Detail shot on incense in a Chinese Buddhist temple, Taiwan.

It’s all too easy to get so caught up in the bigger picture, to put all our energies into photographing a stunning view or a beautiful landscape that we forget to focus in on the little details. This might be even more likely when traveling in “exotic” locations or indeed, in any situation which is new to us. There is often so much going on, so many breathtaking sights to see, that we sometimes overlook the smaller things. The funny thing is, it’s often the smaller details that resonate more with our viewers because it’s often easier for them to find something to relate to.

The incense shown above is one such example. I photographed this in one of Taiwan’s most famous Chinese Buddhist temples. Probably 50% of the photos I’ve seen of this temple (and I’ve seen a lot) show one particular view. Of the other 50%, there are three “secondary” shots that account for most of them. All in all, probably 90% of the photos taken at this temple focus on 4 things, all of which are the more majestic, grand view type of photo. And there’s nothing wrong with that. I’ve got plenty of the same shots myself. The thing is, most people stop there. They don’t really look for the smaller details. Yet if you take a look at any good photoessay or photo story, you’ll always see some photos that hone in on the small details.

Taking the extra step and spending a bit of time looking for details to focus on is a quick and easy way to raise your photography up a notch. You don’t need any fancy gear or special training for this. Just a bit of patience and a few extra minutes can make a world of difference. Give it a try next time you’re out shooting and see how you go.

That was the Daily PhotoTip number 22. If this post was useful to you, why don’t you subscribe to my feed, leave a comment and share it with your friends. You can also get access to exclusive content and special offers by subscribing to my newsletter. Sign up today. Thank you.