SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Lets talk about composition! It seems we just never do that here. This IS after all a PHOTOGRAPHY forum. But we never talk about photography
So here goes....,I'm hoping to actually promote a meaningful discussion that explores way beyond simple photography that goes well beyond the rule of thirds.
What is it that makes photography compelling? I see way to many pretty pictures that don't actually have a subject, or at least not a well defined or strong subject. Understanding how to assemble a composition is key. I would like to discuss some of the compositional elements that are contained in engaging compositions and will identify these aspects as the following:
Graphic
Edgy
Tension
Environmental
Juxtaposition
So what do these terms actually mean and how do they manifest themselves in photographs? Understand that any one photograph may contain several or even all of these in one photograph. And there is no single clear-cut meaning to these as well.
I feel that the more of these one can assemble into a composition, the more powerful and engaging a photograph becomes, though it's not necessary. To some, these concepts may be seemingly elusive but to the truly more experienced photographers they are merely the building blocks of composition and planned into a shot.
It is these concepts that experienced photographers use to consistently build compelling and engaging photographs. This is the kind of photography that will stir something inside of you, or cause you to question the work, turn away or want you to see more.
To often we see a posted image and the poster has to explain the entire shot and story. That is only necessary when a shot is too weak to actually stand on its own merit. Remember, a pic is worth a 1000 words. Let your shots speak for themselves!
I invite all to comment and add to the meaning of the concepts especially with a pic for an example. But remember, NO STORIES or TITLES, let your image do the talking. We only need to know how the pic relates to the concept.
I invite all to participate. And the first guy who mentions the kind of camera used....a big hook will come out and take them away!! :lol:
I will start in the next post(to be sure this is not removed by admin) with a simple GRAPHIC shot to demonstrate that concept.
Lets have a good holiday discussion!! ;-)
SS

SharpShooter Loc: NorCal

Here I'm posting a very clean and simple example of a GRAPIC composition.
Graphic can be a lot of things, but reduced to it's simplest form it is usually a simple but strong image, such as a bullet caught in mid-flight or a drop of water splashing or a shadow.
This shot contains several elements but the representation is for that of a simple graphic.
If you are not familiar with the terms, this is what this discussion is supposed to promote....understanding, so that others can start to use these concepts in their photography.
This is where all those here with the experience, especially pros can jump in and rescue me and elevate the discussion!!
Come one, come all. :thumbup:
SS

PS, see you in the morning!! :lol:

Example of Graphic

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obsidian

Thank you SS. The simplicity of this photo with the compositional elements mentioned make it a vey compelling subject. I see not just a bridge (or what I think it is) but then there is that question in my mind if it really is a bridge!. The rule of third applies, the leading lines, the contrast for emphasis makes makes the subject powerful.

I am just learning photography from a 90 y/o (40 yrs younger than me) professor and he wants to impart his knowledge before he passes on. Still with very intact thinking and he writes with pencil on a small notebook his critiques on my photos. Readable but you can discern the hand shakes from every word. Your image has the characteristic of Zen style. Simplicity is the key to a beautiful picture.

jcboy3

Very nice picture.

But notice that the composition is a good example of the rule of 1/3s. The strong line of the composition (the black stretch in the white span) follows the vertical 1/3 line, and leads to a point of focus very near the intersection of horizontal and vertical 1/3 lines.

lukan Loc: Chicago, IL

Sharpie, I LIKE this shot! The white line hits the lower right corner on a diagonal and the wires give it geometric balance in the shot, as well as in reality. This one is art because of the use of geometric shapes and color! Nice job, SS. :thumbup:

Shakey Loc: Traveling again to Norway and other places.

My love is architecture, the older the better. You don't get many simple graphic designs but the buildings of old are often wonders, not of kings, but of the skilled designers and craftsmen who labored for years to meet the demands of their patrons.

Here's one of gateways to the Maschio Angioino, the great Angevin Fortress, at the port of Naples, Italy. The fortress is also known as the New Castle (Castelnuovo) to identify it from the older Castel dell'Ovo. It was built by the Angevin King, Charles I, and was rebuilt after an earthquake and completed in 1450. The Spanish added to the structure in 1500.

You have to admire the workmanship and wonder at the skill of the workers of centuries ago. How it survived hundreds of years of wars, pollution and acts of nature is incredible in itself.

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CO

Great photo. I know that diagonal lines imply tension and you really get a sense of that in the cables of the bridge structure photo. Outdoor Photography Canada magazine had a section in one of their issues called "Beyond Basic Composition". It's online at this website:

http://www.oopoomoo.com/2013/12/beyond-basic-composition-line-shape-and-form-in-photography/

Thay discuss using the power point of the golden spiral rather than the rule of thirds to get a more dynamic photo. See the difference in the lighthouse photos. They also show how to compose using triangles.

CEJ Loc: Cresson,Pa

Hope this one works

(Download)

Gary Truchelut Loc: Coldspring, TX

Graphic

(Download)

ozmerelda Loc: Osprey, FL

Thank you for doing this tutorial!

This photo reminds me of a Preying Mantis :mrgreen:
OZ

Leitz Loc: Solms

I must say, Sharpshooter, this thread is actually of some interest. Congratulations!

Dan Mc Loc: NM

My hair hurts now!!

tor24tor Loc: Caldwell, NJ

SS, I couldn't agree with you more. Although everyone's questions are important to them, I welcome a series of fresh discussions on, lets call it "organic photography", i.e.: the basics! There is such a wealth of knowledge and experience from members of this forum that needs to be shared, and this is the ideal to appeal to all levels of photographer. Good you you and the rest of us for getting it started.
That being said, you graphic post certainly displays the elements of design (line, , shape and form), but also displays some interesting elements of Gestalt principals (continuation, figure-ground and similarity) The lines, being the most dominant, draw you right into the structure and off to the sky.
Thank you for starting this discussion, it is much appreciated.

davefales Loc: Virginia

Interesting discussion here.

Another view of CEJ's structure.

Cadet Chapel Interior

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Photocraig

Sharpie,

Nice way to show off the NEW bridge! The use of lines and form are great.
I suggest as part of this story telling series would be the juxtaposition of the other side. A load of geometry, lines and shapes. But a very heavy composition versus the very light and airy NEW bridge.

Using line as a compositional element lends itself toward geometric "graphic" forms. That same set of lines composed at a shallow angle then becomes texture.

Great thread. All of my good compositions, including the neighboring 4th St bridge are still on film and Prints.

But, I'm in the Bay next week and I'll try to harmonize on this theme.

Absolutely agree with the need for this discussion. It gives me juice--or as DeWitt Jones says: "You got juice in your camera?"

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