Composition

[Shambhala]

There are pretty things here too in Ontario, But I do miss the mountains I used to be able to see out my window. Thanks everyone, This weekend when we go out with our class I will pay more attention to the subject I want to showcase then just snapping a bunch of pictures. Great advice. !

[DavidGee]

Just get a small piece of black thick card (art board is good) and cut a rectangle from the centre (use a sharp modelling knife, but watch your fingers). A crop factor sensor is 22x15mm, so make it about three times that size - say 66x45mm to keep the same aspect ratio. When using it, not only move it from side to side, but also back and forth to simulate zooming the lens. If you are with someone else, ask their opinion.

To save cutting your fingers........ just place the tip of your right hand thumb on the tip of your left hand index finger and the tip of your right hand index finger on the tip of your left hand thumb...makes a neat rectangle to use as a viewer.

David

[DavidGee]

Have a look at this site......

http://www.colorpilot.com/comp_rules.html

and it finishes with a great quote.....
Don't be afraid of breaking rules!...... "Consulting the rules of composition before taking a photograph is like consulting the laws of gravity before going for a walk."

David

[FrankMi]

Hi Shannon, to add a bit to Willie's list, you eye will also be drawn to anything printed. Unless you want them to read the printing first, avoid including it in your shot. Also, when there are vehicles in the picture make sure that they are either very interesting or unidentifiable. The guys in particular will be thinking about the make, model, engine...... oh yea, and it's a great picture!

A good photograph requires a little mystery, some vagueness, some fantasy. Leave something unusual in the photo that captures the interest and imagination of the viewer. Perhaps something that is a small detail, not quite in focus, a ‘could be’ mistake? Choose something that will make people wonder and become attached to the photo. Just make sure that it isn’t prominent enough to be distracting or off-putting.

Oh, and there are only about 700 more suggestions that folks find helpful! LOL!

[Shambhala]

Thanks for the link David!! And Frank Thanks for your help too.. Now I just have to remember all these things this weekend.. lol, I think this is definitely another thing that is going to require practice. But I think I have some really good tips to start with.

[Steve S]

Read this front to back and you'll learn alot. Not only about composition, but editing and a whole lot more................http://www.ronbigelow.com/articles/articles.htm

[Shawn O]

One thing that I always try to do (and agree with a lot of you) is to use the rule of thirds I love that rule but I also love to have a front element to my photos, middle element and back element.

[Shambhala]

Great suggestion too Shawn. Thanks!!

[Pohled]

Hi,

The Jiro's list is very interesting. I wasn't aware of all of those yet.
This main subject against distracting things was the first thing I was told about when I came into photography, some months ago, and still hard to decide what to show and what to conceal.
I'm also wondering sometimes that it's a matter of personal tastes. Sometimes in forums I see some pictures with extra elements or nice background that are considered 'distracting' for many people, whereas I see the non-main-subject as a plus. I am manytimes afraid of isolating too much the main subject so that it is get out of context.

Anyway, I'll think about all of you have posted here more carefully from now on

[PopsPhotos]

One of the exercises I give my students to bring home composition is called "What caught your eye."

Go to a place which you think will give you some nice pictures. As you are strolling about, look for potential. When you see something which catches your eye, raise the camera and shoot it immediately.

Now, look at the subject and move about, left, right, forward, backward, up on tippy-toe, down on the ground, later in the day or the next morning for a different sun position, and get the best shot you can. Take at least 4 different shots and preferably 8. Not more than that, though.

When you get back to the barn, develop the first shot and set it aside. That is the one which will represent what you saw that interested you. The others will be different compositions of that shot. One of them will probably grab you. Sometimes, you will realize that what you saw just can't be shot at that time, from that position, with your skill level. However, don't get discouraged. Just remember that you learn much more from screwing up a shot than you do from the ones you get perfect.

Pops

[MiniChris]

if you'll go back into the archives, there is another whole section on composition which I think you will find very interesting as well. The one aspect I will repeat is thinking of a composition like a story. If all the characters, setting and place are doing something that drives the plot forward, you will have a successful photograph. However, if any one component is there just because it looks pretty or sounds great, but really isn't doing any of the above, it has to be removed from the scene.

One specific philosophical end quote on someone's avatar page says somethng to the effect that the most often forgotten bit of good photographic techniques is remembering the basics. It's the best advice anyone can hold dear. I test my students weekly on the basics - shooting (composition, shutter and aperture), processing (alternative, darkroom or CS5) and printing (sun, lightbox, darkroom or Epson). I have every technique posted on the walls in huge posters with lots of graphics and each student gets a CD with everything they would ever need to know about my classroom procedure, the darkroom, alternative processes and digital applications.

This year, as a result of being on CiC for 8 months, I am completely revising the digital side of my CD and adding oodles of informational links I've gleaned from members on this site. Learning is for everyone and I make it a point to learn something new everyday. Today's was a link to a canvas printer.

Pops' suggestion of shooting 8 frames per composition is as good a technique as you will ever get. I would add to his idea, look at your light source, the direction and angle, then (if it is possible) the best time of day to really emphasize what it is that first caught your eye and what it is you want to share with the rest of the world. If you cannot return to the scene, then optimize the time you have there with as many shots, angles and framing as possible. Cards aren't all that expensive.

[Shambhala]

Awesome advice!! I am going to use this on Monday.. When I do my other class photoshoot.. That is what my teacher says too, "remember something caught your eye" Thanks Pops!

[Shambhala]

Thank-you Chris... all great advice too, I am learning so much from this forum and I have only been on it for just over a week, I think my pictures have already improved thanks to everyone's helpful advice and taking time to help us "newbies" out.. I have been taking pictures for just over two months now, Can't wait to see what I take in six months.. I LOVE this forum

[PopsPhotos]

Shannon, your attitude makes me wish you were in my classroom.

Pops

[Shambhala]

HEHE Thanks Pops I wish I was in your classroom too, Because then I would be learning even more.