Introduction

Have you ever looked at a “Where’s Waldo” book? Likely you have. Why is it so hard to find Waldo? It’s because he is in the midst of a very busy environment. Let’s say the “Where’s Waldo” company decided to change their business philosophy and their books featured Waldo standing in front of a beautiful mountain giving his best “GQ” look. They would go out of business wouldn’t they? That’s because you know exactly where you are supposed to look.

 

Basic Concept

 

How does this relate to photography? This is actually the number one thing (in my mind) that distinguished the professionals from the amateurs. Amateur photographers shoot "Where's Waldo" type pictures. We don’t want people to look at our pictures and say, “What am I supposed to be looking at?” Look at the picture on the left. This picture is hardly interesting because we're not sure if the photographer was trying to take a picture of the guy holding the baby, the other guy bending over to pick up his kid, the woman on the right. Who knows? So that means we're left trying to find "Waldo."

 

 

            How do we make it clear what is supposed to be looked at? It all has to do with how you frame it. The best thing to do is to make sure your subject fills the entire frame. Observe the picture on the right. It is far more interesting than the picture before. Why? Because you know what to look at.

 

So here's what you do. When you are setting up your picture, look at what is at the top of your picture, the sides of your picture, and below. Make sure there's no extra space. Turn your camera vertical if you must. By doing that, you will convey your message to those who see your picture. Happy shooting!