Rice paddies provide sustenance for millions of people, but they're also beautiful subject matter for photography. Let's explore how I used creative composition to produce beautiful photos of rice paddies in Bali, Indonesia.

By concentrating on composition, which I think is particularly important when making black and white photos, we begin to move the scene out of its reality towards abstraction.

I believe that approach is the key to the success of this photo of rice paddy near the tourist and cultural centre of Ubud in the uplands region of Bali.

Photographing Rice Paddies in Bali

The above photo of the rice paddy in Bali relies on strong composition, where the eye follows the individual rows of planted rice from the front through to the back of the image.

The fact that the lines begin to curve, a little like a wave, from the middle of the image adds interest and subtle energy to the photo.

Rice Paddy Fields And Composition

So the composition underpinning this image of rice paddy fields is based upon line, repetition and symmetry, with a nice organic element added in.

And isn’t that exactly what we find in nature.

Think of the highly structured, ornamental garden and how it’s been fashioned around the notion of order.

Nature knows no such constrains.

In the forest life is more simple. Things simply grow and find their own way, upwards towards the sun.

I think it’s the organic element within this image of the rice paddy that is at the heart of its success.

I find it interesting that the well-ordered, straight lines bend part way into the picture. As they bend they take on more of a gentle, organic form as the eye follows their journey through the image.

How Rice Paddy art Is Created

Here’s how I created rice paddy art from this seemingly simple scene.

I concentrated on the elements of composition within this image, including the following:

• Line

• Texture

• Contrast

• Repetition

• Symmetry

By removing color from the original RAW file these elements of composition are further strengthened.

Photographing under low light, at day’s end, has enabled the rice husks to glow against the darker, moist earth into which they've been planted.

This has enhanced the impression of dynamic range within the image emphasizing line, contrast and sharpness.

In fact the choice of rendering this image into black and white encouraged me to enhance the blacks, so as to allow the individual light tone rice husks to stand out from the darker water that surrounds them.

Intensifying blacks in a photo is usually a good move. I do it all the time. However, it’s a change that usually only works on a color image when made with more subtlety than I’ve applied to the photo at the top of this post.

The fact is that most folks are happier accepting high contrast, black and white photos than they are looking at color photos with large areas of intense, impenetrable black.

It’s all about matching your vision with the needs of the subject and the way it’s presented.

If you like the idea of making high contrast, black and white rice paddy images you’re may well be on a winner. Alternatively, if you’re a died in the wool color photographer than a lower contrast reproduction will usually be the best way to go.

Rice Paddy Art | Reality and Abstraction

How is it that a photo of a simple rice paddy can become rice paddy art?

Composition is the device by which an image begins to move away from a straight, realistic representation towards abstraction.

And in between the two extremes of reality and abstraction is where you’ll find suggestion, which is a very interesting place for a creative being to explore.

I’ve written a comprehensive guide on abstraction in photography which explores the differences between reality, abstraction and suggestion.

I’m sure you’ll find it interesting and a great resource to help you in your own creative journey through the art of photography.

Where To Go In Bali

As far as where to go in Bali the most popular places that tourists visit include the following:

• Ubud for art, culture and yoga

• Seminyak for beaches, food, nightlife and surfing

• Canggu for beaches, surfing and yoga

• Nusa Dua for family fun, beaches and golfing

• Amed for diving and snorkelling

• Munduk for hiking, scenery, nature and waterfalls

Bali is a fantastic place to slow down and enjoy some of the simple pleasures in life. Sun, food and beautiful scenery, you’ll find it all in Bali.

The Balinese people are extremely friendly and go about life in a very calm, relaxed and caring manner.

Despite the spectacular landscape and rich culture it’s my view that it’s the Balinese people that are the island’s most valuable asset.

In fact I regard the people of Bali as a treasure and it’s in Ubud where I’ve made my best Balinese friends.

Bali is a popular place for Aussie tourists, many returning year after year.

From this part of the world Bali is relatively close, very safe and accustomed to the needs of the average Aussie tourist.

For my part I had no intention of visiting the beaches and night spots frequented by many tourists.

But I'd long been interested in Ubud, the artistic and cultural heart of the country, situated in the islands uplands region.

And it was to Ubud where I fled for the final stages of my recovery from a severe stomach problem I'd picked up in Kolkata, India.

It was a great decision. I recovered quickly and was able to get out and about and explore some of what this wonderful island has to offer.

Bali: More Than Rice Paddies

I definitely expect to return to Bali and could easily see myself spending a month there.

But it wouldn’t be a holiday as I want so much to create photos that showcase the following:

• The quiet serenity of the landscape

• The island’s culturally rich history

• The beautiful people of Bali

I know I’ve only scratched the surface thus far and I look forward to returning to Bali one day soon.

Clearly there’s so much more to Bali than rice paddies. The island of the gods is resplendent with amazing tropical landscapes, spectacular beaches and fascinating temples.

Whatever it is you find yourself photographing it’s worth making the effort to, every now and again, move beyond straight documentary photography.

Wouldn’t it be great to make a photo of a Balinese person that, somehow, transcends their appearance and speaks to the gentle, creative and deeply spirituality of the Balinese people.

If it’s landscape photography that floats your boat Ubud is a great place to base yourself. Many of the hotels in Ubud are located within rice paddies and some of the world’s most famous rice paddies are within a short drive of Ubud.

On my next trip I’II certainly be keeping an eye out for rice paddies to photograph. With effort, good composition and great light great art is always possible.

Glenn Guy, Travel Photography Guru