Basics Photography Composition

In addition to its place in the frame, think about the relative size of the subject to ~s field. What do you want to say about your subject and its location? Do you want the subject to dominate the frame or merge w~h the background? If your subject is a flower bursting ~h colour and energy, maximise H so that it bursts out of the frame. Just as there is a mesmeric attraction to placing a subject in the centre of the frame, we have also a natural reluctance to crop. TImidly nibbling at the edges of a subject produces weak images. Important detail must be retained, but the brain will rapidly complete what has been cropped out, especially ~h geometric or common forms. Newspapers rarely publish a head and shoulders portrait w~hout cropping through the forehead. This gives more prominence on the page to the face. Ideally, cropping is performed incamera as this gives the bestqualHy fullframe enlargement.

Basics Photography 01 David Präkel The Basics Photography series from AVA Publishing’s Academia list comprises a collection of titles including: Lighting, Composition, Capturing Colour, Post-Production Black & White, Post-Production Colour and Working in Black & White. Packed with useful tips and fully illustrated with clear diagrams and inspiring imagery, they offer an essential introduction to the subject. Second to lighting, composition is the key ingredient for the creation of a successful photograph. Whatever other technical skill is involved, if the formal organisation of an image is lacking, there is little to hold the interest of the viewer. But what makes a winning composition? Is it about following the rules – or about breaking them? Composition is divided into six core chapters that cover everything the beginner needs to know to improve their composition, including the basics of composition, exploring the formal elements, how to organise space and time, learning the real-world ‘rules’ and, beyond that, how to use the ideas presented in the book to create original, compelling images. The book is illustrated throughout with photography to inform the mind and inspire the eye. David Präkel was born and schooled in the North of England. He was given his first camera at the age of 9 and photography has played a central role in his life ever since. After studying Psychology at the University of Manchester he enjoyed a successful and diverse career in journalism, photography and education. A natural communicator, he spent a sabbatical year in America teaching photography in night class and youth programs in Rochester, NY. On return to the UK he taught the subject at all levels in universities, colleges, schools and at the prestigious Kodak Imaging Training Centre in Harrow. He now runs his own photographic training workshops in Northumberland (Centre of Britain PhotoWorkshops Partnership). His books on photographic composition, lighting and black-and-white photography are published in the AVA Academia series and are internationally recognised as ideal starter texts. Featured topics the basic rules of composition viewpoint perspective scale formal elements point line shape form texture pattern tone colour how to organise space frames balance space capturing the passing of time the decisive moment sequences composition landscape still life portraiture documentary the figure action sports fine art advertising finding your own view considerations of digital imaging Featured contributors Harry Callahan Henri Cartier-Bresson John Darwell David Hockney Dorothea Lange Duane Michals James Nachtwey Martin Parr Marc Riboud BASICS 01 Photography COMPOSITION BASICS 01 David Präkel Photography n giving form by putting together or combining various elements, parts or ingredients COMPOSITION Ethical practice is well known, taught and discussed in the domains of medicine, law, science and sociology but was, until recently, rarely discussed in the terms of the Applied Visual Arts. Yet design is becoming an increasingly integral part of our everyday lives and its influence on our society ever-more prevalent. AVA Publishing believes that our world needs integrity; that the ramifications of our actions upon others should be for the greatest happiness and benefit of the greatest number. We do not set ourselves