Need a little help on composition

[bdavis]

I was taking some photos last night just to test my camera and play with the settings, but later on I was reviewing them and decided that I didn't like them as much as I previously thought. I then decided that my composition could use a little work.

Does anyone know of some tips that would help me out besides just going out and shooting?

Also if anyone knows of any good books/online articles that are a good read, that would be great as well.

 

[Eldrich]

I recently read The New Manual of Photography by John Hedgecoe. It has a section on technical aspects, like focal lengths, etc, and exposure tips, and then it has a fairly large section on the 'art of photography' where it talks a lot about compositional tips for different subjects. It is written in a style that has exactly one tip/suggestion for each two pages, so its easy to read because you can read it for 5 minutes and put it down, and you can read just one section at a time if you want.

 

[tinfish]

bdavis,
I did a quick search on Google and found this article. It is pretty basic, but gives a nice simple explanation of some good techniques regarding composition. Composition link. I would also check the galleries of some photographers that you admire. See how they are framing their photos. Where is their subject, how are they working with foreground/background, etc. Also you can check out some art. Painters lay out their work in a way that is pleasing to the eye, which is basically what composition is all about.
Good luck.

 

[bdavis]

Thanks for the advice. Looks like I have some reading to do. I do know the basics like the rule of thirds, leading lines, etc but when I go out and shoot I just don't like any images I produce. I guess there really isn't anything fascinating where I live. I'm out in the middle of nowhere.

 

[Eldrich]

Reading helps, but I also like Tinfish's suggestion to look at photos or art that you do like, and then study it and try to analyze why you like it. I have found it very rewarding to mimic shots that others do that I like. It's kind of like copying, but its very interesting and helpful.

 

[saycheese76]

Here is a link to a review of "The Photographer's Eye". FWIW, it is the best book on composition that I have come across.

 

[nickisonfire]

well I know whenever I'm composing something I think to myself "can I get a better angle/position on this subject" 90% of the time i say yes and I try to change my position, meaning I might have to get above/below the subject, closer/further away etc.

 

[bdavis]

I was looking at that book and thinking about getting it. I've bought photo books before and been disappointed with some of them, so I as hoping to hear from someone that has that book.

As far as having reference images, I have hundreds of photos on my computer from photographers like I like. I have them broken up into categories like people, animals, landscapes, cars, macro, abstract, etc. I look at them a lot and try to mimic what I see, but I just don't think I have very interesting subjects.

I might have to take a day off from work and have a "photo day" where I just run around town and take pictures, maybe that will give me the practice I need.

 

[GeneralBenson]

Here is a link to a review of "The Photographer's Eye". FWIW, it is the best book on composition that I have come across.

I agree. I haven't bought this yet, but I plan too and have thumbed it a few times in the bookstore. It's the best composition book I've come across by a long shot.

 

[bdavis]

Great, I might have to check it out.

 

[ksmattfish]

Here's a list of links to many online articles Photography Composition Articles Library

Look to the other arts as well. The same concepts that make for good composition in a painting work in a photograph, and the painters have been at it a lot longer.

If you've got a college with an art program nearby take Drawing 101 and Basic Design classes. They'll do more for improving your compositional skills than any amount of reading.

 

[Iron Flatline]

Just keep looking at images. Try to understand why you like them.