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

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

Wow, I finally got through all 10 pages!
I would like to thank all that are making this thread interesting but still very informative to all. Thanks
We have talked a great deal about composition, I assume since many are still grappling with composition. Yes, we need to master composition in order to build onto it with more advanced techniques.
Fortunately there are many here that do understand composition and it's many intricacies.
Feel free to post a, shot and ask if it's a good example. If you feel qualified, do jump in and respond. If you feel qualified to comment on the response, just make sure you fully support/explain your response.
This is not neant to be a critique session, but we need to be told if our examples don't work, as some of the compositional aspects we are/will be dealing with are hard to grasp.
Remember also we are still on Graphic. It's pretty obvious that Graham has a very good grasp of what a graphic image is. His examples should be carefully looked at. After comments, he should explain what makes them the strong graphic depictions that they are.
I hope everybody can hang in there, as I can see this could take a while. We have just started and at least up till now there seems to be a lot of interesting discussion and sharing.
Feel free to post and ask questions, or just ask questions and/or make comments. Feel free to add if you feel qualified.
If you get corrected, don't take it personal as the corrector may or may not be interpreting your pic/comments as you meant them.
Again, let me thank all that are contributing. To those silently on the sidelines, go ahead and ask when you don't understand. It's how you and we shall all learn.
So post away and let's carry on! :lol: :thumbup:
SS