When confronted with such a recognizable landmark such as Half Dome, most photographers are anxious to get the definitive picture. There are two approaches to this task. One, which is not recommended and sometimes scorned by more experienced shooters, is called “Spray and pray” which refers to taking many, many photographs from all different angles and places hoping that the ideal picture will appear somewhere in the grouping.
A more polished method would encourage the photographer to carefully study the scene, understand models of composition and choose their captures selectively. I try to embody the more conservative, polished method. While using this approach, I attempted to compose a vertical shot (above) as opposed to YOY Day 196 which was horizontal. I also wanted to include more of the foreground to use as a leading line drawing the eye towards Half Dome.
I normally prefer a horizontal landscape as opposed to a vertical, but I do find the composition above interesting and at least partially successful. NOTE – The light was changing quickly as the angle of the sun was becoming sharper.
What are your thoughts? (Leave them in a comment)
Do you have a question about our visit to Yosemite? Ask it in the comment section.
*All photographs Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross with all rights reserved.
See previous Year of Yosemite (YOY) posts HERE. If you want to read the introduction to the YOY series, CLICK HERE.
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Meta Data – Day 197 YOY – Year of Yosemite
File Name: 0280.NEF
Capture time: 7:07:13 PM
Capture date: June 7, 2016
Exposure: 1/15 sec @ f/14
Focal Length: 20mm
ISO 100
Nikon D3300
