Composition - How do you approach it in your photography?
Jun 6, 2021 09:54:30 #
Composition is something that I feel. I know the rules--but regard them as suggestions, nothing more.
For me I start with intent. That is what exactly am I trying say with this image. What do I feel and see. Then I ask, how do I show a viewer (that could me myself) what I am seeing and feeling. This process makes me consider light, color, space, line, in short the 15 elements of photography. I operate like an artist with a blank canvas arranging things to make the viewer feel what I felt while on location.
I find this often starts with asking myself, why did I stop and look at this scene. What exactly made me stop? Then I set of the image so that when I look at it later, I will see and feel the same as when I was there.
For me I start with intent. That is what exactly am I trying say with this image. What do I feel and see. Then I ask, how do I show a viewer (that could me myself) what I am seeing and feeling. This process makes me consider light, color, space, line, in short the 15 elements of photography. I operate like an artist with a blank canvas arranging things to make the viewer feel what I felt while on location.
I find this often starts with asking myself, why did I stop and look at this scene. What exactly made me stop? Then I set of the image so that when I look at it later, I will see and feel the same as when I was there.
Jun 6, 2021 10:01:18 #
Jun 6, 2021 10:10:36 #
Ted Forbes from Art of Photography did a couple of composition exercises on his channel recently that were different and interesting to do. No camera required to participate but will help when camera is added.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1oPZO91mtw&t=210s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1oPZO91mtw&t=210s
Jun 6, 2021 10:13:48 #
Thank you all very much for looking at and jumping into this thread. Excellent comments, too many to acknowledge and respond to. It's frustrating, you can start a topic, get great comments, but it's hard to engage in a back & forth discussion. And I appreciate the visual examples, they help with the discussion. I think Linda's photo is an excellent subject for analyzing composition. I think R.G. makes some important points in https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-699637-2.html#12297806.
I gather from the comments that most of you have at least some "knowledge" of composition, might think about it some when taking a picture, but don't really consciously apply the academic "rules" (I put "rules" in quotes because we all know that they're only guidelines). I like the way Morning Star expressed that approach (https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-699637-2.html#12298140).
So, maybe this academic emphasis on composition is overblown. Maybe insisting that photography learners have to "study" composition is misguided and could actually interfere with the natural development of a photographer. Sure, the Rule of Thirds and other basic guidelines should be learned. But beyond that I think it's really part of your sub-conscience tapping into your creative talents. But I also have to keep reminding myself that, as R.G. said, "the importance of composition is very much dependent on genre".
I gather from the comments that most of you have at least some "knowledge" of composition, might think about it some when taking a picture, but don't really consciously apply the academic "rules" (I put "rules" in quotes because we all know that they're only guidelines). I like the way Morning Star expressed that approach (https://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-699637-2.html#12298140).
So, maybe this academic emphasis on composition is overblown. Maybe insisting that photography learners have to "study" composition is misguided and could actually interfere with the natural development of a photographer. Sure, the Rule of Thirds and other basic guidelines should be learned. But beyond that I think it's really part of your sub-conscience tapping into your creative talents. But I also have to keep reminding myself that, as R.G. said, "the importance of composition is very much dependent on genre".
Jun 6, 2021 10:31:09 #
srt101fan wrote:
There has been a lot of discussion of "compos... (show quote)
I am mindful of what I am doing and the composition as it looks in the viewfinder. I usually can do this rather automatically and quickly. I have read material similar to what you describe. And I have had a photo instructor who often talked about composition in pictorial and zen terms. He also would describe a photograph as if it were a musical score.
Jun 6, 2021 10:41:49 #
Picture Taker
Loc: Michigan Thumb
The rules of thirds act. is not a law that can't be broken, we have 100% freedom and explore it. You will in time find your own way to YOUR style if you keep working on it.
Jun 6, 2021 10:49:10 #
R.G. wrote:
Continuing on from your last thread on composition... (show quote)
Your thoughts about negative space reminded me of something my wife (a graphic designer, among other things) pointed out to me one time several years ago that I think of every time I see a FedEx truck or envelope - have you ever noticed the use of negative space to create a white motion arrow in the FedEx logo? It's between the "E" and the "x". Now try to forget that every time you see the logo. (can't figure out how to paste a copy of the logo here, but google "fedex arrow"
Jun 6, 2021 10:52:56 #
Picture Taker
Loc: Michigan Thumb
The end use is also a consideration. A picture for an ad may need negative (blank) space of wording. End use is or can be a factor.
Jun 6, 2021 11:24:30 #
srt101fan wrote:
There has been a lot of discussion of "compos... (show quote)
Can't recall if I was 10 or younger when I started taking photos. 66 years later, still passionate and enthusiastic about photography, I operate by Eye, Reflex, and what I like. I have and have had enough "rules" in the rest of my existence to worry about them in photography!
Jun 6, 2021 11:36:10 #
billnikon wrote:
I have the rule of thirds grid lines showing in my viewfinder just as a reminder. I also like leading lines. I think about composition all the time while out with the camera, but first and foremost is how my scene is lite. What is the direction of light and how will it effect my images.
I do not dwell on these things but I am aware of them while I am shooting.
I do not dwell on these things but I am aware of them while I am shooting.
I just love this image. to me it is perfect great job
Jun 6, 2021 11:37:40 #
when something catches my eye; i like to look at it from different points of view and then take the shot.
Jun 6, 2021 11:38:22 #
If it “looks wrong” I change something. That is all. No plan, no guidelines. Even when on a tripod my in-camera framing intentionally needs minor cropping, to allow some space for 20-20 hindsight.
Jun 6, 2021 11:41:46 #
I keep “rules” in mind, but my main focus is to try to take an image “about something,” not “of something.”
An image that tells a story. Like the image attached. A family of 4 budding classical musicians, playing for money on the street. If you also look closely, you’ll see a dollar bill caught under the foot of the girl on the right. She never missed a beat.
An image that tells a story. Like the image attached. A family of 4 budding classical musicians, playing for money on the street. If you also look closely, you’ll see a dollar bill caught under the foot of the girl on the right. She never missed a beat.
Jun 6, 2021 11:53:34 #
Ront53
Loc: Maryland
You can shoot hundreds of photographs of the same subject but, there may be only one that carries the criteria that you are looking for.
Jun 6, 2021 12:28:36 #
It is a great question. I have enjoyed reading the responses from all of you-many of whose photos I greatly admire and love viewing. Thanks.
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