out as arbiters of what is ‘good’ or ‘bad’, but aim to promote discussion in an organised fashion for an individual’s understanding of their own ethical inclination. Publisher’s note ava publishing sa sales@avabooks.ch www.avabooks.ch Basics Photography 01 David Präkel The Basics Photography series from AVA Publishing’s Academia list comprises a collection of titles including: Lighting, Composition, Capturing Colour, Post-Production Black & White, Post-Production Colour and Working in Black & White. Packed with useful tips and fully illustrated with clear diagrams and inspiring imagery, they offer an essential introduction to the subject. Second to lighting, composition is the key ingredient for the creation of a successful photograph. Whatever other technical skill is involved, if the formal organisation of an image is lacking, there is little to hold the interest of the viewer. But what makes a winning composition? Is it about following the rules – or about breaking them? Composition is divided into six core chapters that cover everything the beginner needs to know to improve their composition, including the basics of composition, exploring the formal elements, how to organise space and time, learning the real-world ‘rules’ and, beyond that, how to use the ideas presented in the book to create original, compelling images. The book is illustrated throughout with photography to inform the mind and inspire the eye. David Präkel was born and schooled in the North of England. He was given his first camera at the age of 9 and photography has played a central role in his life ever since. After studying Psychology at the University of Manchester he enjoyed a successful and diverse career in journalism, photography and education. A natural communicator, he spent a sabbatical year in America teaching photography in night class and youth programs in Rochester, NY. On return to the UK he taught the subject at all levels in universities, colleges, schools and at the prestigious Kodak Imaging Training Centre in Harrow. He now runs his own photographic training workshops in Northumberland (Centre of Britain PhotoWorkshops Partnership). His books on photographic composition, lighting and black-and-white photography are published in the AVA Academia series and are internationally recognised as ideal starter texts. Featured topics the basic rules of composition viewpoint perspective scale formal elements point line shape form texture pattern tone colour how to organise space frames balance space capturing the passing of time the decisive moment sequences composition landscape still life portraiture documentary the figure action sports fine art advertising finding your own view considerations of digital imaging Featured contributors Harry Callahan Henri Cartier-Bresson John Darwell David Hockney Dorothea Lange Duane Michals James Nachtwey Martin Parr Marc Riboud BASICS 01 Photography COMPOSITION BASICS 01 David Präkel Photography n giving form by putting together or combining various elements, parts or ingredients COMPOSITION Ethical practice is well known, taught and discussed in the domains of medicine, law, science and sociology but was, until recently, rarely discussed in the terms of the Applied Visual Arts. Yet design is becoming an increasingly integral part of our everyday lives and its influence on our society ever-more prevalent. AVA Publishing believes that our world needs integrity; that the ramifications of our actions upon others should be for the greatest happiness and benefit of the greatest number. We do not set ourselves out as arbiters of what is ‘good’ or ‘bad’, but aim to promote discussion in an organised fashion for an individual’s understanding of their own ethical inclination. Publisher’s note ava publishing sa sales@avabooks.ch www.avabooks.ch Basics Photography 01 David Präkel The Basics Photography series from AVA Publishing’s Academia list comprises a collection of titles including: Lighting, Composition, Capturing Colour, Post-Production Black & White, Post-Production Colour and Working in Black & White. Packed with useful tips and fully illustrated with clear diagrams and inspiring imagery, they offer an essential introduction to the subject. Second to lighting, composition is the key ingredient