What I love about photography is there are SO many aspects to making a picture interesting. The subjects and location usually make the biggest difference. After that you add in props and clothing, posing, lighting, editing, photography style and more! Each of these things contribute to taking an incredible photo. One of my FAVORITE ways to tell different stories is through composition. The posing, setting, lighting and everything else can stay the same while you make the photo tell a completely different story! Composition is “the artistic arrangement of the parts of a picture.” Simply by moving your feet you can change the meaning and feeling of a photo.

A good photograph is knowing where to stand. – Ansel Adams

My two favorite ways to tell stories is through “Negative Space” and “Filling the Frame.” While they are completely opposite compositional rules, they both tell powerful stories. Negative space lets the viewer in on the environment. It can also make the subjects look like the only thing that matters in the story. Filling the frame focuses in on the subject and tells stories of moments and expressions. Using these two compositional rules hand in hand allows you to capture multiple perspectives.

Without changing much posing, lighting or location I experimented with using these rules together. The results are so many different stories and memories captured for these mommas.

This week, I challenge you to use two composition rules on the same story! Don’t change anything except where YOU are standing.

If you need help knowing what compositional rules to use, check out my brand new composition guide in the shop.

Composition Guide found here in Nitty Gritty Class

blankets: Mebie Baby

Kylee Maughan

Kylee Ann Maughan is a family and international brand photographer based in small-town Northern Utah. She has been a business owner for 13.5 years, and also runs a successful and award-winning associate team. Kylee hosts semi-annual retreats, speaks at conferences and teaches online courses about running a small business and marketing. Her niche in coaching is helping moms turn their passion into profit, while being the mom they dream of. 

kyleeannphotography.com/kylee