Herald photographer Janie Barrett says composition, framing, scale are important components of capturing strong images. But there’s one key essential.May 24, 2026The laser light show in Darling Harbour on the first night of Vivid. Note how Janie has used the people in the foreground to show scale.
Exposure 1/15 sec at f4.5, focal length 35mm, lens 15-35mm, ISO 1000 Canon EOS R1.Janie BarrettPhotography is all about the capture of light and usually this is the first thing I think about when I have an assignment.Many elements combine to make a stunning photograph, such as composition, subject, emotion – but it is the way light has been seen and used by the photographer that can really elevate an image.Use your leading lines to draw your eye into the image.
Janie BarrettOne of the churches caught Janie Barrett’s eye, with a pair of viewers in the foreground.Janie BarrettHaving people in the frame can help bring the image alive. Exposure 1/60 sec at f2.8, focal length 50mm, lens 24-70, ISO 2000.Janie BarrettDo not be afraid to fill the frame.Janie BarrettVivid is the perfect place to practise how you see and shoot light. Ideally, you will need a tripod, but there will be lots of walking and jostling for position, so travel as light as you can. Using a dedicated camera to capture Vivid in its best light will get you the best results. For these images, I used a Canon EOS R1 mirrorless camera with a 24-70mm lens and a 16-35mm lens, both f2.8.Eyes on the prize: Notice how Janie has a figure at the bottom of the frame to show you scale.
