Bracketing is not just for exposure. Bracketing composition can help you capture better photographs. Whenever I come across an interesting scene in great light, I not only bracket for exposure, but I also bracket for the composition.

What do I mean by, “bracketing composition”? I move around the subject and take photos from different angles and different perspectives. I change lens focal lengths. I move in close for the detail shot and I back up for the wide view. I try a ground level perspective, or hold the camera over my head for a high angle of view.

Don’t forget to turn your camera and take vertical images. When is the best time to take a vertical image? Answer, right after a horizontal of course. Capturing vertical images sets your photographs apart. How many horizontal images versus vertical images have you seen on sites like Flickr?  If you ever want to sell images for editorial cover use, vertical images sell much better.

Bracketing can also ensure that you are able to capture the right moment in time.  For instance, when the clouds are in the right position, or the person you’re photographing has the perfect expression, or the wind stops blowing long enough to freeze the subjects motion. Their are lots of instances where bracketing will help to capture the best moment for your photograph.

It’s not often you  come across a great scene in nice light. When it does happen take advantage of the situation and spend a little extra time bracketing, not only your exposure, but also your composition, to make sure you’ve got it, “in the bag”.

The photos below were taken down the street from where I live on the Albemarle sound of an Osprey nest at sunset. I wasn’t satisfied with one shot. It was good light and a nice subject so I bracketed my composition. Now instead of having only one “keeper” photograph, I have a few.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and look at my photos.

Dan Waters

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