When I am shooting for a client I like to provide as many compositional options as possible. I never know exactly how a photo will be used when I am shooting it. Even when I am shooting stock with no particular client in mind I will vary the composition to increase it’s saleability. It’s often all about the negative space. Shooting by placing negative space intentionally in your composition may not always make the best stand alone photo, but it might make a photo more useful to a client that need to overlay text.

For instance magazine cover shots often have a very specific format or set of criteria. Usually they require negative space for overlaying text. The three inches across the top and three inches down the left side are very important in a cover image. These areas usually need to hold simple elements that will not distract from the title logo and feature list text.

Composition: Generally an individual hiker is in the
bottom right quater of the scene. A solo hiker is better
than two or a group of hikers. Camping scene (a tent
scene, cooking dinner, relaxing, enjoying the location) is
another great cover shot.
Shoot options: If you see a possible location, shoot it
both with and without a person/people in the frame.
Lighting: Try shooting in the early morning or twilight
for dramatic lighting.
Styling: Have your hikers bring a wide range of clothing
colors. Be aware that showing a puffy jacket or a hat
may disqualify the photo from being a summer cover,
because it looks too cold. Make sure clothing and gear
are comptemporary. Jeans and cotton shirts should
not be woren.
Ascessories: Shoot with and with out a backpack or
trekking poles. No sunglasses or brimmed hats. We
want to see the eyes.
Notice and fix the details: hair out of place, clothing
tugging in strange places, strange facial expressions,
awkward body movements. Art direct your shoots,
but at the same time make sure the photos have an
authentic natural feel.
Experiment with movement and energy: I am always
looking for covers that express movement and energy
with the subject still being super sharp.