The Art of Photography Composition

The art of photography composition is an amalgam of many elements. Images are made by you the photographer, so we need to consider the elements within the photo frame, your own inner vision, your interpretation and your aspiration. If any of these elements are missing then the image can fail to live up to the anticipation.

When looking at any potential landscape view it is attention to detail that really matters, with this attention to detail it becomes easier to understand that the whole of the view is made up of many individual parts. All these parts inter-relate with each other and have a vital role to play in achieving a satisfactory landscape photography composition.

So the elements of your photography composition, whatever the subject matter, must work together as a whole if you are to create a successful image. Too many images often have too much going on, I believe simplicity is the key to a good image. One where the subject is clearly identifiable and everything else within the shot provides a supporting but vital role.

We can look for naturally occurring patterns in the landscape, be it blocks of colour, strong diagonal lines or an element like a stream to lead our eye into the picture. A well selected foreground provides a very strong impact to an image, drawing the viewer into the frame.

Image 1 - 'Rule of Thirds' Grid overlay

Image 2 - Grid super-imposed onto a landscape composition

Placing these elements on an intersection of third within the frame makes for a very strong composition. The images above show a typical 3:2 ratio viewfinder with a ‘Rule of Thirds’ Grid overlay (image 1), and this grid super-imposed onto an Isle of Skye landscape image (image 2) where the top of the hill ‘A’, intersection of field and the dark hill ‘B’, and the meeting of the field, dark hill and grasses ‘C’ are all paced on or near the intersection points or line. This is a tried and tested method of creating a strong composition.

However, landscape photography is not just about rules, it is about seeing and personal expression, sometimes breaking the rules is liberating and will allow our creativity to flow.

Finally, do not be afraid to experiment and continue to push the boundaries within yourself for only then will we realise our full potential.

The Creative Habit, guidance and inspiration

As photographers we are constantly searching for creative guidance and inspiration to produce ‘creative’ imagery. Sometimes ideas flow freely whilst at other times we hit a wall and not sure where to turn to next.

I recently had one such period when the creative juices just seemed to dry up, whilst looking for inspiration I came across a book entitled The Creative Habit: Learn It and Use It for Life by Twyla Tharp. Now I must admit that until that moment I had not heard of Twyla Tharp but after reading the book reviews I decided to purchased a copy. I am so glad that I did, it is a wonderful book to read, a book full of common sense and good practical advice on the creative mindset.

Creativity and Inspiration 10 Important Books

Sometimes creativity and inspiration ebb away, when I experience this I re-visit a selection of my favourite books that I have acquired and read over the years, I find it helps to dip in and try to re-energise and re-connect with my creativity and inspiration.

Are your creative juices running low? Looking for creativity and inspiration but not sure where to start?