for the creation of a successful photograph. Whatever other technical skill is involved, if the formal organisation of an image is lacking, there is little to hold the interest of the viewer. But what makes a winning composition? Is it about following the rules – or about breaking them? Composition is divided into six core chapters that cover everything the beginner needs to know to improve their composition, including the basics of composition, exploring the formal elements, how to organise space and time, learning the real-world ‘rules’ and, beyond that, how to use the ideas presented in the book to create original, compelling images. The book is illustrated throughout with photography to inform the mind and inspire the eye. David Präkel was born and schooled in the North of England. He was given his first camera at the age of 9 and photography has played a central role in his life ever since. After studying Psychology at the University of Manchester he enjoyed a successful and diverse career in journalism, photography and education. A natural communicator, he spent a sabbatical year in America teaching photography in night class and youth programs in Rochester, NY. On return to the UK he taught the subject at all levels in universities, colleges, schools and at the prestigious Kodak Imaging Training Centre in Harrow. He now runs his own photographic training workshops in Northumberland (Centre of Britain PhotoWorkshops Partnership). His books on photographic composition, lighting and black-and-white photography are published in the AVA Academia series and are internationally recognised as ideal starter texts. Featured topics the basic rules of composition viewpoint perspective scale formal elements point line shape form texture pattern tone colour how to organise space frames balance space capturing the passing of time the decisive moment sequences composition landscape still life portraiture documentary the figure action sports fine art advertising finding your own view considerations of digital imaging Featured contributors Harry Callahan Henri Cartier-Bresson John Darwell David Hockney Dorothea Lange Duane Michals James Nachtwey Martin Parr Marc Riboud BASICS 01 Photography COMPOSITION BASICS 01 David Präkel Photography n giving form by putting together or combining various elements, parts or ingredients COMPOSITION Ethical practice is well known, taught and discussed in the domains of medicine, law, science and sociology but was, until recently, rarely discussed in the terms of the Applied Visual Arts. Yet design is becoming an increasingly integral part of our everyday lives and its influence on our society ever-more prevalent. AVA Publishing believes that our world needs integrity; that the ramifications of our actions upon others should be for the greatest happiness and benefit of the greatest number. We do not set ourselves out as arbiters of what is ‘good’ or ‘bad’, but aim to promote discussion in an organised fashion for an individual’s understanding of their own ethical inclination. Publisher’s note ava publishing sa sales@avabooks.ch www.avabooks.ch Basics Photography 01 David Präkel The Basics Photography series from AVA Publishing’s Academia list comprises a collection of titles including: Lighting, Composition, Capturing Colour, Post-Production Black & White, Post-Production Colour and Working in Black & White. Packed with useful tips and fully illustrated with clear diagrams and inspiring imagery, they offer an essential introduction to the subject. Second to lighting, composition is the key ingredient for the creation of a successful photograph. Whatever other technical skill is involved, if the formal organisation of an image is lacking, there is little to hold the interest of the viewer. But what makes a winning composition? Is it about following the rules – or about breaking them? Composition is divided into six core chapters that cover everything the beginner needs to know to improve their composition, including the basics of composition, exploring the formal elements, how to organise space and time, learning the real-world ‘rules’ and, beyond that, how to use the ideas presented in the book to create original, compelling images. The book is illustrated throughout with photography to inform