I suspect that 98% of the travel images in the world are taken straight on with one subject in the frame. That is fine if there is a compelling reason to do so–the expression is remarkable, the action compelling, the light god-like radiant, or it just had to be composed that way.
I have done my share of straight-on shooting. Most of the time I was just being lazy or bereft of vision. Or, maybe I was just having a good time walking down the streets of India, Vietnam, New York or anywhere with my camera. An interesting person, or a pretty door, or a splash of color does not insure a great photograph of these subjects. So, I better have an inarguable reason when I choose one of these images as a select!
Fortunately, when I get to a situation that beckons to me as a photographer I can often pull myself together, back away from the straight-on shot, and elevate my creativity.
Here’s an example of an extremely interesting person that first I photographed as a straight on head shot. It is okay, not terrible, but certainly not exciting.
I rethought the situation and MOVED and looked for more texture, depth and expression. It is still straight-on but now there is a reason.
© nevada wier Myanmar, Chin State
It meant changing my perspective (the physical distance and angle from myself to the subject). Moving is one of the best ways to become a better photographer (especially if you are using a mid-range lens).
Last year I was in Mongolia photographing the Kazakh eagle hunters. I often take this kind of image so that the person gets used to having me photograph them, or so I can send back a print I think they might like. But then, at the end of the edit they usually end up in the trash.
In this composition there is a clump of horses in the background, the horizon is in the middle of the frame, and there is empty space that has no purpose. It is just another boring shot of an interesting person.
Since everything has to matter in a frame, I moved right under the eagle, and laid down on the ground, in order to shoot up at the sky. It almost looks like the eagle wants to swoop down and eat me (maybe it did!).
© nevada wier Mongolia. Far west.
I am always looking for an interesting angle. Not long ago I was in Southern India. It is so easy to photograph in India that I feel I have to work extra hard to create a compelling image! I had a wonderful encounter with some pilgrims at the lovely Meenakshi Sundareswarar Thirukoil Temple.
© nevada wier India. Madurai.
I knelt down with my wide angle lens, exposed for the sky (I often work on manual mode), and added a touch of flash. (I will discuss my use of wide angles and fill flash in future posts). I think you can now image that a straight-on shot would be rather mundane in comparison.
So take your straight-on “insurance” shot — then think, feel, and move!
Nevada Wier Photography 
25 comments
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September 20, 2009 at 5:47 pm
nevada wier
Sue: I have been wearing contacts since I was thirteen. (I’m at the end of the gene pool when it comes to eyes!). When I began losing my close vision, I quickly figured out that using those squinty glasses was not going to work! I had resisted going mono vision but realized it is the only way. I am left eye dominant so my left eye is far, my right eye is adjusted exactly for my computer screen. And, I can easily ready closer and a bit farther. The only time it feels peculiar is in a large store, like a grocery store, because there an onslaught of close, mid, and far distance. Otherwise, I got used to it pretty quickly. Of course, I had to, so that was incentive. Tri-focals would be hard for the curious photographer. Cheers! nevada
September 15, 2009 at 5:41 pm
Robert Cowan
– I just wanted to say “Thank You” and “Thank You”
– The first is for putting up some great blog content. Solid advice and super examples for us “visual learners.”
– The second is for your thoughtful responses to the various comments that have been posted here. You go beyond “Good point!” and actually provide additional information and perspectives. To me, the mark of a true professional (regardless of field) is one that is so passionate about their craft they open their heads and hearts to all those that share that passion. While many may claim that status, the proof is in one’s actions and your blog demonstrates not only an extraordinary commitment to the field, but also a true desire to help the rest of us achieve our own “personal best” when we prepare to press that shutter button!
– Again, “Thank You” / “Thank You”
September 18, 2009 at 9:49 pm
nevada wier
I am actually enjoying responding to the responses as much as writing the original blog post. However, very few people see them. It is a conundrum in blogs. I notice in Facebook that everyone who responds immediately gets the follow up but that is not true in blogs (or at least not for WordPress blogs). Nevertheless, if someone replies to my words, then I am compelled to reply back. It becomes very personal … in a virtual-kind-of-way but … still personal. Thanks so much Bob.
September 15, 2009 at 5:16 pm
Juan C Aguero
Hello Nevada. I am learning of his experiences, thank you.
September 15, 2009 at 1:48 pm
cathy scholl
Nevada,
You are absolutely correct. I am working on getting my website selects together and am cringing as I see how many of these type shots (the before ones, not the afters) I have. I’ve been trying to wean myself off of them for quite a while now. It requires effort to break the habit…or I should say to develop a better habit :))
You’re probably right about 98%. It is amazing to see how much “Straight On” photography is being shown on the websites and blogs of travel photographers these days.
September 15, 2009 at 3:46 pm
nevada wier
Hi Cathy: We all take these kind of shots. I consider them “warm-ups” to the next level. I believe we are judged by our worst image. It is better to put too few rather than too many on a website.
Excelsior!
nevada
September 14, 2009 at 7:54 pm
Dennis Lenehan
Nevada,
The “this was what was going on in my head when and just before I got this great image” has a lot of value for me. Give me more. Please.
Dennis
September 14, 2009 at 8:07 pm
nevada wier
Ah, thanks for the push. Honestly, sometimes it is hard to know exactly what is going through my head because I respond very viscerally these days. I used to be much more analytical in my approach. I suppose that is a result of experience and being comfortable with my equipment.
Recently I went to my eye doctor for new contacts and a set of emergency glasses (there is a point to all of this so hang with me). My contacts are mono vision, left is far, right is computer/car dashboard distance. They wanted to give me tri-focals for my glasses and I said NO NO NO “they drive me crazy”! When I told the technician I was a photographer and that my eyeball was constantly in motion while I was looking, she, sagely, understood. Tri-focals require you to move your head up and down to see at different distances, but I need to stay still and look all around.
