Composition is the foundation of photography, influencing the story, emotion and impact of your images. While there is value in understanding composition rules like the rule of thirds or the golden spiral, relying solely on them can stifle creativity and lead to formulaic results.
Coming to you from Jamie Windsor, this insightful video talks about the intricacies of composition and offers practical tips to enhance your photography. Windsor emphasizes the importance of moving beyond rigid rules and developing a deeper understanding of how compositional elements interact within the frame. He highlights the limitations of the rule of thirds, emphasizing the need to consider the overall balance and feel of the image, including elements such as tone, color and contrast.
Windsor encourages experimentation with different perspectives, encouraging you to go beyond your usual eye level and explore high, low, and close-up angles. He suggests using your phone’s screen as a tool to visualize the scene in 2D, helping you turn the three-dimensional world into a compelling photo. Additionally, he recommends simplifying your composition by removing unnecessary details and paying close attention to the edges of the frame.
The video further explores the conceptual aspects of composition, encouraging you to consider the message and emotion you want to convey. Windsor emphasizes the importance of understanding how camera angles, cropping, and context can influence the viewer’s perception of the subject and story within the frame. He encourages post-processing as a tool for refining your composition, but reminds you that mastering in-camera techniques is crucial for long-term development.
By combining practical advice with a thoughtful approach to composition, Windsor provides valuable insights for photographers of all levels. He encourages you to learn the rules, but more importantly understand why and when to apply them, ultimately developing your own sense of visual storytelling. Check out the video above for the full list.