the mind and inspire the eye. David Präkel was born and schooled in the North of England. He was given his first camera at the age of 9 and photography has played a central role in his life ever since. After studying Psychology at the University of Manchester he enjoyed a successful and diverse career in journalism, photography and education. A natural communicator, he spent a sabbatical year in America teaching photography in night class and youth programs in Rochester, NY. On return to the UK he taught the subject at all levels in universities, colleges, schools and at the prestigious Kodak Imaging Training Centre in Harrow. He now runs his own photographic training workshops in Northumberland (Centre of Britain PhotoWorkshops Partnership). His books on photographic composition, lighting and black-and-white photography are published in the AVA Academia series and are internationally recognised as ideal starter texts. Featured topics the basic rules of composition viewpoint perspective scale formal elements point line shape form texture pattern tone colour how to organise space frames balance space capturing the passing of time the decisive moment sequences composition landscape still life portraiture documentary the figure action sports fine art advertising finding your own view considerations of digital imaging Featured contributors Harry Callahan Henri Cartier-Bresson John Darwell David Hockney Dorothea Lange Duane Michals James Nachtwey Martin Parr Marc Riboud BASICS 01 Photography COMPOSITION BASICS 01 David Präkel Photography n giving form by putting together or combining various elements, parts or ingredients COMPOSITION Ethical practice is well known, taught and discussed in the domains of medicine, law, science and sociology but was, until recently, rarely discussed in the terms of the Applied Visual Arts. Yet design is becoming an increasingly integral part of our everyday lives and its influence on our society ever-more prevalent. AVA Publishing believes that our world needs integrity; that the ramifications of our actions upon others should be for the greatest happiness and benefit of the greatest number. We do not set ourselves out as arbiters of what is ‘good’ or ‘bad’, but aim to promote discussion in an organised fashion for an individual’s understanding of their own ethical inclination. Publisher’s note ava publishing sa sales@avabooks.ch www.avabooks.ch Basics Photography 01 David Präkel The Basics Photography series from AVA Publishing’s Academia list comprises a collection of titles including: Lighting, Composition, Capturing Colour, Post-Production Black & White, Post-Production Colour and Working in Black & White. Packed with useful tips and fully illustrated with clear diagrams and inspiring imagery, they offer an essential introduction to the subject. Second to lighting, composition is the key ingredient for the creation of a successful photograph. Whatever other technical skill is involved, if the formal organisation of an image is lacking, there is little to hold the interest of the viewer. But what makes a winning composition? Is it about following the rules – or about breaking them? Composition is divided into six core chapters that cover everything the beginner needs to know to improve their composition, including the basics of composition, exploring the formal elements, how to organise space and time, learning the real-world ‘rules’ and, beyond that, how to use the ideas presented in the book to create original, compelling images. The book is illustrated throughout with photography to inform the mind and inspire the eye. David Präkel was born and schooled in the North of England. He was given his first camera at the age of 9 and photography has played a central role in his life ever since. After studying Psychology at the University of Manchester he enjoyed a successful and diverse career in journalism, photography and education. A natural communicator, he spent a sabbatical year in America teaching photography in night class and youth programs in Rochester, NY. On return to the UK he taught the subject at all levels in universities, colleges, schools and at the prestigious Kodak Imaging Training Centre in Harrow. He now runs his own photographic training workshops in Northumberland (Centre of Britain PhotoWorkshops Partnership). His books on photographic composition, lighting and black-and-white photography are published in the AVA Academia series and are internationally recognised as ideal starter texts. Featured topics the basic rules of composition viewpoint perspective scale formal elements point line shape form texture pattern tone colour how to organise space frames balance space capturing the passing of time the decisive moment sequences composition landscape still life portraiture documentary the figure action sports fine art advertising finding your own view considerations of digital imaging Featured contributors Harry Callahan Henri Cartier-Bresson John Darwell David Hockney Dorothea Lange Duane Michals James Nachtwey Martin Parr Marc Riboud BASICS 01 Photography COMPOSITION BASICS 01 David Präkel Photography n giving form by putting together or combining various elements, parts or ingredients COMPOSITION Ethical practice is well known, taught and discussed in the domains of medicine, law, science and sociology but was, until recently, rarely discussed in the terms of the Applied Visual Arts. Yet design is becoming an increasingly integral part of our everyday lives and its influence on our society ever-more prevalent. AVA Publishing believes that our world needs integrity; that the ramifications of our actions upon others should be for the greatest happiness and benefit of the greatest number. We do not set ourselves out as arbiters of what is ‘good’ or ‘bad’, but aim to promote discussion in an organised fashion for an individual’s understanding of their own ethical inclination. Publisher’s note ava publishing sa sales@avabooks.ch www.avabooks.ch 9 782940 373048 ISBN 13: 978-2-940373-04-8 £17.95 COMPOSITION 01 Photography 01 Photography COMPOSITION COMPOSITION 01 Photography 01 Photography COMPOSITION COMPOSITION 01 Photography n giving form by putting together or combining various elements, parts or ingredients COMPOSITION p1 3 rd 74721-2_CTP_001-009_prelims_HU:photo_for cat.QXD 5/30/09 21:58 Page 1 (Text Black plate) 6657-Hungarian Edn.indd 16657-Hungarian Edn.indd 1 8/8/09 1:27:39 PM8/8/09 1:27:39 PM bp 01 Compo title_01426:bp 01 Compo title_01426 6/10/09 10:10 AM Page 1 COMPOSITION BASICS 01 David Präkel Photography bp 01 Compo title_01426:bp 01 Compo title_01426 6/10/09 10:10 AM Page 1 6657-UK Edn Text.indd 16657-UK Edn Text.indd 1 8/11/09 5:35:01 PM8/11/09 5:35:01 PM i iii' awaI9- • ""ui ::- re1lect- ron! debate va lemia K OMPOZÍCIÓ p2 3 rd 74721-2_CTP_001-009_prelims_HU:photo_for cat.QXD 5/30/09 21:58 Page 2 (Text Black plate) 6657-Hungarian Edn.indd 26657-Hungarian Edn.indd 2 8/8/09 1:27:39 PM8/8/09 1:27:39 PM Job no : 74721-2 Title : Composite Client : AVA Scn : # 175 Size : 160(w)230(h)mm Co : M11 CQ6,9 (All To Spot)(Coagl) Dept : DTP D/O : 24.03.06 (Job no: 74721C2 D/O : 25.04.06 Co: CM3) p2 QC Preflight Point 2 nd 1111 74721-2_CTP_001-009_prelims.qxd 4/25/06 11:11 PM Page 2 An AVA Book Published by AVA Publishing SA Rue des Fontenailles 16 Case Postale 1000 Lausanne 6 Switzerland Tel: +41 786 005 109 Email: enquiries@avabooks.ch Distributed by Thames & Hudson (ex-North America) 181a High Holborn London WC1V 7QX United Kingdom Tel: +44 20 7845 5000 Fax: +44 20 7845 5055 Email: sales@thameshudson.co.uk www.thamesandhudson.com Distributed in the USA & Canada by: Ingram Publisher Services Inc. 1 Ingram Blvd. La Vergne, TN 37086 USA Tel: +1 866 400 5351 Fax: +1 800 838 1149 Email: customer.service@ingrampublisherservices.com English Language Support Office AVA Publishing (UK) Ltd. Tel: +44 1903 204 455 Email: enquiries@avabooks.ch Copyright © AVA Publishing SA 2006 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without permission of the copyright holder. ISBN 978-2-940373-04-8 10 9 8 7 6 5 Design by Gavin Ambrose (www.gavinambrose.co.uk) Cover image by Nina Indset Andersen Production by AVA Book Production Pte. Ltd., Singapore Tel: +65 6334 8173 Fax: +65 6259 9830 Email: production@avabooks.com.sg All reasonable attempts have been made to trace, clear and credit the copyright holders of the images reproduced in this book. However, if any credits have been inadvertently omitted, the publisher will endeavour to incorporate amendments in future editions. BP Composition_Imprint