Originally Posted by
Peter Langham
I think it was Edward Weston who defined composition as "the strongest way of seeing" When I first heard this, it drove me nuts. "Of what value is this to me?" I thought. I now think it is all you need to know. When you find subject / light that interests you, move around it (in it?), up, down, left, right, in, out...etc, carefully observing the shapes and form until you find the composition that works for you. I used to do it with a zone vi viewing filter (til I lost it...ugg). I find using a cropping frame is very helpful.
Oh and then when you are all set (per Michael Kenna in a class many years ago) turn around and look behind you...you may find a better picture there.
This and careful study of whatever art you like (think I'll stay out of that one). Look at what you like and figure out what about the composition makes it work for you? There are great and lousy pictures of any subject matter you can think of. What is the difference?
Practice, practice, practice.
Hope this helps.
Peter
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