So the point is that I look close, far, mid, close, far, mid … ALL the Time and then make judgments as to what is important in the frame, because (sing it now) everything has to matter.
and I always assume that my first inclination is boring (of course, because very few people have immediate creative ideas) and I know that I HAVE to push it.
Plus, most importantly, if I have an interesting subject, then I immediately ask myself “what is the problem”. Oh … boring background, pole through the head, contrasty light.
The problems can kill an image.
I could go on (as you well know) but that is enough… for now.
nv
September 18, 2009 at 7:02 pm
Sue Reynolds
Nevada,
Great post about going past the first impulse to photograph the obvious shot. I also find your description of how your eyes move — close, far, mid, repeat — really great. That constant changing one’s viewpoint of the depth of a scene to find a unique, powerful image, in addition to moving all over the place, is really helpful.
Now, I’m wondering a bit about your aversion to trifocals. I’ve successfully photographed with them for about a decade. But, I have a sore neck! My eye doc said it’s hard to adjust to the mono vision contacts, but maybe they’re worth a try…
Please keep inspiring us with your great blog work. And the images.
Sue
September 14, 2009 at 11:01 am
Straight On! I suggest not. – Nevada Weir @ Photo News Today
[…] Source and Read More: nevadaweir.wordpress.com […]
September 13, 2009 at 5:59 pm
Craig Ferguson (@cfimages)
Stick me firmly in the camp of people who try to not use straight-on flash. About the only time I use it is when shooting news, protest type stuff and everything is moving too quickly. Even then, it’s an expose for sky/flash for fill type usage, not straight out blasting away.
Even getting the flash an arm’s length away can work wonders. I always carry a Canon ST-E2 for just that purpose. I believe it’s even easier for Nikon users.
September 14, 2009 at 12:15 pm
nevada wier
When I grow another arm I will use straight-on flash less (I would love to be Shiva) but for now… I am stuck with it on the camera most of the time. But, I am mostly working in situations that come at me quickly. Otherwise, I’m with you mate! nv
September 13, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Robert Cowan
Fantastic! What I liked were the specific “before/after” examples. This visual demonstration really drives home the point that point-of-view can dramatically change the visual impact. For me, the lesson is “go ahead and take that straight-on shot is case you don’t get another chance, but don’t turn off your mind and camera as soon as the shutter is pushed… Continue to look for the real emotional hook that is waiting for you to reveal!”
Thanks, again!
September 14, 2009 at 12:18 pm
nevada wier
The hardest part is remembering to keep “before” images for teaching and blogging. I just want them out of my sight!
And, you are absolutely right that it is important to go beyond one’s first inclination after the “insurance shot”.
Excelsior! nv
September 13, 2009 at 2:26 pm
Mark Peterson
Great article, Nevada – thanks! My sense is that for many photographers, it’s often intimidating to interact with a subject – especially one with whom we don’t share common language, culture – to the degree that we’re asking them to pose beyond what may take them just a moment or so, or to “ham it up” a bit for the camera. Thus it’s simply more convenient and “safer” to simply ask them to stand there, as they’ve likely done before.
Of course, comfort with the interaction comes with experience. And as your article and images clearly show, if we want ‘photographs’ rather than mere ‘record shots’ the value of this additional interaction is clear! Perhaps a future article on techniques to put one’s subjects (and one’s self) at ease in these situations? Thanks again!
September 14, 2009 at 12:20 pm
nevada wier
Mark: Yes, it is intimidating for many people to come in and relate. The wide-angle forces me to do this. Good idea, I will write about this at some point … although it would be a LONG blog post! In the meantime just approach someone as you would like to be approached, with respect and good intentions. Also, photographing people usually has very little to do with the subject, it mainly has to do with your own psychology.
Anon! nv
September 13, 2009 at 2:06 pm
janet
Nevada,
Thanks for the reminder, going back to my thailand and tuscany images for a second look. I hear your voice in the whispering to me…consider all four corners of the frame, get in close, shoot off center, no more straight on..You help make us all so much more aware, and please know that we are listening. Great blog. I refer to it all the time. Thank you for sharing.
September 14, 2009 at 12:21 pm
nevada wier
Thanks Janet: I love it that I’m whispering in your ear! nv
September 13, 2009 at 1:54 pm
Mike Walker
Ouch. I JUST posted a batch of almost exclusively straight-on shots from Peru, so I found your blog post very useful (if mildly disheartening!).
I love the temple shot in India, which you note was shot in manual mode. Had I been shooting in manual, by the time I had set up the shot half those folks would have walked away and the other half would have been scowling instead of smiling!
September 14, 2009 at 12:24 pm
nevada wier
You are too funny Mike! I started photographing in manual mode … of course there wasn’t any other choice besides wicked Program in the older cameras. I gradually switched over to Shutter Priority but still find that switching to Manual is far easier in some situations than holding down all sorts of buttons to hold exposure, etc. nv
September 13, 2009 at 1:32 pm
Jeffrey Chapman
The comparisons for the first two really show the importance of moving around to find a more interesting perspective.
September 14, 2009 at 12:25 pm
nevada wier
William Neill recently posted on Facebook:
I was asked in an interview recently what special tools I would recommend to photographers and I quipped, “Their feet!””
September 15, 2009 at 9:13 pm
Jeffrey Chapman
That is sage advice.
September 13, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Luiz Ramos
Beautiful shots. Thanks for share your experience.
Luiz Ramos
September 14, 2009 at 7:56 pm
nevada wier
Thanks Luiz, I appreciate your support. nv