page.qxd:BP Composition_Imprint page 6/9/09 4:57 PM Page 1 Job no : 74721-2 Title : Composite Client : AVA Scn : # 175 Size : 160(w)230(h)mm Co : M11 CQ6,9 (All To Spot)(Coagl) Dept : DTP D/O : 24.03.06 (Job no: 74721C2 D/O : 25.04.06 Co: CM3) p2 QC Preflight Point 2 nd 1111 74721-2_CTP_001-009_prelims.qxd 4/25/06 11:11 PM Page 2 6657-UK Edn Text.indd 26657-UK Edn Text.indd 2 8/11/09 5:35:01 PM8/11/09 5:35:01 PM 1 st p3 74721-2_CTP_001-009_prelims_HU:photo_for cat.QXD 5/30/09 21:58 Page 3 (Text Black plate) 6657-Hungarian Edn.indd 36657-Hungarian Edn.indd 3 8/8/09 1:27:39 PM8/8/09 1:27:39 PM QC Preflight Point 1 st 1111 p3 Job no : 74721-2 Title : Composite Client : AVA Scn : # 175 Size : 160(w)230(h)mm Co : M11 CQ6,9 (All To Spot)(Coagl) Dept : DTP D/O : 24.03.06 (Job no:000000 D/O : 00.00.06 Co: CM0) 74721-2_CTP_001-009_prelims.qxd 3/27/06 10:16 AM Page 3 6657-UK Edn Text.indd 36657-UK Edn Text.indd 3 8/11/09 5:35:01 PM8/11/09 5:35:01 PM Binette 12 This portrait by Nana Sousa Dias is composed very simply to emphasise the beautiful, bold, graphic shape, texture and lighting of the subject's features. Photographer: Nana Sousa Dias. Technical summary: Pentax 645 with Pentax 135mm macro lens, 1/60 sec at f22,llford HP5 Plus, lit by Multiblitz Magnolite 32 flash-head with 1 m square safIbox. 1 st p4 74721-2_CTP_001-009_prelims_HU:photo_for cat.QXD 6/24/09 17:49 Page 4 (Text Black plate) 6657-Hungarian Edn.indd 46657-Hungarian Edn.indd 4 8/8/09 1:27:39 PM8/8/09 1:27:39 PM QC Preflight Point 1 st 1111 Job no : 74721-2 Title : Composite Client : AVA. Scn : # 175 Size : 160(w)230(h)mm Co : M11 CQ6,9 (All To Spot)(Coagl) Dept : DTP D/O : 24.03.06 (Job no:000000 D/O : 00.00.06 Co: CM0) p4 74721-2_CTP_001-009_prelims.qxd 3/22/06 2:17 PM Page 4 6657-UK Edn Text.indd 46657-UK Edn Text.indd 4 8/11/09 5:35:01 PM8/11/09 5:35:01 PM6657-UK Edn Text.indd 46657-UK Edn Text.indd 4 8/11/09 5:35:01 PM8/11/09 5:35:01 PM How to get the most out of this book 6 Introduction 8 Basics 10 Fonnal elements 36 Organising space 92 The case for Point 38 Frames 94 composition 12 Une 44 Balance 112 The rules 18 Shape 54 Appearance Viewpoint 26 Form 60 of space 118 Perspective 28 Texture 66 Scale 34 Pattem 72 Tone 74 Colour 80 1 st p5 74721-2_CTP_001-009_prelims_HU:photo_for cat.QXD 5/30/09 21:58 Page 5 (Text Black plate) 6657-Hungarian Edn.indd 56657-Hungarian Edn.indd 5 8/8/09 1:27:40 PM8/8/09 1:27:40 PM QC Preflight Point 1 st 1111 Job no : 74721-2 Title : Composite Client : AVA Scn : # 175 Size : 160(w)230(h)mm Co : M11 CQ6,9 (All To Spot)(Coagl) Dept : DTP D/O : 24.03.06 (Job no:000000 D/O : 00.00.06 Co: CM0) p5 74721-2_CTP_001-009_prelims.qxd 3/22/06 2:18 PM Page 5 6657-UK Edn Text.indd 56657-UK Edn Text.indd 5 8/11/09 5:35:02 PM8/11/09 5:35:02 PM6657-UK Edn Text.indd 56657-UK Edn Text.indd 5 8/11/09 5:35:02 PM8/11/09 5:35:02 PM · . , Organising time 124 Application 134 Originality 152 Time passing 126 Landscape 136 Developing your Momenls 128 81i11life 138 own view 154 The decisive Portrait 140 Contrasts 160 moment 130 Documentary 142 Imbalance 162 Sequences 132 Figure 144 Cropping 164 Action/sports 146 Colour 166 Fine art 148 Digital imaging 168 Advertising 150 Conclusion 172 Contacts 173 Glossary 174 Acknowledgements and credits 176 1 st p6 74721-2_CTP_001-009_prelims_HU:photo_for cat.QXD 5/30/09 21:59 Page 6 (Text Black plate) 6657-Hungarian Edn.indd 66657-Hungarian Edn.indd 6 8/8/09 1:27:41 PM8/8/09 1:27:41 PM QC Preflight Point p6 74721-2_CTP_001-009_prelims.qxd 4/28/06 4:06 PM Page 6 Introduction Composition is a process of organising space. All photographic imaging starts with selection, but before the photographer even thinks about a subject, he or she must give consideration to the proportions of the frame that will contain it. There are various film and digital formats and choice of aspect ratios of frames. The frame of the image can be horizontal (landscape), vertical (portrait), square or panoramic, the latter offering the photographer a particular challenge with composition. Having selected a subject, the photographer needs to know where the subject is best placed in the frame and how big it should be – as both position and size have a major influence on how the viewer will read the image. The advantages of composing images in