Southwest Photography - Arizona Treks Blog

Entries in composition (2)

Friday

Feb122010

Thoughts on Composition, Design, and Analysis

Friday, February 12, 2010 at 5:34AM

One of the Blogs I read recently had an post on composition and what I got out of it was that the author believes the proper way to take photographs is to analyze the composition and apply rules while shooting. Anyone who has read this blog for a while knows that is contrary to my approach and I believe to the approach used by many very good photographers throughout history. When in the field, shoot what moves you. Sure, tweak it a bit from the first take if necessary, but I have found that usually the first take is close and too much adjustment takes away from the scene that moved you.

To me, art is not an intellectual activity, like accounting, engineering, etc., it is a communication of thoughts and ideas that are visceral in nature. Perhaps no words can express the idea as well as the image, or sculpture, or music, but it is communication nonetheless. Photography is a language and should say something. When you spend too much time adjusting things to fit the "rules" you lose the communication. It may be balanced and may fir all the criteria for a "good composition" but does it communicate something worthwhile.

The author of the article stated that those who were opposed to his views were unwilling to improve their art. Not knowing those people, I can not speak to that and neither can he. To some it may appear that I am unwilling to improve and grow, but the opposite is true. I always strive to grow in every aspect of my life, and none more so than photography.

Think about your approach and what you try to do. Last night we say a film about photographers in the West in the late 1800's. It was quite interesting, but one thing I got out of it was that the photographers who are remembered are those that had an artistic component to their work. Many of the photographs we saw were quite moving. And I dare say not a lot of thought was given to making sure the rule of thirds was followed, or any of the other rules. They were good because they had something interesting to say.

If you are in Phoenix, be sure to go see the Ansel Adams exhibit at the Phoenix Art Museum. His work is magnificent but the exhibit was put together in a manner that really showcases his work. There are some negatives and chromes. Some descriptions of how he did some of his work, much information to go along with the great prints. Don't miss the exhibit! I plan to make a few more trips down there to see this wonderful exhibit.

I have a couple of outings this weekend. Today we are going to Sedona area and staying in the desert tomorrow. I hope to have some work to talk about next week.

Arizona Treks |

Composition Styles

Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at 6:39AM

Last meetup we discussed different approaches to composition. for me it was very interesting because I knew everyone had a different approach, that fact was so totally obvious at the meeting. We heard everything from don't really have an approach to very analytical composition techniques. It was somewhat astounding when it was presented in that forum.

The discussion was opened with a quote from Edward Weston:

Now to consult the rules of composition before making a picture is a little like consulting the law of gravitation before going for a walk. Such rules and laws are deduced from the accomplished fact; they are the products of reflection.
-- Edward Weston

This is something that had a significant impact on me and my approach to composition and the way I approach it. But after the meeting I began thinking about all the different approaches and why they use the approach they talked about. It seems there are a couple of patterns in there that I found interesting. In other words, there seem to be 2 driving forces which result in the precise approach used by each individual. These 2 forces are experience and purpose.

A persons experience will naturally influence the way they approach composition. Most people I have met while they were just beginning seem to start off at a place of uncertainty. They realize quickly that making good pictures is much more difficult that they imagined and so begin seeking a way to improve.

While looking for ways to improve, most people discover the "Rules of Composition". Many then begin trying to apply the rules during composition so it becomes a more analytical process. This is an oversimplified generalization but I have seen this pattern often enough to know it is common. From here there are many paths taken, I see this as the place where a photographer really begins to develop something unique.

The other force driving the approach to composition seems to be purpose. What are you shooting for. One of the members does portraits and events. He does a very analytical composition. This makes a lot of sense because he it trying to make photos that will be the best he can do in the least number of shots and to capture something about the person or event.

These days I abhor analysis while making the photo. I approach it from a visceral perspective. Sometimes focusing on lines, sometimes on textures, sometimes on highlights and shadows. Some are orderly, some chaotic, depending on where I am, what I am shooting, and the mood I am in. My purpose is to make art, not working for someone else my work is for me. In a year, I hope to see more growth and change in this. So I guess although I am happy where I am now, I hope to not stay here too long.

It is good to look back at the changes you have gone through to get where you are.

Arizona Treks |