Hello ,
If we wanna make better pictures, I always
say it's better to change our minds than our cameras.
One of the first things I suggest we do is change our minds about composition. Specifically, stop using rules of composition that limit us. Instead, we can start using elements of composition as building blocks to create our pictures.
Elements of
composition:
I learned not to use "rules of composition" when making photographs.
Instead, I've learned to think of everything involved in making a photograph as an element of composition.
And I mean EVERYTHING.
From how we think about what we see to our intent of composition and the equipment we use and our thought process while creating a photograph. Everything we do and have as equipment is an element of composition.
Furthermore, rules are limiting, while elements can be combined in nearly endless ways to give us nearly endless visually complex compositional possibilities that hold the viewer's
attention.
Elements of Composition: The Camera
What's The Camera?
A camera is a light recording device.
It's the tool we use to create photographs.
Are There Different Types of Cameras?
Although cameras come in different brands, models, and formats, they're ALL cameras and do the same thing: they record light.
But there are different types.
In general, we've got film cameras and digital cameras.
Then there's small, medium, and large format cameras.
We've got point-and-shoot cameras that limit our compositional options, and we've got cameras that allow us to get involved in all elements of composition.
Whatever type of camera we're using it's nothing more than a light recording tool. And it could be a simple camera or a complex camera.
Where Can We See The Camera in Photographs?
Unless we're making a picture of ourselves in the mirror while holding a camera, we don't see the
camera in the picture.
However, we get to see our use of the camera in the final composition.
In other words, we don't usually see the camera, but we always see the photographer's mind and possibly what camera controls were used to make the picture.
We see the mind of the photographer in the composition.
We can see the camera controls used in terms of the visual compositional elements.
However, we can get an idea of the light-sensitive material used inside the camera to record the photograph based on the size of the displayed print. And, if it's a digital camera, we can also make assumptions about the number
of megapixels on the sensor.
How To Study and Practice With The Camera
It's simple.
Make pictures.
When it comes to camera operation, get involved as much as the camera allows in
the exposure, focusing, and metering modes. These are the camera functions that enable us to control tonality and sharpness.
And, of course, we need to pay attention to the characteristics of the light being recorded and previsualize the composition in our heads. Then, based on the picture we imagine, we use the camera functions and controls to create that picture and then critique it.
And remember, we learn and improve by doing, so practice making at least one picture today.
That’s all for now; thanks for reading!
Sam
Be a better photographer; study and practice photography with me.
And, if the timing doesn't work for you in my scheduled group classes? Then, we can schedule a one-time lesson or a series of in-person or online private instruction that covers
the same things as the group classes.
Ways to work with me are below.