the camera over cropping later in image-manipulation software are many. Composing in advance requires more skill and creativity. The photographer must look at both the balance of all the formal elements and the foreground-to-background balance. We’ll look at the problems of symmetry and the pitfalls of the perfectly balanced image – in addition to related notions of symmetry, beauty and the human face – in more detail in the next few pages. Selective focus and the use of lens aperture is another aspect of the compositional process for consideration as they give photographers control over which part of their image appears in sharp focus – a feature unique to photography. Sharpness, by convention, signifies the importance of the subject. Again, we’ll look in more detail at focus, the quality of out-of- focus areas of the image and the use of depth of field and hyperfocal focusing to maximise sharpness. Cityscape (facing opposite) In his cityscape images Zaferis says he is trying to capture the ‘unseen’. This image at first presents a void between the near barrier of the yellow parking lines and the distant monument and its temporary red plastic fence. These elements ‘hold open’ a space that only on further investigation reveals intriguing textures. Photographer: Sotiris Zaferis. Technical summary: This book features dedicated chapters explaining the process of composition, its formal elements and how space and time are organised in photographic images. It is illustrated throughout with classic images from the masters of photography, and creative images – some taken especially for this book – from contemporary practitioners. Later chapters look at how techniques of composition can be applied in real-world situations and used to create a personal style. Each key idea is isolated, examined and explained in context. Introductory images Introductory images give a visual indication of the context for each chapter. Main chapter pages These offer a précis of the basic concepts that will be discussed Headings Each important concept is shown in the heading at the top of each spread to enable readers to refer quickly to a topic of interest. Introductions Special section introductions outline basic concepts that will be discussed. TB1st Proof Title: BP: Composition : AVA Job No: D809-41 / 4255 74721-2_CTP_001-009_prelims_.qxd 8/14/09 9:19 AM Page 6 6657-UK Edn Text.indd 66657-UK Edn Text.indd 6 8/14/09 1:14:07 PM8/14/09 1:14:07 PM QC Preflight Point p6 74721-2_CTP_001-009_prelims.qxd 4/28/06 4:06 PM Page 6 2 nd (Job no:74721C9 D/O : 19.11.07 Co: CM11) p6 74721-2_CTP_001-009_prelims.qxd 11/19/07 4:03 PM Page 6 6657-UK Edn Text.indd 66657-UK Edn Text.indd 6 8/11/09 5:35:02 PM8/11/09 5:35:02 PM How to get the most out of this book D 1 st p7 74721-2_CTP_001-009_prelims_HU:photo_for cat.QXD 5/30/09 21:59 Page 7 (Text Black plate) 6657-Hungarian Edn.indd 76657-Hungarian Edn.indd 7 8/8/09 1:27:42 PM8/8/09 1:27:42 PM QC Preflight Point p7 74721-2_CTP_001-009_prelims.qxd 4/28/06 4:09 PM Page 7 2 nd p7 (Job no:74721C9 D/O : 19.11.07 Co: CM11) 74721-2_CTP_001-009_prelims.qxd 11/19/07 4:52 PM Page 7 6657-UK Edn Text.indd 76657-UK Edn Text.indd 7 8/11/09 5:35:03 PM8/11/09 5:35:03 PM QC Preflight Point p7 74721-2_CTP_001-009_prelims.qxd 4/28/06 4:09 PM Page 7 2 nd p7 (Job no:74721C9 D/O : 19.11.07 Co: CM11) 74721-2_CTP_001-009_prelims.qxd 11/19/07 4:52 PM Page 7 6657-UK Edn Text.indd 76657-UK Edn Text.indd 7 8/11/09 5:35:03 PM8/11/09 5:35:03 PM _0 __ ."_'UI QuobdIono The pertinent thoughts and comments of famous phoiograpI1ern, artists and photographic convnentators. ~ All the imageo have ~ caraful~ chosen to illustrate the principles under cIscussion. _ , , _11<*"._ _ ~ II _ft_ ~",*", • _hIpooobIo,,_ - ~_. __ ~1IIIr_ _br·_ iIoo, __ ,h, In ____ _ _ _ 1IIo., ,ofllooptooln,lIo_ 1IIII"' 1IIi be_.~R_. 1OIIII1 •. 