Mastering Composition: 4 Guides to Improve Your Photography

Great composition isn’t about following strict rules—it’s about understanding how to guide the viewer’s eye and create impact. In this blog, I break down four essential composition techniques that I rely on to frame my shots.

Each guide is designed to help you see and structure your images more intentionally. Whether you're using a DSLR, mirrorless, or even your phone, these principles will help elevate your photography.

To make it practical, I’ve included a 15-minute challenge for each guide. Grab your camera, experiment, and see what you can create. Practice is key!

Let’s get started.

Not all professional photos are created equal! A headshot is your business handshake—polished, professional, and ideal for LinkedIn, resumes, and corporate branding. A portrait, on the other hand, is more expressive, telling a story about who you are beyond the professional setting.

In this blog, I break down the key differences between headshots and portraits, when to use each, and why having both is essential for personal and professional branding.

Discover Kyoto’s ancient temples, Hiroshima’s poignant history, and the beauty of Miyajima Island in the second part of our Japan adventure. From the serene Fushimi Inari Shrine to the powerful Hiroshima Peace Memorial, explore cultural treasures, unforgettable landscapes, and the warmth of Japanese hospitality as we conclude our journey back in Tokyo.

Discover the perfect Japan travel itinerary in this captivating blog as we journey from Calgary to Tokyo, exploring iconic landmarks like Shibuya Crossing, Sensoji Temple, and the Imperial Gardens. Follow our adventure through Kanazawa’s historic samurai districts, Kenrokuen Garden, and the UNESCO World Heritage village of Shirakawa-go. Learn how technology like Google Maps and Google Translate made navigating Japan effortless, while we share unforgettable cultural experiences, including a heartwarming meal at a local hidden gem, Mama’s Kitchen. Perfect for first-time visitors or seasoned travelers looking for travel tips, cultural insights, and photography inspiration in Japan!

On a rare January reprieve, I set out on Highway 8, where ancient trails and modern roads converge. From the stark beauty of SR1’s flood protection to the poignant silence of a teddy bear memorial, every mile whispered a story of history and resilience. The journey culminated in Bragg Creek, where a warm cup of spiced chai and a slice of pie offered a soulful pause—reminding me that even fleeting moments can leave an everlasting imprint

A Calgary to Vancouver Island motorcycle road trip offers breathtaking landscapes and unforgettable moments, but it’s also a journey of discovery. From refining route planning with the Rule of Fours to making time for photography and drone footage, here are the lessons I learned to make future adventures even more rewarding.

The final two days of my Vancouver Island motorcycle adventure were a mix of quiet reflection and determination. From camping in Cranbrook to battling the infamous winds of Highway 2 North, the journey back to Calgary was both challenging and bittersweet. A stop at Lundbreck Falls provided a moment to pause and take in the beauty of Alberta’s landscapes before I returned home—happy to see my family but longing for the thrill of the open road.

Next up, I’ll share an After Action Review of the trip, reflecting on lessons learned, the best moments, and how I’ll plan my next (bigger and better!) adventure. Stay tuned

Highway 6 from Vernon to Needles is a rider’s paradise—twisting roads, sweeping curves, and stunning countryside that begs to be explored. But this trip turned into something far more intense as I rode north, only to be greeted by thick smoke near Nakusp. By the time I reached New Denver, I found myself in the shadow of a wildfire, with the village holding its breath as the flames crept closer.

That night, the fire’s roar echoed through the valley, a constant reminder of its relentless hunger. The sky burned orange, and the air carried the heat and smell of destruction. I stayed dressed in my gear, ready to leave at a moment’s notice. As dawn broke, I made my escape down the spectacular Highway 31A to Kaslo, my gear heavy with the scent of smoke but my heart full of gratitude for the safety I was afforded.

It’s a ride I won’t forget—one that showed me not just the beauty of British Columbia but also the resilience of the people who live there and their unwavering courage in the face of nature’s fury.

If week one was all about the thrill of new terrain, week two was about endurance—pushing through long days and navigating wildfires. But it’s funny how those challenging rides become the most unforgettable.

The cold, damp mist of the ride from Victoria to Sooke transported me straight to memories of the Lake District or Wales—grey skies, heavy air, and moisture that finds its way to your core. Yet, there’s a charm to misty roads, where the landscape reveals itself in layers. Moments like lunch at the Coastal Kitchen Cafe in Port Renfrew or capturing the atmospheric beauty at Sheringham Point Lighthouse make it all worthwhile.

Sometimes, the best part of a ride isn’t the perfect conditions but the lessons it offers. Every stop—like Botany Bay—is a chance for reconnaissance, to critique your shots, and imagine how different light or timing might transform the scene. And when the winds and clouds finally give way to the sun, even briefly, it’s a reminder of why we endure: for those fleeting, magical moments you’ll carry with you and, perhaps, return to capture again.

After days of planning, it was time to hit the road and live the journey. Each twist and turn brought awe-inspiring views, challenges, and reflections on the pure freedom of the open road. Here’s how the first week played out.

Before any adventure, there's always the quiet frenzy of preparation. This week was all about piecing together the route, nailing down campsites, and getting gear in order. But reality didn’t make it easy, and planning the perfect ride came with its fair share of challenges.