Why doesn't my PHOTO look GOOD? An honest composition review

Composition is always a challenging part of photography. I share the techniques I use and review photos that worked and didn't worked recently.
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Great ultra-wide angle lens - Nikon 14-30mm f/4 - geni.us/1430mm
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Amazing Bokeh - Sigma 24mm f1.4 geni.us/Sigma24
Astro lens - Samyang 14mm F2.4 - geni.us/samyang14mm
Very long lens - Nikon 500mm F5.6 - geni.us/nikon500mm
FILM GEAR
Nikon Z6 - geni.us/z6nikon
Main film lens - 24mm f1.8 Z - geni.us/nikon24mm
Fujifilm X-T3 - geni.us/fujifilmxt3
Awesome Bokeh - Fuji XF35mm F2 - geni.us/fuji35f2
OTHER PHOTO GEAR
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Screw on ND filter - geni.us/polarproND
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[@cosmicfoxglove1047]

Seeing what doesn't work in a composition helps me see what does work, a lot more than just seeing a photographer's good photos.

[@grumpyparrotphotography]

Yes, exactly. I couldn't agree more. Thanks to Mr. Danson for taking this approach.

[@jeffreysproule]

That's so true, it's nice when photographers don't just show their good photos.

[@mlibrarianus]

Definitely agree with you on that. Also helps beginners like me to hear that pros don't always get the perfect shot all the time.

[@rachaelmay9160]

Totally agree. It’s also inspiring in a way, to know that oh, yeah...most shots don’t work!

[@StuWright]

its just his opinion though someone else could take what he`d call a bad composition and still sell it.....

[@royhakala7999]

Interesting that your discussion was on balance, separation, distractions, shapes, color,, and not rule of thirds, golden ratio, and the other old tired rules. I appreciate that.

[@ThomasParis]

On a workshop, I learned that the while the rule of thirds might be useful to learn to stand away from bull's eye composition, what actually really does matter is balance. Even most examples given to support the "rule of thirds" actually don't support it, with strong elements not on a third. Not to mention the golden ratio, with examples that are even bigger approximations... Balance has become my "rule".

[@petermillar24]

Yeah, but you got to get to the point where the golden ratio etc. become tired. I wouldn't recommend people skip that stuff when learning.

[@daveeagle1559]

Thats something I picked up on, that and Visual Weight (part of balance I suppose), so much more useful thought process to help you decompose/deconstruct a composition rather than structural considerations like rule of thirds which you might use to assemble/build a composition.

[@ThomasParis]

@@daveeagle1559 yep, I would include visual weight in what I call balance. The position of the element in the composition changes its visual weight, even if you don't change its actual size. So you might need something smaller or bigger or placed differently in the composition to balance it.

[@LockJawCouchFace]

I mean you’ll also notice that many of these photos follow the rule of thirds by default. The balance is then factored in around the rule to make the rest of the image work, but the rules often still provide the backbone.

[@bradw7084]

It's the detail that photography requires you to see that makes it such a great hobby. It slows you down & gets you to really see. Then, if you're lucky, something unexpected may happen too. The photo is just a record of the experience, which is the real gift.

[@samuelgazdacko4705]

beautifully written

[@cwitt8280]

So true!

[@jakemcavoy2554]

Beautifully said!

[@vittoriaossanna6109]

What I mostly appreciate about your videos is that not only you explain why a composition works, but you also go through shots that you weren't satisfied with. Keep that going, it really helps a lot

[@andyprime56]

Being true to yourself and critical of your own work is a gift which is too often never explored. Kudos to you Nigel, executed flawlessly.

[@stevewickmagician]

It's always refreshing to understand why some compositions don't work instead of just learning why the good ones do work. Thanks for sharing Nigel lots of food for thought in this video

[@GreatWestGarage]

Love this as always. My wife was like, "is it over already". We enjoy are Sunday morning coffee and video with Nigel time.

[@NigelDanson]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@montisphotography]

I love how hard you are on yourself, some of these photos that didn't work for you are amazing. but that's why you're so good because you don't settle

[@ayasmus]

Seeing your thought process is really opened my eyes. I was wondering what's wrong about a photo I took, there was something bothering me. Now I am able to analyze better. Cheers Nigel.

[@billkipper3264]

Funny that you called the one photo "The Fennell Family" with the description of the toddler, teenagers and mom and dad because as soon as I saw it my first thought was that they were Ents.

