Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

Some have a natural eye for composition; but that doesn't mean others cannot learn from example and research--and practice.

mgoldfield

Great resource: Tony and Chelsea Northrop and their book: "Stunning Digital Photography"
See sdp.io

Bison Bud

I have an engineering mind as well and find that the artistic part of photography is the most challenging part indeed. I am very good with the technical aspects like camera functions and settings, etc, but struggle sometimes with what I call "The Eye of an Artist." I used to go out photo frequently with my nephew's wife, who is a wonderful photographer and we could both shoot the same things and I'd always marvel at her ability to see and capture things that I didn't seem to see! Personally, I think that the artistic thing is truly a gift, as is the engineering thing as well, however, it seems that it is seldom that the good Lord gives someone both of these skills and some of us have to work much harder at one or the other. Anyway, with effort, practice, and common sense, I have improved my artistic abilities at least in photography and it has deeply added to my enjoyment of the craft. I will say that it has been a long, slow, and sometimes painful process, but it's been worth all the effort and it continues to challenge me. I still have a long way to go to come even close to having that "Artist's eye," but frankly the journey is a big part of the fun. Keep trying and you will improve and don't take others comments and criticisms serious enough to discourage you. Good luck and good shooting to all.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

In the same boat with you...

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I learned composition by looking at lots of photos in photo mags and online. After a while, it got to the point where I walk around seeing nice pictures composed all around me.

Notorious T.O.D. Loc: Harrisburg, North Carolina

I know one racing photographer who has a great eye for shots but she will tell you she has very little technical understanding of the equipment. She basically shoots using settings that she was taught from the beginning by another shooter. Her shots have graced the pages of drag racing websites and magazines. My daughter is like that too...very good eye for composition but not interested in the technical side of photography and would rather shoot with her iPhone than a DSLR. I am more of a documentarian shooter after 40 years of off and on shooting and have to push myself out of that style at times. I think it also depends on the subject matter that you are shooting and your end goals. That said everything can be learned and improved upon if you are willing to put in the time and effort.

Best,
Todd Ferguson

TheDman Loc: USA

I think constantly reviewing different compositions is part of staying sharp as a photographer. For me, the best way to learn is to look at photos from photographers that I admire and try to imagine what was going through their heads as they approached that scene, and what made them choose the composition they did.

Skiextreme2 Loc: Northwest MA

Go out and photograph then show the images here and tell us what you think is wrong or that you don't like in the image. You'll get a lot of comments, many helpful.

A good instructor at the college I took photography classes at asked me why I didn't like my photos, then told me my composition, depth of field, and exposure were very good and he thought they were great. He also told me that I was my own worst critic.

I guess my thoughts were that I couldn't find things I really wanted to photograph, so the photos didn't seem good to me.

davidrb Loc: Half way there on the 45th Parallel

Yes, it is possible. And, welcome to this forum. You have offered a caveat that may be very difficult to work with-"to learn to be some sort of artist". Make life easier on yourself and decide WHAT sort of artist you want to become. Once you establish that target you can progress at your own pace. Turn off YouTube and look at your own life for a subject you find interesting. Shoot it! Up, down, right, and left. Shoot it at night, shoot it in the morning. Use a model if available. Experiment, go crazy and try color filters. Shoot on a road trip. Shoot until you begin to think through your camera's viewfinder. Shoot your subject until you are sick of looking at it, then re-think and start shooting it again! The subject need only attract your attention, and all the shots are FREE in digital. This is known as practice and nothing will work as a substitute. It will allow you to develop your own "style" of photography. Once you have a style of shooting to work with you may begin to develop the artistry you desire. To quote Ringo Starr, "It don't come easy." Takes time and effort, lots of it.

repleo Loc: Boston

Try this site - Seeing Fresh - The Practice of Contemplative Photography.
http://seeingfresh.com/

There is a whole Zen - like philosophy that goes with it, that frankly is well over my head, but it does teach you to look for beauty and composition in the simplest of surroundings.

Daisy Dog

Composition is the essence of visual art. An understanding of it can be learned but creating it takes a lifetime.

Architecture is my profession, painting and photography are two of my hobbies, so I deal with composition daily. I'm turning 70 next month and when I'm asked 'which was my best design' my answer is always 'my next'.

You've probably entered the world of photography with the desire to understand what makes some photos art and others pixels on paper. I would say to you learn a little about composition every day and when you think you understand it break all it's rules.

Enjoy!

DavidM Loc: New Orleans, LA

Photo Composition Articles:

http://photoinf.com/

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

First of all learn the basic rules of composition. Practice them. That will begin to train your eye.
Then begin to pause for a second to think the best way to arrange the elements of your subject BEFORE you take the shot. A common practice is to include too much in the shot. Simplify it.
When ready to make a shot DO NOT shoot from where you are standing. Perhaps take your first shot from there but MOVE AROUND and you will usually find a better position with a more pleasing composition to shoot from. Robert Capa used to say "if your picture is not good enough you are not close enough." Keep that in mind because it works, especially for wide angles.
Finally, look carefully at the subject. I like sidelight and backlighted subjects so I look and I try to notice what the light is doing on the subject. Those are the images that when properly exposed bring lots of wow.
Take your time, composition sooner than later will open its doors to you.

Doyle Thomas Loc: Vancouver Washington ~ USA

the 7 elements of design are:

line space value color texture form and pattern

Fotoartist Loc: Detroit, Michigan

Is it easier for a technical person to learn the artistic side or for an artistic person to learn the technical side of photography?