This week we put away our technical toolbox and went to the dark side! Or maybe more literally, the right brain, creative side of photography, where most of us would rather spend our time. We started exploring composition - the art of creating beautiful photographs.
Just as that implies, composing a photograph is "art". While there are some techniques that can help us think about how to combine visual elements such as lines and curves into pleasing creations, it's really a "gut feel" that tells us when it works. Many famous photographers discount any "rules" of composition. And I can tell you from personal experience that if you always use the same techniques, your photos will begin to all look alike.
It's really useful to have some hints at your disposal though, especially at the beginning. Using techniques such as the rule of thirds and leading lines, we can create more harmonious images that draw in the viewer and encourage them to examine the photograph in more detail.
Try writing down some of the techniques on a slip of paper and bring it with you on your next photo outing. If you find yourself trying to think of something to shoot, pull out the list and use it to trigger your imagination. It's amazing how well they work!
And after a while, you won't need a list. You'll begin to "see". You'll develop your own eye and be on your way to being an artist.
By the way, please don't forget that the classes of November 19 & 26 have been postponed until December 3 & 10.
Thanks and good shooting!
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