Chen - Mastering Composition for Photographers

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to Auliya Flory, I-Ling Chen, Johnny Chang, Olive Chen, Elaine Santos, Marcia Chen, Sharone Goe, Jeff Bradley, Lauren Lohman, and Angie McMonigal. They made the book look good.

Copyright 2016 by Mark Chen.

All rights reserved.

All photographs by the author unless otherwise noted.

Published by:

Amherst Media, Inc.

P.O. Box 586

Buffalo, N.Y. 14226

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Editors: Barbara A. Lynch-Johnt, Harvey Goldstein, Beth Alesse

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ISBN-13: 978-1-60895-983-9

Library of Congress Control Number: 2015944884

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Notice of Disclaimer: The information contained in this book is based on the authors experience and opinions. The author and publisher will not be held liable for the use or misuse of the information in this book.

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Table of Contents

Contents

I define composition as the science of laying out impactful images. It is a science because the elements of composition are time-tested theories that are tangible and repeatable. In our efforts to make a photograph that is beautiful, we can rely on time-tested compositional guidelines to develop a pleasing aesthetic. In using compositional tactics, we can make tangible the somewhat mystical qualities and elements that contribute to the fabric of an image that is pleasing to the eye. We can also use those elements to lead the viewers gaze through the image in a predictable manner.

I define composition as the science of laying out impactful images.

This book covers discussions on the above-mentioned theories and practices, their usage in photography, and their evolution in the history of photography. It is also a field guide for photographers who want to methodologically incorporate compositional elements into their work in order to raise their art to a new level.

Photographers may gain insight as to how compositional elements are used by the masters, and then, with this understanding, incorporate these strategies and experiment with the same approach.

The Analogical Views

Compositional Elements Are Like Grammar

Grammar gives people who are learning a new language rules to abide by. When these rules are followed, the new speakers can feel secure that those listening to them speak will understand what they are communicating. In much the same way, compositional elements can be used by aspiring photographers to ensure that viewers of their images will clearly understand what they are communicating; their use can also help to coax the anticipated reaction from the viewers.

Compositional Elements Are Condiments

We use condiments to bring out the flavors in our food. Without saffron, paella does not taste like paella. Compositional elements work with contextual elements in a similar way. A great composition enhances the context of a photograph and amplifies its impact.

Compositional Elements Are Keys

Each key unlocks a door. Similarly, each compositional element triggers a certain emotional response from the viewers. This power teams up with the thought-provoking power of an images contextual elements and forms a unique narrative.

A great composition enhances the context of a photograph and amplifies its impact.

Compositional Elements Are Muscle Memories

Athletes repeat an exercise in order to establish a muscle memory, a good body form that happens without thinking. Similarly, compositional practices become intuitive. We often say that photographers with this intuition have a good eye. Teaching you to develop this good eye is this books first and foremost goal.

A single photograph often contains many compositional elements. Lines, for example, are present in almost every image. Our interest lies in discerning the dominant compositional elements in the photographs we view and create. Every image has a dominant element and some have several elements that, in combination, build the foundation of a strong image. When you examine the work of master photographers, you will notice strong compositional elements that make these images impressive, impactful, and even iconic. Many books on the topic of composition feature images that seem to have been produced for the sake of demonstration. In this book, we will analyze existing images and reverse engineer them. We will consider what it is about each image that makes it work and will answer the question, Why are these images successful?

In this book, we will analyze existing images and reverse engineer them.

In each of the following chapters, we will take an in-depth look at one compositional element, its definition, and its impactand in each case, we will view photographic examples that are dominated by this particular compositional element.

Many of the photographs included in this book are accompanied by composition guides...

Composition Guides

Many of the photographs included in this book are accompanied by composition guides, which are essentially line drawings of the photograph. These drawings highlight the objects that form a certain compositional element. Take , for example. The former is the original image and the latter shows where the lines are, where they converge to form the vanishing point, and the way the subject is framed.