The NUMBER ONE SKILL of PRO photographers! How to think in 3 dimensions!

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through thinking in three dimensions to enhance your photography skills, as shared by professional photographer Simon d'Entremont. Understanding three-dimensional space can significantly improve your composition and depth in photographs.

Step 1: Understand the Three-Dimensional Space

• Visualizing Depth: Recognize that every scene has height, width, and depth. Practice visualizing how objects relate to one another in space.
• Use Leading Lines: Incorporate lines in your composition that guide the viewer’s eye through the photo. This creates a sense of depth.
• Foreground, Midground, Background: Divide your scene into these three layers. Place interesting elements in each layer to create depth.

Step 2: Utilize Perspective

• Change Your Angle: Experiment with different shooting angles to see how they affect the perception of space. Shooting from a low angle can make subjects appear larger and more imposing.
• Use Wide-Angle Lenses: A wide-angle lens can enhance the sense of depth in your photos by capturing more of the scene in the foreground.
• Focus on the Horizon: Pay attention to where the horizon lies in your frame. A high horizon can create a sense of vastness, while a low horizon emphasizes foreground details.

Step 3: Mastering Composition Techniques

• Rule of Thirds: Place key elements along the thirds of your frame to lead the viewer's eye and enhance depth.
• Overlapping Elements: Position objects so that they overlap, which helps to create a sense of layers and dimension in your images.
• Framing: Use natural frames like doorways or branches to draw attention to your subject and create depth.

Step 4: Experiment with Lighting

• Backlighting: Use light coming from behind your subject to add depth and interest. This can create a halo effect and separate the subject from the background.
• Shadows and Highlights: Pay attention to shadows and highlights, as they can add dimensionality to your images. Compare shooting at different times of day for varying light effects.

Step 5: Post-Processing Techniques

• Software Tools: Utilize software like Topaz Labs for noise reduction and sharpening images. This helps to enhance the three-dimensional feel in your photos.
• Adjusting Depth of Field: Use aperture settings to control depth of field. A shallow depth of field can isolate your subject from the background, creating more focus and dimension.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can improve your ability to think in three dimensions, ultimately enhancing your photography. Experiment with different techniques and perspectives, and practice regularly to develop your skills. Consider signing up for courses or resources that can further your learning, such as Simon d'Entremont's wildlife photography course. Happy shooting!