[@van_creative]

ladscape photography is such an ongoing exercise. Even after 4 years I'm still learning how to compose photos, where the best lighting is, what I want as foreground, subject etc. Your videos are always so helpful

[@BenelliMr]

don't worry; this is how I feel like after 40 years :(

[@andeeleininger5968]

I struggle with simplifying my images. I want people to see it ALL! Which is not the way to get really powerful images, as you’ve beautifully shown in your video. I went on a weekend trip this fall to the mountains and really tried to focus on simplifying my images and putting on my zoom lense to cut out the extra stuff. It worked!

[@leonardbertaux6897]

What I find so challenging in landscape photography is composing for a clear figure / ground relationship. Keep up sharing your work, both the successes and the near successes.

[@gus_nomad7191]

It’s such an education seeing you commenting on what worked and what did not and why. Some stunning shots and humbling to see how much thought and effort you put into your photography. Thank you.

[@zahidsadmannahid]

You're not just a good photographer but also a very good story teller. Love to see your tips and explanation. Great work. Thumbs up from Bangladesh 🇧🇩

[@snarkyboojum]

As a beginner landscape photographer, I love listening to you explain and talk about your images. Top quality content. Thank you.

[@lobisw]

I really enjoy the self critiques because they show thought process and details in a clearer way than just showing things that work. Really good video.

[@rcen20]

I find that when I get back from a shoot I look at my photos and realize I don’t have a specific subject. I could have a beautiful scene, but nothing specific to focus on

[@celinemorisset5533]

I really appreciate to hear your thinking, the story telling and the critique of your photography. Cool learning, thanks for sharing.

[@pradippatel9345]

I just love your discussion of why compositions didn’t work for certain shots. You come to a beautiful scene, it’s so enamored with it, and you forget the little details that might make or break a shot. Your description helps us to see that.

[@mariebird01]

What I like about your videos, Nigel, is the honesty, as you go through explaining each shot’s good points and bad, through your own eyes, which in my mind, keeps the integrity of your images shining through the photos you show. Thank you

[@mikejames5359]

Wonderful video Nigel, thanks. I've read many books on composition but this video really hit the spot for me and made me realise where I have often been going wrong in good locations. You have been very generous taking the time to show and talk through shots that worked and shots that didn't - and detailing exactly why that was so. One of your best ever !

[@deborahtishman586]

I truly appreciate your explanation of the subtleties that you took in order to capture exactly the photo you intended. Also, showing photos that didn't work and explaining exactly why, only enhances the importance of composition. Your photos are exquisite and those trees are simply magical looking. Thank you so very much for your professional advice.

[@robertschwennicke7494]

This was very helpful, to hear you talk through your thought process and the work that went into each shot, both the great and the not so great. I would really appreciate more of these.

[@andreaskrause]

one of the best on youtube! Real talking, no bla bla. Amazing helpful! Thank you!

[@arcticdryas]

I found your channel recently, and am so glad for how you show the process and what does work and what doesn't! Also appreciated how you said how many pictures you take and how few of them are 'good' - makes me feel better about my giant unusable collection!

[@francoisbouchart4050]

Great video Nigel. I really appreciate how you step through photos from the same location to illustrate the factors that make a great composition. Thanks

[@PeakHumanLife]

I love the example with the rock/seascape. When you show them one after each other it's so evident and point drives home instantly. Thank you :).

[@Silithael]

This is so helpful! I often get the feelings that professional photographers just have the right composition in their blood and immediately know how and where to take THE photo. Seeing and hearing you explain the "faults" on several of your photos and mentioning that there are lots of "fails" for one photo that is "the one", is a relief! :D

[@anthonyplancherel8274]

This type of video is so helpful. Understanding your thought process of works and doesn't is priceless. Thank you Nigel. 👍🏻

[@jaycherry3180]

Thanks Nigel. I’m new to photography but have found your series of videos to be very helpful and informative. I have watched a lot and really appreciate the time you take to make them.

[@cwitt8280]

Once again Nigel, excellent, thought provoking posting. I so appreciate your efforts!

[@torstenbeckhaus1349]

I’m quite grateful for your explanations! You manage to explain and show it in a way that’s easier to digest than many others or books do. Thanks!! I hope I can apply at least some of your composition rules!!

[@josepheveson6187]

Loved that. It’s so helpful to hear someone who knows what they’re talking about identify why things aren’t right - thanks!

