Creating a well balanced composed photo?

3 years 5 months ago #699616 by Tom Henry
My compositions I think are one of those areas I need to work on.  I'm sure this question might be faced off with difficulty to explain, but I'm going to fire it off and hope for the best.  I'd be really appreciative to learn how you go about getting balanced composed shots.  What does your approach look like?  

When you find your subject, how are scanning for foreground and background elements?  

Man, I hope this question makes sense!  


,
3 years 5 months ago #699617 by Nikon Shooter
One builds language and communication by first listening,
repeating, and comes a time when one can express ideas.

One builds composition and communication by first looking,
appreciating, and comes a time when one can express ideas.

In a place like this forum, just look around. See the different
subjects and the way they were framed. Appreciate them for
yourself, sharpen your observation and critique skills and you
will come to your own way.

Have a good time!

Light is free… capturing it is not!
Photo Comments
,
3 years 5 months ago #699639 by db3348
Just to add my 1c worth ,
  • suggestion : don't get weighed down too much on rules ;  e.g,  rule-of-thirds , while it may have occasional relevance and validity ,  it should not be totally enforcing your composition ;
  • please yourself first :  be satisfied for yourself that the image expresses your intended result ;  does photo show and tell what you wanted it to .  Critique it and analyse if or if not it has achieved your original intention ,  and  if not,  why not ,  what and how could you do better ;
  • along similar lines to what NS said ,  observation and appreciation of your subject and all its characteristics ,  and what is happening around it ;
  • suggestion : with regard to foreground & background elements :  when  shooting ,  think about whether they effectively contribute to the subject ,  do they have any context connection to the subject , do they reinforce or add to the impact of subject ,  or distract attention from subject .  If so include in view,  if not ,  try to exclude from view .
db3348


Photo Comments
,
3 years 5 months ago #699669 by Ivy Winchell

db3348 wrote: Just to add my 1c worth ,

  • suggestion : don't get weighed down too much on rules ;  e.g,  rule-of-thirds , while it may have occasional relevance and validity ,  it should not be totally enforcing your composition ;
  • please yourself first :  be satisfied for yourself that the image expresses your intended result ;  does photo show and tell what you wanted it to .  Critique it and analyse if or if not it has achieved your original intention ,  and  if not,  why not ,  what and how could you do better ;
  • along similar lines to what NS said ,  observation and appreciation of your subject and all its characteristics ,  and what is happening around it ;
  • suggestion : with regard to foreground & background elements :  when  shooting ,  think about whether they effectively contribute to the subject ,  do they have any context connection to the subject , do they reinforce or add to the impact of subject ,  or distract attention from subject .  If so include in view,  if not ,  try to exclude from view .
db3348



:agree:  good post 


Photo Comments
,
3 years 5 months ago #699685 by Ozzie_Traveller
G'day Tom

Another suggestion...

next time you're passing the local $2 shop, pop in and buy an empty cardboard photo frame. Cut it into two halves diagonally, leaving you with 2 "oversize Ls"

Play with these onto any printed photos you see around the house ... magazines included, and see for yourself how images behave with varying cropping and layouts applied

It is all part of the learning process :)
Hope this helps
Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/

Phil from the great land Downunder
www.flickr.com/photos/ozzie_traveller/sets/

,

817.3K

241K

  • Facebook

    817,251 / Likes

  • Twitter

    241,000 / Followers

  • Google+

    1,620,816 / Followers

Latest Reviews

The Leica SL2-S is an attractive, premium mirrorless camera with photo and video specs that are sure to impress. And with the legendary Leica name, you know this camera exudes quality!

Mar 26, 2024

The Sigma fp L is a compact full-frame camera with a 61-megapixel sensor, 4K video capabilities, in-body image stabilization, and weather-sealed construction. What’s not to like?!

Mar 19, 2024

The Canon 1DX Mark III is a big, burly professional camera packed with top-end features. Is it worth the investment in 2024? Find out in this detailed review!

Mar 04, 2024

In the OM-1 vs OM-5 debate, which camera comes out on top? Though they’re different cameras for different purposes, comparing them head to head clarifies which is best for your needs.

Mar 01, 2024

Forum Top Posters

Latest Articles

Time management is a critical skill to master when you’re a photographer. But how do you get the most out of the limited time you have? Check out this guide to learn a few tricks!

Mar 27, 2024

The Leica SL2-S is an attractive, premium mirrorless camera with photo and video specs that are sure to impress. And with the legendary Leica name, you know this camera exudes quality!

Mar 26, 2024

Opening a photography business means undertaking various photography marketing strategies to promote your work. But you don’t want to do the same old thing - try these unique ideas!

Mar 22, 2024

The Canon EOS 80D might be a few years old, but it’s nevertheless a quality camera to invest in as a beginner or enthusiast looking for a mid-range DSLR with tons of lens options.

Mar 22, 2024

Wedding consultations are a critical part of a wedding photography gig. It’s when you learn about the couple and their wants, and present them with how you will meet those desires.

Mar 22, 2024

If you're looking for the best metal print of 2023, you'll find it from Artbeat Studios. After months of testing, Artbeat Studios beat out the competition!

Mar 21, 2024

Getting the best video shots on your camera or smartphone requires you to understand the fundamentals of composition and video editing. It helps to have the appropriate gear, too!

Mar 20, 2024

It’s easy to lose your inspiration behind the lens, especially as a beginner. These creative photography projects can help inspire you to try new techniques and improve your photos.

Mar 20, 2024