Photography is All About Position

People often say photography is about timing. And yes, catching the exact moment when the sail flares out, the bird takes flight, or the experiment changes colour is crucial. But more often than not, great photography is less about timing and more about position.

Take this photograph of two sailors hiking out on the Thames. The shot looks effortless, but it was anything but. To capture it, we had to be in a powerboat ahead of them, far enough forward that the wake from our own boat wouldn’t disturb the picture, but still angled perfectly to show the crew leaning out with all their weight.

Had we been to the side, you’d only see half the story. Behind them, you’d lose the energy of their movement. Too close, and the composition would be cramped. Too far, and you’d miss the faces.

Why Position Matters

• Perspective changes meaning – low angles make things dramatic, high angles reveal context.

• Background makes or breaks – shift a metre and you avoid a telegraph pole growing out of someone’s head.

• Anticipation beats reaction – by predicting where the action will occur, you can position yourself for the decisive moment.

Lessons for Science and Sailing Photography

In science filming, it’s the same rule. You can’t capture the perfect colour change or a glowing filament unless you’ve set the camera at the right angle before it happens. In sailing, it means knowing the course, reading the wind, and placing yourself where the action will unfold.

The Right Place, The Right Story

Good photography isn’t luck. It’s preparation, anticipation, and positioning yourself so that when the moment comes, the picture tells the story.

So next time you’re out with your camera, don’t just wait for the perfect moment. Move, adjust, and put yourself in the right place — the shot will take care of itself.