Lindy Low LeCoq

Although I have known about the rule of thirds most of my adult life, I admit that when I take a photograph I’m usually “in the moment” and do not stop to determine if I have the image as I would want it if I wasn’t able to change it afterwards.

The pair of Purple Finch (Carpodacus purpureus) above is an example. With birds, there is no telling when they are going to fly off, so getting a focused shot is more important than framing! In cropping the original, I centered the left vertical line through the male finch’s eye. He fills the upper left quadrant, while the female balances him in the lower right quadrant.

As she introduced this challenge, Tina introduced me to a new perspective. “Another approach to composing is a “Z” configuration – structuring your image so that the viewer’s eye is moving from left to right.” The above silhouette of a Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) perched on a snag with the ocean breakers rolling towards the beach fits that form to a Z!

Part of the drama in the above photo is this young Mule Deer’s glance across the trail to where its mother had dashed when she saw me. To frame it, I centered the right vertical line on the young deer’s left eye, and the lower horizontal line on its under-belly. This firmly grounds the deer while also providing plenty of context about where we are.

When I snapped the photo above, my main goal was to get a clear enough shot that I’d be able to identify the species; Wilson’s Snipe (Gallinago delicata), foraging along the shoreline near the close of day. Framing this find was simple. Center front – bird and shadow – light and movement.

And sometimes the subject takes center stage – all alone – right where it belongs!

In whatever quadrant, vertical or horizontal line you find yourself, please honor our earth, be kind and stay safe.🐾