Gortch
Suspended / Banned
- Messages
- 161
- Name
- Gordon
- Edit My Images
- Yes
Once we get past the technicalities of exposure and the nuances of digital workflow, we are left standing face to face and toe to toe with the old enemy, composition. As someone from a design background, it's probably something that's more or less instinctive for me. But, I'm sure we all know people -- many of which are in evidence on here -- who, despite being technically very capable, are always going to struggle when it comes to composition.
Composition for many is like grappling with a slippery wet mackerel in the dark; especially those of you who are new to photography. The reason for that, primarily, is that there are no clearly defined rules. My personal view is this: you can't really learn composition but you can learn how to compose.
Here are 5 pieces of good advice for anyone who is struggling with composition. I hope some of you find them useful;
1) avoid relying too heavily on preconceived ideas like the rule of thirds and the golden ratio. These are structures you go to when all else fails. You'll find a lot of people who will try and convince you of the merits of these ideas, don't listen to them, they are simple and so will always be there if you need them. Move on from them, adapt, explore.
2) look at but don't read about art, particularly modern and abstract art. Try and look at the overarching balance created in works of art, the general shape of it, the way colour and light are dispersed, etc.
3) read about allegory in art, icons, and symbolism. It's interesting and opens your mind up to the language of artists.
4) screw your eyes up when composing and try and look at the overall shape and balance of the proposed scene through blurry eyes that simplify areas of light and dark and shape. I do this a lot. Dark sunglasses can be useful in helping to see the interplay of light and shade that your eyes would otherwise probably miss.
5) consider using a frame of some sort to hold out in front of you whilst composing. You might feel silly but it's worthwhile. Make sure your frame matches the ratio of image you are intending to capture, 4/3, etc.
Composition for many is like grappling with a slippery wet mackerel in the dark; especially those of you who are new to photography. The reason for that, primarily, is that there are no clearly defined rules. My personal view is this: you can't really learn composition but you can learn how to compose.
Here are 5 pieces of good advice for anyone who is struggling with composition. I hope some of you find them useful;
1) avoid relying too heavily on preconceived ideas like the rule of thirds and the golden ratio. These are structures you go to when all else fails. You'll find a lot of people who will try and convince you of the merits of these ideas, don't listen to them, they are simple and so will always be there if you need them. Move on from them, adapt, explore.
2) look at but don't read about art, particularly modern and abstract art. Try and look at the overarching balance created in works of art, the general shape of it, the way colour and light are dispersed, etc.
3) read about allegory in art, icons, and symbolism. It's interesting and opens your mind up to the language of artists.
4) screw your eyes up when composing and try and look at the overall shape and balance of the proposed scene through blurry eyes that simplify areas of light and dark and shape. I do this a lot. Dark sunglasses can be useful in helping to see the interplay of light and shade that your eyes would otherwise probably miss.
5) consider using a frame of some sort to hold out in front of you whilst composing. You might feel silly but it's worthwhile. Make sure your frame matches the ratio of image you are intending to capture, 4/3, etc.