Photo: Gerry van der Walt
I’ve been on a mission to be less rigid in my compositions. To let loose. To let go of my anal (type A) everything-has-to-be-perfect default setting. I want to let my creativity flow; I want to take chances. As with most things, however, it’s so much easier said than done.
Perhaps it’s because of this mission that the image above by wildlife photographer Gerry van der Walt captured my attention. How unexpected! How nutty! How delightful!
Gerry could have captured these crested crown cranes in a wide shot showcasing both birds on the branch in a classic portrait—a perfectly reasonable approach. But instead he chose to zoom in close, to create an image that is whimsical and quirky, not unlike the birds themselves.
I love it. Verticals. Diagonals. Circles.
I never would have thought of it, which is partly why I love it.
It made me think.
It made me wonder how I could have composed my photos differently on my recent trip to Africa. It made me want to jump on a plane with my camera and start my trip over.
It will inspire me to think differently when I shoot in New York this week.
What do you think if this image?
Categories: Photos I Wish I Had Taken
I love the framing on this photo it is different and looking at things from a different point of view, which I think is a good way to change things up every now and then.
Also I was just wondering if you talk to the photographers first before you post their photos and give them credit or do you just post them and give them credit? I am just curious as I hope to be traveling one day and taking gorgeous photos like this people that you post about and your very enchanting photos as well.
Hi- I agree and it’s one of the reasons I love the image.
I don’t ask first but make sure that credit for the photos are always given up front so that there is no confusion.
It’s a great photo and your point is well taken. Occasionally we need to stop ourselves and ask: “how could I do this differently?” So easy to say, so hard to do.
SO hard to do… 🙂
My thoughts exactly Lyle.. for me, it’s the poster child for that thought. 🙂
I like that photo. It’s a great reminder to keep looking for the unusual perspectives. Thx.
I love it! It’s not so easy to break a pattern. While on safari I so focus on the wildlife I forget the landscapes. When you get ready to hop a plane to South Africa, let me know because I’m more than ready to return.
I’m always ready to go back to Africa!
It looks like a geometrical painting. Very well captured 🙂