[@erkkikoski-lammi1687]

You are so good in details and distances to get great pics and video again. Nice to see your passion too and thanks for sharing everything to us🙏🙏

[@kawiemer]

What you leave out can be as important as what you include.

[@bradanthony7557]

This a great video Nigel. I’m always impressed with your image quality and composition. I’m so glad to see the struggle is real even for yourself!! Appreciate the glimpse behind the curtain and understanding quality takes time and commitment! Thank you

[@sidekickbob7227]

Thank you! This is the most helpful blog you have made so far, for my concern! Allowing us into to your way of thoughts, and revealing your judgement of the result is priceless. Thumbs up!

[@ThomasParis]

Loved it! A very clear study of what works and what doesn't. I keep telling people around me they should look at as much work by others as possible and try and understand why they like what they do and why they don't what they don't. But studying our own work is very important as well indeed. Thanks for sharing this one with us!

[@mustafakheraluwala3692]

Excellent video Nigel!! KZbin is filled with videos on the best compositions/gears etc. BUt seeing a video of comparison of what worked and what didn't is very refreshing! Thanks!

[@realworldambience9728]

Very interesting topic, my thoughts are that you have great eye and are a perfectionist, this is why your work narrows down producing awesome images. Your constant research of the perfect balance between personal preferences and technique is what makes you a great photographer! Thank you for going through your lovely work with us and sharing your thoughts, a big thumbs up!

[@omenworks]

Absolutely amazing video and great insight into you thought process behind each composition. Looking forward to more videos like this. Thank you!

[@jcubedapps5256]

I love watching critiques! It is sooooooo helpful. Thank you Nigel!

[@nicomphoto]

thanks for sharing all of this information Nigel. A joy to hear your share your thoughts on composition. Cheers

[@wolfgangwiesinger9593]

Thank you for this video. Your spot scouting, motive finding and composition reviews are the most important steps to gain fotografic levels.

[@jamesmgreg]

Thank you Nigel, one of your best and most informative videos. Being objectively self-critical is hard, but knowing why an image does or does not work is really important. In terms of composition, I find that ‘asking’ every element in the image why it is there or what its purpose is, really helps to drill down into a composition that may work.

[@sharondmeber3802]

I find it super helpful to hear your thoughts on why an image does on doesn’t work! Thank you

[@Wozilla1]

Something in your last seascape photograph that caught my eye that you didn't mention, was the tide rushing out exposed some smaller rocks that weren't visible in the other shots. These smaller rocks created a natural leading line that drew my eye up toward the crashing wave and sea stacks. Great video. It's always a pleasure watching your videos and listening to your detailed explanations.

[@paulmills8472]

Nicely pointed out. Excellent comment

[@davidgrover2665]

Some great critique of the photos that really helps us all learn - well done Nigel & thank you! 👏👏👏

[@benjamins7454]

I love your work, you're the only I found, who is speaking like that of what makes a great landscape photography !!!

[@jacksnepvangers5025]

Great that you share us your thoughts about composition. Makes me also more aware of all the details to look for when taking a picture. Thanks 👍

[@jean-marcducommun8185]

You'r really teaching the art of photography and not taking good pictures. Like a painter artist you give great attentions to details that add up and create a good composition. This thorough work on the scene is a precondition for a 10/10 as no post production could fix it. It is often said that one can learn most from mistakes and I think this is very much true in photography. It's always a real pleasure to watch your videos as your admirable personality shines through.

[@hunterm9]

I've sort of been in a creative rut with photography for the past year. I put off watching this video because I just wasn't into the idea of it. But after watching this it's really got me (for now) back into it. It's easy to forget how fun the little things can be if you let them. All the little things you need to get just right to get the perfect photo, and the total joy you get when it all comes together.

[@erichstocker8358]

Your discussion on the 1st Madeira photo was brilliant. I learned a lot. Hadn’t even thought of some of those things.

[@Jimgoodwin846]

Your video is so insightful! The discussion about how you arrived at the final composition is exactly what I’m looking for. I learn so much “getting into” the professional photographers head. Thanks for a great video.

[@alcairns149]

One of the best explanations on the thought process around composition I have seen.

[@MatthiesWesche]

I love how you go into detail about your composition decisions, all the details that made you go for one composition or another ond how meticulously you're setting up your shots. Thos tree branches not intersecting with the horizon line is a small detail it seems, but I'm sure it makes a huge difference! Boy I've still got so much to learn and get into my brain until it's second nature...

