Better Photographic Composition - Beyond the Rule of Thirds

Digital cameras can practically do it all, but what they can’t do is adjust for good composition, a fundamental quality of a great image.  Ironically, the technological wonders of the digital era have  made some of us blind to seeing photographs as art, and although the latest digital cameras may be able to perform in almost any light, if you can’t “see” the shot, then you won’t capture the image.

In this program, David Brommer will cover the basic concepts of composition as established by the masters of the Renaissance. Commencing with the classic rule of thirds and leaping into theories of color and balance, David will touch upon a range of topics, including image construction, positive and negative space, as well as other advanced composition. General shooting questions like, “Is the shot better if it’s a horizontal or vertically composed?” and conceptual ideas such as integrating theme and subject context will be explored. Another factor to be considered is color vs. black and white, and how these two treatments can influence the visual impact of the photograph. Just when your head is spinning with new cropping and composing ideas, David will demonstrate special shooting techniques including how to create a pan blur, zooming the lens during exposure and low angle (worms eye view) shooting tips.

This seminar is designed for anyone wishing to take their photography to the next level by learning how to frame and compose their image according to simple visual rules. It will matter not if your digital or film, single lens reflex or point and shoot, good composition is the first consideration when making a good photograph. Henri Cartier-Bresson said, “To photograph is to hold one's breath, when all faculties converge to capture fleeting reality. It's at that precise moment that mastering an image becomes a great physical and intellectual joy.” Understanding composition and utilizing it is an invaluable skill to mastering the image.