Working on composition - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

07/19/2005 07:55:23 PM · #1

I'm trying to work on what I feel is one of my weak points in photography, composiion. I'm one of those people who tend to put the subject in the middle all by it's self. So, here's a few shots open for comment/critique.

Konador

Canon EOS-500D Rebel T1i

07/19/2005 08:26:35 PM · #2

You've done well not to put them in the middle but the composition still isn't that great. In the first one, it is very tight to the top of the frame, touching it in fact. It needs a little space to breathe, or if you want it cut off completely, cut more off to make it look more intentional and solid. You should also try and get the strongest line (the vertical one at the far end) straight against the edge of the frame as thats the line with most contrast, and the one that the lines of the photo lead to. In the second one, the photo looks wonkey too, try rotating till it looks more straightened. Also, you cut off the frame halk way through a letter in text, which is generally not a good idea. Through a word is okay sometimes, but not halfway through a letter, as it looks awkard. Also, on the second, the right side of the frame has much more going on, the left seems empty and a bit pointless, despite having the lens there, because it is uninteresting and out of focus compared to the camera. It just looks like the whole of the camera should be in the shot instead, which is not the idea you're going for I'm guessing, in fact, the complete opposite.

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

07/19/2005 08:29:54 PM · #3

Thanks for the reply, I'll rework the first one to straighten it up and fix the crop and put it up here when it's done, probably tomorrow sometime. The other, I think I'll have to reshoot it, or try a crop or something. Thanks again.

Konador

Canon EOS-500D Rebel T1i

07/20/2005 04:57:39 PM · #4

Bump: Anyone more qualified than me got any advice for Jewellian? :)

Falc

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

07/20/2005 05:18:49 PM · #5

OK the main element in the first image is the viewfinder, its where the eye comes to rest. So it needs to be away from the edge of the frame, needs some space as Konodor said. Drop it down to just above the 1/3 line would be my recommendation.

Thats going to bring in some other elements from the top of the camera, and if one of these takes a prominent part then place that on the vertical 1/3 line with the view finder on the lefthand 1/3 line.

As for focus and depth of field you have a couple of options. First you could use the short DOF as you already have here. However in your image the main area of sharp focus is just in front of the view finder. It needs pushing backwards a little.

If you opt for dropping the view finder down and bringing in another element to the right hand side then your dof must be wide enough to hold both elements.

Hope that helps a little

Message edited by author 2005-07-20 17:19:12.

Falc

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

07/20/2005 05:20:14 PM · #6

Second image is just way too cluttered. It needs space and possibly making a little more simple. Re-shooting this would be a good idea

Sigma 30mm f/1.4 EX DC HSM for Canon

07/20/2005 05:41:53 PM · #7

Thanks Falc!

Keith Maniac

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

07/20/2005 06:56:00 PM · #8

Jewellian, I think that Konador and Falc had some excellent insights, and I don't think I could add anything to what they said.

I just want to say I'm impressed that you're working on composition. It's the single most important thing that any photographer can do to improve his/her photography. It's a MILLION times more important than worrying about whether you've got the sharpest lens or the best camera body.

Kudos to you!

07/20/2005 07:00:58 PM · #9

Thanks Kieth, the camera and lenses are a ways off so I need to work on something. :)

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM

07/20/2005 07:03:21 PM · #10

Here's another attempt.

edit: and another. is the angled spoon better? or what?

Message edited by author 2005-07-20 19:08:35.

Falc

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

07/20/2005 07:10:39 PM · #11

On this one I find my eye resting on the 'thing' on the spoon. Which I guess is what you wanted. However the next thing which attracts my eye is the blue triangle at the bottom, maybe turn the plate to lose that element.

As for composition, I thing this works. It doesn't conform to rule of thirds but doesn't need to. I'd maybe offset the red circle higher and further right just a tad. Spoon is a nice way of bringing the eye down to the 'thing'.

Still not sure what the 'thing' is ;-)

ahh I see its a turtle now. Yes I like the second better simply because I get a better view of 'thingy' ;-)

Message edited by author 2005-07-20 19:12:00.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED

07/20/2005 07:12:57 PM · #12

this is a case where titles help... :) Turtle Soup. :)

VinceDoss

Nikon D2X

07/20/2005 08:01:00 PM · #13

I am in the same boat. I found this book on Photographic Composition to be useful

rox_rox

Canon EOS-20D

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM

07/20/2005 09:12:40 PM · #14

Hey Michael,

I know this sounds kind of simplistic, but I think of composition in terms of a little trip my mind takes around an image. The longer and more pleasant the trip, the better the image.

This is a link that I post frequently, because I believe it covers the basics. Composition & The Elements of Design

All these elements really do is help you tap in the psyche of the viewer and utilize the vehicles for the trip. They aren't the gospel and sometimes breaking them, on purpose, is good too. (Like going off-road).

A good excercise is to scrutinize the image and actually draw a line that traces the path your eyes take. If something takes your eye out, pulls it away from what you want to emphasize, or makes your eye jump around randomly, then the composition might need improvement.

Edit, Add: The key is to draw the eye in and go, round and round from one thing to the next without getting bumped out of the image. (Continuity)

Message edited by author 2005-07-20 21:15:03.

Tamron SP AF 28-75mm f/2.8 XR Di for Canon

07/20/2005 09:15:05 PM · #15

Thanks for all the comments. and links and info.. :)

tsheets

Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT

07/20/2005 11:29:22 PM · #16

I like the spoon position better in the second one. Mainly because of the contrasting angle of the turtle. In the first one, the turtle is almost an extension of the spoon.

Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC for Canon

07/24/2005 06:48:36 PM · #17

here's my latest attack on composition. First thing I can see is that it would be better if it were shot more level to the stairs platform, but since I wa at a street fair.... not exactly possible. but at least I recognize that it would have helped the photo. any more comments?

Discraft

Canon EOS-20D

07/24/2005 06:53:01 PM · #18

There is a book that i ready and it helped me a lot...
It's a must read in my opinion.
The photographer's guide to compisition by John Freeman.
Heres a link

Message edited by author 2005-07-24 18:53:58.

brianlh

Canon EOS-450D Rebel XSi

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM

07/24/2005 07:16:06 PM · #19

By more level to the stairs, I assume you're talking height. If so, I think another thing, since this has a lot of potential and is filled with geomtetry.. I think that it could have benefited from being perpendicular to the wall and everything.