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The real skill of photography is organised visual lying.' Terence Donovan (photographer) Basics D The case for composition 14_15 Giving form to the image What is the purpose of a photographic image? We take photographs to share experiences, to show people things that they would otherwise not see, and to say something about the world or the self that cannot be better said in words Composition is the... and arranging the elements to produce a coherent image Everything in an image forms its composition Learning composition is like learning a language Once you’ve learned a language, it is not something you consciously think about as you talk The aim for the photographer should be to become fluent in the language of composition We react to objects in photographs much as we do to the real thing There is... macro lens, 39 sec, shot in a dark room on black background with a flashlight Basics Simplify, simplify Composition is the mental editing process a photographer applies as they work on an image to make its message easier for the viewer to read A common mistake is to think about what to ‘put into’ a picture For the beginner to photography it is tempting to lend an image import by filling it with as much... establishing compositional structure In an image, but is too regular in its proportions to produce very exciting I'BSlJts Some manufac:bers offer a range of grids on the display screens of their digital cameras to help the photographer with composition; some feature the conventional grid conforming to the Rule of Thirds, but others offer a grid based on a four-by-four grid, which Is less useful for geometric composition, ... would simply see the photograph as a study in red, pink and khaki Composition is a structured process, but, with familiarity, it becomes fluid and unconscious in its application It needs emotion to feed on – without emotion it can create superficially pleasing, but meaningless images To enable us to better understand the principles of composition, the constituent parts of an image must be formally broken... these elements in isolation, composition is the process of combining them – like ingredients in a recipe The camera will rarely encounter one of the elements in isolation In approaching any subject, the photographer must first discover the constituent elements of the scene presented to their camera Only then can the process of deciding how to balance and blend the elements of composition begin ‘Geometry... elegance for this class subject, given a uniquely personal touch Photographer: Jim Allen Technical summary: Sinar P 5 x 4, 210mm Nikkor f5.6, Kodak Tri-X, lit from north light against a white wall Basics Photography is not about the thing photographed It is about how that thing looks photographed.’ Garry Winogrand (photographer) Selection and arrangement Drawing, painting and the process of taking... a message he or she will begin consciously to select, frame and arrange With practice, this will become second nature Technical mastery is as important as composition, because the strongest message can only be revealed via a combination of strong composition and skilful photographic technique The artist constructs, works and reworks his or her image within its frame – referring back to the real world,... simply decide not to photograph something that is already in the frame Painting and drawing are the arts of constructing an image, but photography is the art of selection Classical artists would strive to achieve harmony, balance and a beauty that transcends the real world Photography so often is the real world The artist is free to rearrange the proportions and elements of the scene while painting so... basic shapes, triangles and circles into the composition To cover a canvas randomly with a range of coloured paints would take many times longer than it does to take a photograph Most artists work their paintings for many hours and the images will evolve during this process For the photographer, the moment they press the shutter is usually the culmination of the compositional and artistic act There are . 373048 ISBN 13: 978-2-940373-04-8 £17.95 COMPOSITION 01 Photography 01 Photography COMPOSITION COMPOSITION 01 Photography 01 Photography COMPOSITION COMPOSITION 01 Photography n giving form by putting. Parr Marc Riboud BASICS 01 Photography COMPOSITION BASICS 01 David Präkel Photography n giving form by putting together or combining various elements, parts or ingredients COMPOSITION Ethical. Parr Marc Riboud BASICS 01 Photography COMPOSITION BASICS 01 David Präkel Photography n giving form by putting together or combining various elements, parts or ingredients COMPOSITION Ethical