Sunday, June 26, 2011

Photography Tip: Using the Grid

In my opinion, the rule of thirds is the single most important part of composing a solid photograph.  The idea is that if you divide your frame into three sections horizontally and three sections vertically, you'll be left with a grid.  Points of interest should be placed at the intersecting points of your imaginary lines.

Here's an example using my latest photo:


Now this of course doesn't have to be exact but try to follow it as closely as possible.  You can see that I clearly intended to have the two tallest buildings anchor the image and they're anchoring the image because of where they're positioned in the frame.  Everything else just falls into place around those two points.  I'm also using lines to lead your eye through the image (notice how Park Avenue moves you all the way through to the sunset and Mt. St. Helens).  That's a different point altogether though.

You can use this with portraits as well.  Always aim to have your subject's eyes at one of the four intersecting corners.  Never put them in the center!  If anything, try to position main elements along the "thirds lines."  This holds especially true for horizons.  A dead-center horizon is a dead image.  I guarantee you'll come away with much better photographs if you use this technique.

Some cameras even have grid displays built in to the viewfinder.  If you have that option, turn it on and keep it on.  I always have mine displayed as it helps me guide my compositions and I move quicker as a result.

Saturday, June 25, 2011


I knew the skies were clear tonight so I went to my super awesome secret spot and came away with this photograph of downtown Portland.  Mount St. Helens is visible at left in the sunset and you can even make out Mount Adams to the right.  This is one heck of a view but honestly, I get nervous up in the hills.  They're prone to landslides and if an earthquake were to happen while up there, ruh roh.

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I didn't originally intend for this photograph to be a self portrait.  I set out to get a good shot of the small, rocky island directly behind me.  As you can see however, said island is rather nondescript and not capable of the wow factor.  So, I improvised.

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Friday, June 24, 2011

I love that moment when you're staring at a scene so dazzlingly enticing, you know you're coming away with an incredible photograph.  This was certainly one of those moments and I'm pretty sure I got something good. :)

Everything about this scene came together perfectly for me.  The path leading your eye through the image, toward the sunset and the wonderfully placed lighthouse.  The picnic tables, how they gently turn toward the ocean.  The trees anchoring the left side of the image.  The softness of all the colors. ... I really like this one!

Click here for the impressive story of "Terrible Tilly", the lighthouse in the distance.

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Thursday, June 23, 2011


I can see why this waterfall is among the most photographed in the Columbia River Gorge.  It's astonishingly beautiful.

Dramatic canyon walls give way to the river as Punchbowl Falls gently tumbles off a cliff, into a magnificent pool of crystal clear water.  Moss-covered boulders, smooth river stones and the inescapable allure of cascading water; the quintessence of nature's best.

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