I recently had the thrill of a life time snapping night photos under the northern lights, it was amazing. On that warm fall night the skies where lite up dancing across the horizon in green yellow and red. It was amazing to experience and a bonus to photograph. Did I say it was amazing yet. I will admit it was a challenge to use these same skills looking thru the viewfinder at 2am under the aurora and stars. These composition tips can make a difference when it's a once in a life time photo-op.

see more northern lights photos here

• Learn about “Training Your Eye” to recognize how to create an interesting photo

• It’s all about composition and how using simple geometry can help make it more interesting

• How you frame or compose the scene is an important factor when it comes to creating an appealing photo
  Just because you point your camera at Lake Louis Banff doesn’t guarantee a “WoW” shot."

Use a Few Simple Techniques to Help you Shoot like a Pro

• Using the “Rule of 3rds” is a sure fire way to give your photos instant appeal

• It’s an easy visualization aide you can use to help align composition

• While looking thru the viewfinder many cameras have an X’s and O’s type game grid pattern over the viewfinder

• Use these grid lines to help compose your horizon and foreground. If you don’t have the grid you can visualize these lines as you look thru your viewfinder

• It is also important to have a level photo, use these same lines to help keep your photos straight by lining up the left and right corners of the grid lines with the horizon  or foreground it has an appealing affect on first impressions

Recommended Reading:

• The Complete Photo Manual: 300+ Skills and Tips for Making Great Pictures
• 50 Photo Projects - Ideas to Kickstart Your Photography
• Photo Op: 52 Inspirational Projects for the Adventurous Image-maker
• Composition: From Snapshots to Great Shots
• Digital Camera Tricks and Special Effects 101: Creative Techniques for Shooting and Image Editing
• 50 Fast Digital Camera Techniques 

The way you Compose your Scene can Make or Break the Shot

• Roll your mouse over the image to see how the rule of 3rds can make a difference

Example #1 the horizon is placed in the top 3^rd of the grid

Example #2 the horizon is placed in the bottom 3rd of the grid

First Impression is Everything - "Rule of 3rds" Works

• It's more appealing to the eye

• The viewer isn't wondering about what got cut off above or below

• Creates balance

Sometimes you need to "Break the Rules"

• Place your subject outside of the grid lines

• It can create interest with a unique perspective

Example #3 Exceptions to the Rule

Use your Creative Eye to Break the Rules

• Water scenes where you capture a mirror image reflection

• When the moon and star, fireworks or clouds are the main interest in the sky

• Or when you want your kayak nose in the shot

Put these Simple Tips to Use

• When I am out shooting I use the rule of thirds but I will evaluate the scene for a complimentary perspective, then I will use the grid for composition but maybe a little above or a little below the 1/3 lines..... whatever works best
  to create interest

• Get out there and practice, it helps train the eye into looking for interesting compositions

• Review your photos to see what worked and what didn't for the next shoot