left wondering why such a huge percentage of photographers put so little thought into their purchase and use. In this episode, we will navigate the waters of camera support and give you some knowledge on how to best purchase and use a tripod.

Tripods

Finally, we give beginning bird photographers five tips on how to capture better bird images. Frankly, many non-beginners could use this same advice!

Yellow-headed Caracara