Photo of the Day
Climbers hiking in the French Alps
September 13, 2011
Alpine Climbers, Midi-Plan Traverse, France
This Month in Photo of the Day: Your Photos With Tips From Photographer Catherine Karnow When I was a novice photographer, I learned from my mentor that a successful composition should lead your eye around the frame in a graceful curve. So it is with this remarkable landscape of swirling clouds, sun, and mountains. The contrast between the soft, gentle, snowy slopes and the sharp, jagged black peaks makes me feel both seduced and afraid, which is surely how a mountain climber must feel. We first notice the three climbers. Tiny, they show us just how towering these peaks are. They are like the all-important first notes to a grand and bold symphony. We then follow the climbers' tracks, which trace the same elegant shape of the snowy ridge. The eye then climbs up toward the middle peak at dead center top, then finally to the upper left of the frame. That movement is key to the success of the composition. Photo Tip: Compose so that your eye moves gracefully around the frame, taking in all the elements in a harmonious way. See more of Your Climbing Photos » Get more tips on photographing action and adventure »
Go Further
Animals
- Goliath grouper fishing may be allowed in Florida againGoliath grouper fishing may be allowed in Florida again
- 86,000 wild mustangs that roam the West are at the center of raging controversy86,000 wild mustangs that roam the West are at the center of raging controversy
- Major chinchilla supplier in U.S. court for animal welfare issuesMajor chinchilla supplier in U.S. court for animal welfare issues
- Behind the scenes at the world’s largest falcon race
- Paid Content
Behind the scenes at the world’s largest falcon race
Environment
- Restoring protections to Bears Ears will likely spark legal fightsRestoring protections to Bears Ears will likely spark legal fights
- More 'good fire' could help California control future catastrophesMore 'good fire' could help California control future catastrophes
- Wildfire smoke blowing across the U.S. is more toxic than we thoughtWildfire smoke blowing across the U.S. is more toxic than we thought
- Can a new way to measure tropical rainforest vulnerability help save them?Can a new way to measure tropical rainforest vulnerability help save them?
- This summer could change our understanding of extreme heatThis summer could change our understanding of extreme heat
- Climate change goals and oil production are clashing in the U.S.Climate change goals and oil production are clashing in the U.S.
History & Culture
- A year after Beirut’s horrific port explosion, ‘nobody cares that people died’A year after Beirut’s horrific port explosion, ‘nobody cares that people died’
- Indonesia is a new COVID-19 epicenter. The peak has yet to come.Indonesia is a new COVID-19 epicenter. The peak has yet to come.
- Africa’s last absolute monarchy is shaken, as protestors defy Eswatini’s kingAfrica’s last absolute monarchy is shaken, as protestors defy Eswatini’s king
- The bombing of Hamburg foreshadowed the horrors of HiroshimaThe bombing of Hamburg foreshadowed the horrors of Hiroshima
- Haitians reflect on the past while confronting the futureHaitians reflect on the past while confronting the future
- Last meal of sacrificial bog body was surprisingly unsurprisingLast meal of sacrificial bog body was surprisingly unsurprising
Science
- Cape Cod outbreak was 75% vaccinated—but few hospitalizationsCape Cod outbreak was 75% vaccinated—but few hospitalizations
- Struggling to assess pandemic risks? You’re not alone.Struggling to assess pandemic risks? You’re not alone.
- Biggest U.S. earthquake in more than 50 years strikes Alaska—here’s what we can learnBiggest U.S. earthquake in more than 50 years strikes Alaska—here’s what we can learn
- Prehistoric wild dog found at iconic human fossil sitePrehistoric wild dog found at iconic human fossil site
- 890-million-year-old sponge may be oldest animal yet found890-million-year-old sponge may be oldest animal yet found
- Here's why the CDC reversed course on masks indoorsHere's why the CDC reversed course on masks indoors
Travel
- The revolutionary idea behind America’s urban trailsThe revolutionary idea behind America’s urban trails
- You can walk across San Francisco in a day. Here’s how.You can walk across San Francisco in a day. Here’s how.
- Explore more on a Texas-sized outdoor adventure
- Paid Content
Explore more on a Texas-sized outdoor adventure - Rock climbing is getting more popular—and that concerns conservationistsRock climbing is getting more popular—and that concerns conservationists
