January 20, 2011
There’s No Substitute for Great Composition
I’ve just completed filming two DVD workshops, one on “Black and White Photography” in Death Valley and the other on “Long Exposures” filmed at La Jolla in San Diego. During the production a recurring theme kept coming up; that the foundation of a great image is a great composition and there are no substitutes. Using long exposures, HDR, shift-tilt, pinhole, Holga, soft focus, retro treatments, infra-red, or any technique and look are simply poor substitutes if the image is not built upon a solid composition.
I’ve fallen into this trap before, thinking that a particular “look” would make my work unique and therefore successful. Unique is certainly not a bad thing, but just because I’ve created a unique look doesn’t mean that I’ve created a great image!
My art is always best when I focus on the composition and then use a technique or look to enhance an already great image.
Cole
Well said Cole. To many photographers today think if they “make it look cool” that will make up for all photos shortcomings.
Matt
How true Cole. Just last night i was talking to a friend of mine who was just back from a trip and he was telling he concentrated on getting the exposure and all fine but at lot of places had messed up the compositions. I too am a firm believer that its the Composition which is one of the key thing to impactful images.
Looking forward for the DVDs Cole 🙂
Shiv
Good point Cole. Compositions are key when looking through the camera and trying to capture a viewers eye. So, when will the DVDs be available? Make sure and keep one for me 🙂
Hi Cole, I really agree although I have to confess that I had never thought about this fact before.
By the way, I was last year in La Jolla and it will be impressive to see your work.
Best Regards,
Good reminder..thanks. Bigger better tools and toys do get in the way of the basics…sometimes.
Except great light of course. Put the two together, then you have something!
You are right on with this! Great point to make and I also agree with what Brian said about light. A lot of the basics get overlooked now with all the “tricks” available and I am guilty of doing that at times as well.
Congrats on the DVDs!
Thanks all! The DVD’s are being produced by Master Photography Workshops and I believe the “Black and White” title will be out in early summer and the “Long Exposures” around November.
Dear Cole, I’m curious how you exactly define composition?
Lonnie
For me and my art the definition of composition is simple; it is about form and lines and shapes.
Hi Cole. Absolutely spot on, it really is fundamental. Nick.
Dear Cole,
I like a more embrasive definition of “composition.” The word originally comes from a Latin word meaning “to put together.” So, for me its the arrangement of everything in the photograph, not just the framing of lines and shapes (though of course it includes that). All of which is there to serve the message of the image. I fully agree on your larger point.
Lonnie
You read my mind, Cole! I’ve recently been revisiting the same principles myself. I’m rereading “Composition – Understanding Line, Notan, and Color” by 19th c. artist/photographer/teacher Arthur Wesley Dow. I highly recommend it to anyone looking to develop a more conscious understanding of artistic composition.
Could not agree more Cole. Tone, DOF and colour issues are fixed increasingly easily, but composition is the one thing technology/software won’t ever “do” for us photographers. I think your work is fantastic by the way.
You’re right Philip, a great composition without light would be nothing!
I have seen your pictures and I like them very much. Wonderful B&W work, you are a master in this kind of photography.
My favorites are: Lone Man, Zabriskie Point, Road to Nowhere (fantastic) Dark Hills and Low sun on trees.
It’s inspire me very much.
gr Femke (from Holland)