We have already mentioned in previous blogs that various things can be used compositionally.

1. Elements - the placement of elements shape composition

2. Color - certain colors draw the viewer's eyes more so than other colors so where we place these colors impacts composition

3. Differences - anything different will stand out which turns whatever is different into a strong compositional element

4. Patterns - patterns and shapes lead the eyes compositionally

5. Light and dark areas - our eyes tend to go to lighter areas more so than darker areas. Even when we explore the darker areas our eyes will always return to the brighter areas. So we can place these lighter areas in our images to draw the viewer's attention to these areas.

Slot canyons make for great photographic material. Yet, they can be difficult to deal with compositionally because you don't really have different elements, the color is similar, and not much is different. You do have patterns and shapes to play with. The strongest compositional tool we have with slot canyons, in my opinion, is light and dark areas. Let's look at some examples:

Close you eyes. Now open your eyes and look at this image. Make a mental note where your eyes go and how they travel through the image. You will notice that your eyes go to the brightest part of the image.

          Since we know that our attention is attracted by the lightest part of the image we can place the lightest parts of the image in strong compositional positions to create a strong image.

          Let's look at another example:

          The lightest parts pull the viewer up into the image. Think in terms of light and dark when you compose your images. Place the brightest parts of the image in good places for compositional value.

          Try this, your images may improve.