Hello readers! I am still going through the 36-shot rolls of film. Sometimes it is hard to find time to shoot because carrying a film camera around isn’t always easy. I definitely don’t take it out if it’s raining because film cameras—or any camera, probably—do not like water! Sometimes I just have a bag or some other personal object in my hand, so stopping to put my things down while I take a photo kind of makes it a chore. And, finally, doesn’t everyone wish they had all the time in the world to engage with a fun hobby?

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

As I continue to shoot, I will try use this resource to compose my photos. Doing this will ensure that I have good variety and will help make the most of every roll. I find that as I look through my collection of past photos, I like capturing landscapes rather than an isolated subject. I think I have a good concept of the framing my shots, and I can reference a picture in my archives.

Here I am in False Creek looking towards the Granville St. Bridge in my hometown of Vancouver. Like the article suggests for framing, I think I did well here to capture objects outside the water and frame the centre of the scene, so that the viewer’s eye is drawn to the bridge as the focal point.

I think this is a good example of using the rule of thirds, which is the primary tip in the article. This rule states that a photographer should position the important elements of the shot along the lines dividing the scene in thirds (see image in article for visual of this). I love the way the clouds appear in my photo above. They define the top third of the image, leaving the outcropping of rocks to define the middle, and the waves the bottom third. Then my eye is drawn to the driftwood and the ship in between and around these natural divisions.

Another resource I found advocates for a diversity of shots. See the ‘Step 3: Take your shot!’ in this article to see what I mean. In my coming roll I want to try an example of repetition, where the whole frame is filled with a pattern. I’ve never thought to get up close and personal with a cool pattern or texture, so I’m curious to see if I can capture that well. Comment if you know some good locations in Victoria to capture and I’ll see if I can make it happen!