Reframing the Scene: Why Less is Often More

This shot takes me back to a trip Kevin and I took to Grand Teton National Park in 2013. We were watching a storm roll in, and I spotted this beautiful stand of trees. I knew if the sun could just peek through those heavy clouds, the contrast against that moody, dark sky would be incredible.

Photography is often a waiting game, and we got lucky. In these situations, the "light show" usually only lasts for a few seconds, so you’ve got to be ready to click that shutter the moment it hits.

The Shift in Perspective

At first, I captured a group of four trees as the light broke through. It was a solid shot, but something felt like it could be tighter. I swapped to my 70-200mm lens to isolate just three of the trees instead.

The result? I liked the composition of the three trees much better. Plus, the sun decided to play along and hit the second frame with even more intensity, making those autumn colors absolutely pop against the dark backdrop.

My Pro Tip for Your Next Adventure

Whether you’re out in the middle of nature or wandering city streets, don't just "get the shot" and leave.

• Play with focal lengths: Try isolating subjects to see if a tighter crop tells a better story.

• Move your feet: Sometimes stepping just a few feet to the left or right completely changes the perspective.

• Wait for the light: If you find a great subject but the light is "meh," try coming back at a different time of day.

You might not visit these places twice, so make the most of the moment while you're there!

"What’s your go-to lens when you want to simplify a busy landscape? Do you prefer a wide-angle to capture it all, or a telephoto to pick out the details? Let me know in the comments!"