Composition Field Shoot In Baltimore’s Harbor Area

The composition of a photograph is the single most important element a photographer uses to convey an artistic statement.  What’s included, excluded and the arrangement of elements within the frame is all part of composition.  

In this field shoot class, you will learn techniques to improve a photograph’s composition in Baltimore’s iconic harbor area. We’ll have expansive views of the harbor and see weathered industrial machinery. On the water, we should see sailboats, tugboats, and cargo ships gliding by as they go about their daily work.

In addition to the waterfront views, we’ll take a short walk around a quiet and safe classic Baltimore neighborhood very close to the harbor. You’ll photograph the classic white marble steps, black wrought iron, and red brick row houses that give Baltimore its unique ambiance.

We’ll be shooting during the late afternoon light as well as a bit after sunset so we’ll capture beautiful shots of the lit harbor scenes against a beautiful blue twilight sky.  

Topics include:

• Telling a story with strong composition
• Eliminating distracting elements
• Layering elements within the frame
• Choosing format of horizontal vs vertical
• Accentuate your style with stronger composition

Although any camera will do, for best results we recommend a DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual exposure controls. Lenses in the range of 18-200mm will work well.

Optional equipment:

• Tripod with remote trigger (or camera self-timer). If not tripod you'll work with high ISOs during the twilight time.
• Circular Polarizer filter
• Neutral Density filter(s)