[@lindamcnamara2742]

Your photos are extraordinary! I am an amateur watercolor painter and have watched so many artist videos about composition. Your videos have helped more than all others combined. Thank you so much! I have subscribed to your channel and will continue to watch and learn.

[@niftytwo]

G’day Nigel. It’s great to follow your comp. ideas and it gives us more to think about our own ideas and helps in planning my shots. Always great ideas Nigel. Thank you. Stay safe.

[@stevehayward2533]

Thanks for that Nigel, I have trouble with seeing composition in the field, so it's great to hear your process. Make this a regular slot

[@Rad_Travels]

I really enjoyed this episode, Nigel. Lots of great points and tips. And, of course, beautiful photos. Thank you.

[@ProfMary]

Very helpful, Nigel! What a great idea to show what works and what doesn't. It does help me to look at my compositions more critically in the field. Thanks.

[@haihongqi1741]

Quite inspirational !!!Soooo appreciated that you elaborated the process of shoting and what you think of these images . It is much more helpful than just seeing the master pieces after Photoshoped. Thank you so much！

[@MikePageKaltenberg]

"Your crumbs are my feast." Looking at that first image, I'd have been well happy with that.

[@NigelDanson]

I was happy with it but it just didn’t have that wow factor for me 😃

[@TheMrSarcastic]

For me all the visual weight of the final shot is focused by the leading lines created by the double row of rocks in the center. They seem to be screaming “Look at the action of that wave!”. Add to that the line created by the light central foreground rock leading to the dark boulder and stack to the back, all the attention wants to rest there on those lines of rock and the the boulder the wave is crashing over. Thirdly, the dark boulder and rows of rock stand out in contrast to the white of the water to the left and right. There is so much visual gravity there. I hope I explained why my eyes just focus at that point in the image.

[@stefankuhn6887]

Thanks for that video, leading through your thoughts and the final composition is so helpful! It helps a lot in field when I remember your tips 👍🏻

[@andy_crane]

Great video (and photos!). I find these critique videos very helpful with composition tips that I can take out with me and to critique my previous photos. 👍

[@fisherman23]

Some stunning photography and the photos you are critical of is something we don’t see very much, It really helps us become better photographers, thanks Nigel!

[@mr.t5610]

I could make this a long description of why I like you Nigel, but I'll content myself (and you) with just mentioning that I really like your channel, so informative and educational. And besides that, you really are a great photographer. Thank you for taking the time to share your inspiring and informative videos, it is highly appreciated.

[@SomeonewithaSony]

Me: Nigel would you consider yourself a perfectionist? Nigel: I’d rate this image 8/10...nope this one didn’t work for me. Love your work, Nigel. Always stunning.

[@panamafred1]

The subtlety in your photos is very understated. Stripped to their essence. Every one draws an emotion. Nice.

[@Highdepthfilms]

Thank you for this video Nigel, its always a help to me to better understand what I am trying to shoot out in the field.

[@russellschundler6559]

I love the tree, fog, and mountain shots. A lot came together (great timing), but the careful composition and positioning of the the subject matter made the difference. Once again, I'm inspired to go out and "be there". Thanks !!!

[@hughstevenson603]

So very helpful on so many fronts. I have really struggled lately with my landscapes,with lockdown not helping either. Your practical and Down to earth observations have really helped, perhaps I’ll get out again and have a go! Appreciated

[@JR-xn4gl]

Regarding the snowy landscape image with the tree and the fence curving off to the right, the one I that series you thought came closest to working whilst questioning the inclusion of the fence: I didn’t think the fence cluttered the image nor detracted fro the tree. For me, my eyes and thoughts first went to the tree, but then were invited by the fence to follow the curve of the path. The presence of the fence both raised my curiosity about where the path led as well added to the sense that the overall image was suggesting the presence of a “story.” The enjoyment of an admittedly wonderful capture of Nature’s beauty was enhanced by the feeling that there was a narrative waiting to be discovered. Love your channel.

[@colinmartini67ify]

Really appreciate your explanations of space and separating the elements- too many times I have loved a scene but not been able to break it into the elements that captured me- now I have some ideas!

[@SEARLY100]

Brilliant video thanks so much for your work on here. As an enthusiastic (very! ) amateur, your videos are really helping me to up my composition game and spend much more time thinking about what I'm shooting rather than my usual spray and pray approach 🙂. The small details make SUCH a difference. You're an inspiration!

