One of the important compositional tools available to the photographer is considering the orientation and final aspect ratio of the image. One option is the classic square format. The following images are all square compositions cropped from the 2:3 aspect ration of 35mm digital captures, and each of them illustrates the strength of a square composition. The next time you are out photographing and searching for an image try thinking square!
I spent last weekend photographing down on the Medano-Zapata Ranch looking for signs of Spring! As is often the case in Colorado, the weather was very variable and ranged from rain and snow to bright sunshine. Saturday afternoon I found myself wandering in one of the meadows near the Zapata lodge looking for intimate compositions of grass and sedges. The soft cloudy light was perfect and I captured a number of images that I am including in my on-going series of Tapestries of Grass Images.
If you are interested in photographing and exploring the Medano-Zapata Ranch I will be offering a Photography Workshop there this Summer on August 25-28. Please Contact Tess (tess@zranch.org) or 719-378-2356 (x 110) for more information and to register.
One of my absolute favorite photographic subjects are intimate compositions of grasses. Finding and making these “Tapestries of Grass” is a joy but also a challenge to extract an image from an environment that at quick glance may seem mundane or even chaotic. The secret I believe in making any good intimate landscapes is to slow down and really look at the environment around you. When I am out I will often just stop and stand still for several minutes, scanning the surroundings and watching the light. More often that not something will catch my eye. I look for patterns, textures, and colors and if it strikes me I set up the tripod and precisely fine-tune the composition. If it all comes together I make the photograph, if not I move on. The following image made in Kansas at the Webster Wildlife area is a good example. It was made from spending at least 30 minutes wandering and looking in an area of prairie less than acre in size. 
Stephen Weaver Photography/Earth Systems Imaging : The Art of the Landscape 