Diocletian

Hmm. Interesting. I'm going to try those changes myself, and see what it looks like on my computer. Thanks for your time and attention on this. These are all really helpful!

Diocletian

Thanks for your input, Linda. AND the pat on the back!

Diocletian

Thanks marquith

I don't understand why composition is so hard for me! Aaagh!

Diocletian

If I missed somebody, it wasn't on purpose! I really appreciate everybody's comments and the time you all took to look at the pictures.

Now I'll see what my instructor has to say after I make the recommended changes!

larduggan Loc: Burlington, VT

Here's what I would suggest for starters. Feel free to place a rectangle of any size (using your original proportions) over your original photo.

Move it around, all over, making sure to include what you feel is the subject of your photo, until the elements within it seem to sit nicely within your new smaller rectangle. I would almost dare to say there is no formula for what will work. Work simply to satisfy your eye. Things will "sit better" some ways than others. Decide which one is the most satisfying to you. You don't need to justify why your satisfaction is what it is, or how you made your decision. If there isn't a satisfying solution, you need to move on to a different photo.

I think the core of it is to feel free to change anything you want in order to get a sense of balance and/or movement. That this balance is intimately related to the frame of the rectangle is often overlooked.

And of course, it is that same relationship of (shape/color/light/dark) parts to rectangle that we find in the viewfinder, when taking the picture. It's best to do this whole process at the beginning, if at all possible, in the viewfinder.

Diocletian

Thanks for that, larduggan. I kind of do that with photo shop using the crop tool, but actually having a physical rectangle kind of thingey to hold up to the screen...that might work better. I’m taking a class right now (probably my 100,999th) and reading a lot, and everything that I read...in one ear and out the other.

But I like your shape/color/light/dark....that seems to strike a cord (or something?) and maybe I can apply that in my next photos. I only say maybe because my memory gets worse every day.🙉😆

OneShotOne18

I like the 1st one. It shows actual size and tells something about the scene. The other one leaves me wondering. Is it a small clump of flowers or is it a mass? Of course the 1st one shows the answer. As far as focus, unless it is extreemly bad and very noticeable, it's ok to me. But, do YOU like it?

jaymatt Loc: Alexandria, Indiana

The first. It gives a better overall view of the scene.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

#2

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

I also vote for the first one. I think showing the larger picture gives a better sense of the scene. And I think the red actually shows up better when mixed with more green.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

The first one with its curves adds movement and interest to the composition in the first one.
If colors is what matters then the second one is better.

charlienow Loc: Hershey, PA

#1, i like the trees in the back...it gives more depth....

Bird Dawg Loc: Georgia

I love anything RED period. Like both views.

artBob Loc: Near Chicago

I notice that there is not much comment about composition itself, but mainly about what is included in the shot. I agree that the woods helps place the shot, but about the composition: both are balanced. However, the first one, "Asymmetrical Balance." needs a bit more weight on the left to balance the heaviness on the right. "Heaviness"? Yes. Squint through one eye so that you can barely see. What is the first thing you see--that is the "heaviest" visual element.

So, the first one needs more dark or contrast on the left, but not so much that it draws the eye from [the next very important thing] the "center of interest."

In the second shot, the center of interest is kerplunk, nearly right in the middle, a "Symmetrical Balance," and not very interesting. It is also slightly right, and we prefer, if anything, slightly left.

BTW, "Balance" is only one of several composition ideas. I suggest any book that interests you on composition, whether Fine Art or Photography. Then, go out to some area, and find each of the compositions through your viewfinder. After a while, it become second nature.

JeffDavidson Loc: Originally Detroit Now Los Angeles

#1 with a limited lead in line.