Hey there, friend! If you’re here, you’re probably looking to step up your photo composition game, and let me tell you, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re delivering tons of nearly identical images to clients or just struggling to figure out where to stand while shooting, I’ve got a secret composition tip that will make a world of difference in your work. Curious? Keep reading to learn more!

Are You Struggling with Composition?

Let’s be real for a sec. If you’re:

• Scratching your head over which photos to give your clients
• Feeling lost about where to stand while shooting
• Handing over 5-10 almost identical shots

…then you’re wrestling with composition. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back!

Why Subject Separation is Key

Okay, so here’s the deal. You’ve probably heard about the “rules” of composition, right? Well, there’s one thing that often flies under the radar: subject separation.

What’s that, you ask? It’s all about making sure your subjects aren’t a jumbled mess in the frame. No intersecting bodies, no random hands popping out of nowhere, no trees growing out of shoulders. You want your viewers to know exactly where one person ends and another begins.

Think about it like this: remember those family portraits where someone’s hand is just floating on another person’s shoulder, and you can’t see the arm? Yeah, that’s what we’re trying to avoid. It’s like your brain does a little hiccup, going “Wait, whose hand is that?”. Our eyes love clarity, and when subjects are too merged or limbs seem disconnected, it creates a bit of confusion. Clean subject separation helps our brains quickly understand the shapes and roles of each subject, making the image more pleasing to look at.

The Real MVP: Telling the Right Story

So, one of my mentorship clients, Raven, sent me two photos asking which one was stronger composition-wise. In both images, there were three people seated at a table and one person standing, seemingly entertaining the seated folks. Let’s break them down:

• Image One: All subjects are clearly separated. The standing person, whom we’ll call the groom, is in profile view, and the seated guys have soft, laughing expressions. It’s a calm, straightforward scene.

• Image Two: This one includes a pool table in the foreground. The groom’s back is to the camera, and the seated guys are more expressive with their hand gestures. This image has a bit more energy, but we can’t see the groom’s face.

Both images are technically good in terms of composition. The subjects are separated, and their expressions vary. So, how do we decide which one to deliver? Here’s the secret: What story do you want to tell?

How to Choose the Right Image

When both images tick the composition boxes, it’s no longer about which one is “right.” It’s about the story each image tells. For example:

• Image One seems to focus on the groom and how the seated guys look up to him. It’s calmer, with a more directed vibe.

• Image Two is more about the three seated guys, with a hint of history thanks to the pool table. It’s more expressive and intimate, making the standing guy less of a focal point.

So, the choice boils down to what story is most important for your client. If the pool table has significance to this group – maybe it’s where they bond – then Image Two might be the winner. If not, you might crop it out or choose Image One.

Two Steps to Better Photo Selection

When you’re stumped on which photo to deliver, follow these two steps:

1. Which image is compositionally the cleanest? Narrow down your options to the cleanest images with well-separated subjects.

2. What story is most important for my client? Decide which image best tells the story that matters to them.

Delivering tons of photos with minor variations can overwhelm your clients and dilute your work. By being selective and thoughtful about composition and storytelling, you provide a more meaningful collection that resonates with your clients.

Why This Matters for Your Business

Let’s talk business for a hot second. Delivering thousands of photos with multiple repeats isn’t just exhausting for you to edit – it’s overwhelming for your clients too! And you know what happens when people get overwhelmed? They miss the good stuff.

By carefully selecting the best shots that tell the right story, you’re doing your clients a massive favor. You’re saving them time and energy, and ensuring they see and appreciate your best work. It’s a win-win!

Plus, think about your brand. Do you want to be known as the photographer who dumps a ton of similar shots on clients, or the one who delivers a carefully curated collection that hits all the right notes? I know which one I’d choose!

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it, friends! The secret to composition that’ll make your photos pop and your clients rave. It’s not just about following rules – it’s about telling the right story in the clearest way possible.

Remember, great composition isn’t about perfection. It’s about clarity, impact, and most importantly, storytelling. When you nail those elements, that’s when the magic happens.

Now go out there and capture some magic! And hey, if you want to dive deeper into this stuff, check out my “Definitely Documentary“ course. We go into all sorts of nerdy details about composition, storytelling, and how to really elevate your photography game.

Or, if you’re ready to take it to the next level, hop on the waitlist for Storyteller School. We’ll dig into how all this plays into your brand, your values, and even your marketing. It’s where we really get to geek out about photography!

Catch you on the flip side, shutterbugs! Here’s to telling amazing stories, one perfectly composed shot at a time.

CONNECT WITH BOBBI:

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@barbarichphoto

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Learn more about coaching and mentoring at bobbibeducation.com.