Last fall, we decided to shake things up and took a quick trip to Portland. Somewhere along the way, we ended up at Cannon Beach—yes, the place with that famous rock. It’s a tourist hotspot, but that particular day wasn’t exactly a postcard-perfect day. The sky was low and heavy, the vibe was gloomy, and to top it off, the rain decided to invite itself to the party—typical fall weather.
I haven’t used my Hasselblad in a while (yes, I know—shame on me), so I decided to pick it up. It was already loaded with a role of FP4 —not exactly a dream ISO for this dim, gloomy weather—but I had a couple of HP5 rolls for backup.
Now, the good thing about this weather, the beach wasn’t completely deserted, but there were just enough folks wandering around to make things interesting. A drizzly, overcast beach might not scream “photographic gold,” but I had an hour to kill and four rolls to expose (including a colour film. Yes I do colours… rarely).
This soggy little escape turned out to be the perfect playground to practice my creative muscles. Whether you’re shooting the iconic Haystack Rock, or whatever catches your eye, this experience was a reminder to think outside the box. So, with that in mind, here are some tips to help us see our subjects with fresh eyes and turn even the most ordinary scenes into more creative compositions. Nothing groundbreaking here but just a little non-exhaustive list as a reminder.
Avoid Straight-On Shots
The simplest way to make your photographs more engaging is to avoid taking a straight-on, frontal picture. Move around your subject and explore it from different angles. Walk to its side, crouch down low, or find a high vantage point. By changing your position, you can reveal unexpected textures, lighting, and relationships between your subject and its surroundings. Don’t limit yourself to eye-level shots. Get creative with your perspective.
Look Around the Subject and Experiment with Layering
A subject doesn’t exist in isolation. The area around it can add depth and context to your photograph. Look for interesting elements in the foreground, middle ground, and background. Layering your image can create a sense of depth and intrigue and introduce different stories. Use elements in the foreground to guide the viewer’s eye towards the main subject in the middle ground and add context to the background. For example, you could use driftwood or beach grass in the foreground, position people in the middle ground, and let the rock dominate the background.
Balance Your Composition
Achieving balance in your image makes it feel harmonious. Pair your main subject with something else in the frame. This “something else” could be a lone seagull pausing nearby, a cluster of shells, or even a person walking along the beach. These secondary elements can act as visual anchors and bring life to the shot.
Use Natural Frames
Nature often provides beautiful, organic frames for your subject. Look for tree branches, driftwood, or even rock formations to shoot through. For example, you might find an arch or a gap in the rocks that perfectly frames your subject. This technique adds context and directs attention to the focal point of your image.
Introduce Movement and Direction
Photographs come alive when they convey a sense of motion or direction. Include elements that show movement, like waves crashing against the rock or people walking along the beach. Consider how objects lead the viewer’s eye through the frame. Perhaps the lines of the shore or the flight of birds can guide the composition or again… driftwood.
Turn Around
Sometimes, the most interesting shot isn’t in front of you. Turn around and see what’s happening behind you or on the side of your main subject. The light, the landscape, or even the reflections on the wet sand can offer unexpected photographic opportunities.
Zoom In or Out
Experiment with how much of the subject you include in your frame. Zoom in on intricate details, like the rough texture of the rock or the ripples left by the tide. Then zoom out and capture the rock as part of a grander landscape to create a completely different mood.
Include People for Scale
Adding people to your image provides a sense of scale and relatability. A person standing next to a massive rock emphasizes the rock’s size and grandeur. It also makes your photograph feel more dynamic and introduces a different story.
Use Prime Lenses and Be Creative with Your Surroundings
Prime lenses are a great tool for photography because they encourage you to move around and actively compose your shot. A zoom lens might tempt you to stay static, but with a prime lens, your feet become a big part of your toolkit. Explore the beach, bend down, climb, and keep your eyes open for opportunities you might have overlooked, plus you will reach your 10,000 steps in no time. You are welcome!
There’s always more you can do to make your compositions stand out, and countless articles and books dive deep into these topics. I thought I’d bring some of those tips by sharing my own experience from a rainy fall day in 2024 at Cannon Beach. Got your own stories and tips? Drop them in the comments below—I’d love to hear them!
