In this lesson, we encourage you to start thinking about developing your own style by experimenting with advanced composition techniques. This process will evolve over time, but it’s essential to begin exploring what makes your work unique.
Ask yourself some questions:
- What are my main interests within photography?
- What are the themes that I find myself drawn to repeatedly?
- Considering this, what unique angle can I bring to this style of photography?
By this point in the course, you should have a strong grasp of camera functionality and be aware of the differences between the human eye and the camera lens. The human eye is selective and interpretive, while the camera simply records everything in front of it. Now, when you look through your camera lens, you should consciously seek to simplify and compose your image in a way that appeals to the human eye.
Working Close Up
Filling the entire frame with your subject can add a dramatic effect to your photograph. This technique, though simple, is often overlooked, making it a powerful tool to create images that stand out due to the uniqueness of camera positioning.
Responding to Action: The Decisive Moment
The camera’s ability to instantly capture a scene is one of its greatest strengths. Often, the perfect moment comes and goes within seconds, making timing crucial. The challenge lies in capturing that moment while also considering composition. Over time, your manual camera settings will become second nature, allowing you to respond more quickly and capture fleeting moments with precision.
Staging a Photograph
Staging a photograph is similar to painting a canvas. While photography often involves capturing spontaneous moments, it can also be about creating those moments. Think of photography not just as a reaction to events but as a means of bringing your vision to life. Imagine yourself as a film director, orchestrating every aspect—from lighting and props to expressions and ambiance.
Your staged photograph could focus on a concept, a scene from a dream, or something as abstract as a mood. Perhaps you want to explore colors or play with shadows and light. The possibilities are virtually endless.
Here is an example of a staged photograph:
Using Natural Settings with Imagination
Photography is about using your imagination to create ideas that captivate viewers. The photographer Rolph Gobits is known for using natural settings rather than studios in his fashion photography. He carefully composed his images to relate to color schemes, architecture, furnishings, and lighting, using only elements that enhanced his compositions. There are never any distracting or unnecessary elements in his work. Gobits achieved balance and harmony through simplicity, directional lighting, and the use of soft, diffused light.
Examples of Rolph Gobits’ work:
Working with Themes
Working with themes is a great way to practice your photography skills and develop a cohesive body of work. When choosing a theme, you could focus on:
- Similar subject matter (e.g., sports, doors, architecture)
- Similar technical composition (e.g., all black and white, all wide-angle shots)
- Similar moods or emotions (e.g., love, anger, peace)
Organizing work by theme is useful for portfolio development and for gallery exhibitions, as it provides cohesion and clarity to the viewer. Think of each photo within a theme as a paragraph in an essay, each adding meaning and depth to your story.
Bracketing
Bracketing involves taking multiple shots of the same subject with slight exposure variations. Start with one normally exposed shot, then take one slightly underexposed (-1 stop) and one slightly overexposed (+1 stop). This technique ensures you capture the best exposure possible and lets you choose the one that best conveys the mood or effect you want to achieve.