Travel Photographer of the Year Reveals Composition Tips

How to compose award-winning photographs with Bob Holmes.

When it comes to composing the perfect shot, Award-Winning Photographer Bob Holmes said, “You’ve got to be there.”  Marc Silber’s Advancing Your Photography Show, had the opportunity to sit down with Bob fresh off his trip to Cuba. Bob showcased some of his latest pictures in our videos, Composition Pt. I & II.

In the following video, Bob dives deep into the art of composition, specifically in travel photography. There’s no shortage of great advice and visuals in these videos. To learn how to compose compelling shots feel free to check out Photo Composition Tips Part Two from Bob Holmes.

What You’ll Find Inside:

Bob hits on the keys to great composition in this video. Some of the main points are:

  • You’ve just got to be there. In order to get the “perfect” shot, you need to wait. And wait some more. The picture will present itself to you.
    • For example, in order to capture this photograph below, Bob said it took 100 percent of his concentration for at least 30 minutes.
composition tips

Early morning commuters carrying their lunch pails across U Bein Bridge near Mandalay in Myanmar

  • Be prepared to get that “perfect shot.” Know your equipment.
  • How to see/use horizontal lines and symmetry
  • Using colors to compose picture
  • How to punctuate your pictures
  • The keys to capturing portraits
  • Why gesture is important (And goes hand in hand with punctuation)
  • TELL A STORY!
  • Change your viewpoint (What angle tells the story best?)
  • Immerse yourself in different media
  • BE PASSIONATE.

MORE about Compositions Tips:
If you missed Composition Pt. I, have a look at Photo Composition Tips from Bob Holmes – Composition in Travel Photos. For more videos with Bob Holmes, check out Marc Silber’s Advancing Your Photography Show.