[@CGYPP]

It takes courage to show some B-photos, but it shows that you are a true teacher and that you care not only about your growth but also about us viewers! Much appreciated! and btw. I think Fanal can be pretty frustrating, without fog it is actually so hard to take good photos, so much interesting twisted trees, but getting the composition right without the fog was nearly impossible for me...but I am glad you managed, the photos are stunningly beautiful!

[@michaelhenson7511]

Really like the composition in the "hook" tree around 14min mark. Love how it points down at the tree in the background fog. Wonderfully composed.

[@debbiewnukoski4651]

Thank you very helpful. Love that you love taking pictures of woodlands.

[@AngelWych1]

I really like the fence in the snowy picture - I think it adds to the dimension, especially as it is almost on a diagonal with the slope where the tree is sitting on... another fab video - thank you

[@stephenschmid492]

Yes, I agree.

[@julieelliott7450]

Great job on your critiquing. It is nice to get the camera specks/time of day/time it took. Enjoy watching !!! Love you have the prints.

[@mn1801]

Beautifully done presentation, Nigel! Really enjoyed it. It is much more informative if a photographer gives a specific illustration of his/her struggles in deciding what works and what does not. It is that struggle that defines the hard work behind those hours of taking photos and post-processing. My personal struggle is to actually decide what works in my images. I guess I am not there yet when I can comfortably say that it works for me, but the question still remains whether it works for others. So I need to attain that level of knowledge and confidence to do that despite years of photography as a hobby. So your videos do help to understand the thought process, which helps other photographers improve their craft. Thanks!

[@wildlinesau]

This is an extremely useful approach to teaching and explaining your approach to composition, it's way more helpful than seeing only what worked.

[@agataWKW]

So many useful and crucial information. Thank you Nigel, fantastic video!

[@wildzenventures]

I really enjoyed this video. As a newer photographer, it's very helpful to have this explained in such detail. Truly capturing the moment is time is way harder than it seems. :)

[@mlibrarianus]

Felt good to hear you also think something is going to work but get home to realize it doesn't. Great tips, hopefully can remember when I'm out and about.

[@kev4393]

Once again a very educational video Nigel, you really explained the essentials of Composition, Thank you.

[@peternickols2687]

Great to see your insight into the composition of your images and your explanation of the sea stack photo is very helpful. My favourite is the tree family.Thank you. 👍

[@alexanderberg569]

THX FOR THIS video. I am new to photography and compassion is a very hard work. I am glad I can lern it from guys like u. THX

[@Lostsage01]

I always appreciate you detailing your thoughts on why certain images work and others don’t. Great video and explanations, as always. For the shot at 11:00, to my eye I wonder if you could salvage it by cropping out the right hand 20-25% or so of the image so that the tree frames the low lying cloud in the background as the central focal point, closer to a 4:5 or square crop. Then the tree trunk works as a leading line to the center from the corner, and mostly eliminates the darker spot with the brown fern in the lower right. From there the complicated elements you mentioned that were bothering you just help frame the central negative space of the clouds.

[@michaelconchscooter8940]

Thank you so much. Excellent discussion seeing what doesn’t work and why. So very helpful. Perfect.

[@sergeyvasilyev2290]

thank you so much for giving these detailed explanations! really helpful!

[@DanielleDeutschTV]

I just uploaded a video regarding actively looking to improve photo composition a few hours after you uploaded this and funny enough, yours showed up in the suggested feed on the side when I was previewing mine. I'm thankful because I might not have found your video otherwise. Nice work!!

[@jtgarcia181]

this was perfect man thanks for taking the time!

[@SchatzFamilyHF]

Thanks so much for doing this. Analyzing photos, good and especially bad (less good) helps with the thinking process when we are out there on the front line. It's the thinking, not the gear, that matters most.

[@domhaughton6809]

A really helpful study on composition and timing. Thanks Nigel. Gives us something to think about next time we can go outside with the camera.

[@martharetallick204]

Nigel, one of the best bits of advice you have ever offered is this: Print your shots and annotate them. I started doing this and it has made an amazing difference in my photography.

[@harald2072]

Very very useful video, thanks for the honesty it takes to go through things that "didn´t work". However the takes that "do work" leave me almost speechless 👏

[@TNTWARRIOR007]

As an aspiring photographer seeing a detailed breakdown of why certain things work helps me develop quickly, thanks!