Why shots work: Try a camera and a macro lens for creative shots

Why do some photographs just work? By examining successful shots, and breaking down the factors that make them so effective, we can make improvements to our own photography.

While the most important thing when it comes to good photography is good technique, you also need the right tools with which to apply that technique. So here are five factors that make the above image work… 

1) A low sun
Contre jour is a popular technique to help silhouette the subject, which is often best approached when the sun is low in the sky like it is here. A low sun also typically results in softer and warmer light, which has created an orange sky for a pleasing visual result that evokes the time of day with the defocused sun also in shot.

2) A perfect exposure
Shooting directly into the sun when shooting with any metering mode active will typically silhouette subjects, but it’s still possible to capture subjects slightly too light or too dark. In this image, the exposure has silhouetted the dandelion stems and seed head, while the seeds themselves are illuminated by the golden light.

3) Thoughtful composition
To add visual balance to the scene, the photographer has composed the image using a diagonal composition that uses the rule of thirds as the underlying compositional device alongside the rule of threes. This has been achieved by placing the sun on the bottom-left power point, and the taller dandelion on the top-right power point.

4) Classic controls and great results
It may have been launched five years ago, but the Fujifilm X-T3 is still very desirable. It boasts a 26MP APS-C sensor coupled with an X-Processor 4, up to 20fps continuous shooting and an extensive range of Fujifilm’s celebrated film simulation modes. And best of all, it offers the tactile controls of a film camera.

5) Move over to macro
Pair an X-T3 with a Fujinon XF80mm f/2.8 R LM OIS WR Macro and you’ll be able to capture bags of detail. Offering life-size macro magnification, this lens is the preferred close-up optic for X Series users. Autofocus comes as standard, as does five stops of image stabilization – very useful when shooting handheld.

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