June 7, 2013

A Personal Photo Challenge - Composition Variations


It’s time for A Personal Photo Challenge! “Composition Variations” is the theme this month.


After several years of practice, I routinely change up my compositions of a subject without even thinking about it much. When I am doing landscape photography, in particular, I go into an autopilot mode. I size up a scene before taking the first shot. I also take special note of where my feet are planted and mentally note any barriers and potential obstacles before I start moving around. If the scenery is particularly captivating, I can take dozens of photos in a relatively small area. I pace off in various directions to try different compositions, vary the focal distance (thanks to a zoom lens), and switch between landscape and vertical framing in the viewfinder.

Our recent trip to southern Utah provided me many opportunities to varying my compositions. I’m sharing a total of five images with you for this challenge. I went over my own instructions for three photos, so please forgive me, LOL! I took about 30 photos in this area, all within less than 15 minutes.

A landmark that caught our eye for a photo shoot was Navajo Dome in Capitol Reef National Park, a prominent knob of creamy white sandstone.



f/10, 1/320 second, ISO 400, 42mm focal length

After taking a few shots of this vantage point, I decided to focus in on the rock cliff formation to the right of the dome.



f/11, 1/200 second, ISO 400, 28mm focal length


f/11, 1/200 second, ISO 400, 40mm focal length

I then explored a little bit further and discovered the Fremont River on the other side of the shrubbery, carving a path along a rock cliff face.


f/16, 1/100 second, ISO 400, 28mm focal length

And of course, I couldn’t resist taking a photo in the opposite direction either!


f/16, 1/125 second, ISO 400, 36mm focal length

Now that you’ve seen my photos and read my post, I hope you will visit A Personal Photo Challenge blog and check out the creative efforts of other participants. Thank you so much!

18 comments:

  1. Nice composition and beautiful! I need to visit there some time.

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  2. Beautiful scenery and photos Donna. Thanks for the challenge this month. I do enjoy taking various photos of a thing at different distances and angles. Have a lovely weekend. Pamela

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  3. It takes a bit of hiking to get photos from different perspectives! Beautiful! And such amazing scenery. Some of these photos almost look 3 D on my computer! WOW! Nice job for this challenge! I'm joining in! Sweet hugs!

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  4. Each one is terrific so it's not a matter of looking for the best photo. It's a matter of capturing the sense of place, which you did so well. Thanks for hosting and providing lessons, too.

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  5. Hello Donna
    The Navajo Dome is quite the creation from nature; I can visually ghost dancing high up on the formation.
    Walking around the whole area has given some interesting perspective, right down to discovering the river.
    I was giving my daughter who is a police photographer a bit of a tour of your blog and she was quite impressed. She's promised to help me master my Canon since the booklet wasn't much help and then I can really get in to the nitty gritty.
    Judith

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  6. It felt as if I was right there beside you! Loved knowing a few more of your 'secrets', my friend.
    ~Adrienne~

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  7. Wonderful photos and it looks like you did a bit of walking over rough terrain to accomplish it. The sky is an amazingly deep blue! Thanks for hosting and I enjoyed joining in.

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  8. Goodness!! These are wonderful Donna! That was quite the hike!!
    Beautiful country!
    Hughugs

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  9. Beautiful photos from the Capitol Reef, Donna.. It is a great place for a photographer... Thanks for sharing.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  10. I am delighted that you used more than three photos! My own philosophy of photography is "Take a gazillion picture and maybe SOMEthing will turn out well!" :)

    I will try to visit more of your participants tomorrow...maybe I'll be inspired to join the challenge myself next month!

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  11. Donna
    All of your careful planning turned out the most amazing photos.
    I appreciate you sharing your travels with us!

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  12. This could explain why I could never be a serious photographer. Too much thinking involved.....lol You however do a superior job and these are stunning

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  13. Oh, these are incredible, Donna. So very beautiful.
    *I am a complete loser in this one.) LOL

    xoxo

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  14. Well done Donna. Thanks for the adventure, I loved those mountain views.

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  15. As beautiful as these photos are, there's nothing quite like the real deal. So glad you got to explore a beautiful part of my state.

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  16. Speechless...I dream of going to Utah! Wonderful post and excellent photos!

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  17. Love these variations. Great information! Thanks.

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Marty, here! Donna loves comments, and I faithfully pass them on to her. Thank you so much for visiting!