menu
any questions
share

There are so many elements when it comes to composition. (contrast, color, depth, negative space, etc, etc). Do you consider each before capturing an image? Or only focus on a few?

I think of all the elements of composition when I take photos, such as contrast, color depth, and negative space. I trust my gut and if it doesn't look quite right, I won't take the picture. I also know how to make adjustments in post-processing for any elements that are not quite right when taking the photo.
 
Transcript: "The question is, there are so many elements when it comes to composition. Such as contrast, color depth negative space and Etc. Do you consider each before capturing an image or only focus on a few? That is a extremely, good question. And of course different for everyone for myself. I actually think of all of them but I now know what I want and I trust it and if Let's say, for example, I you mentioned depth, I personally love depth within my images. It's something that I kind of like have to have. So if it's not there, the way that I particularly liked it, I simply won't take the picture. And again, if I don't have a certain amount of say negative space or if the leading lines aren't working the way that I want, if I don't have layering elements behind or And fright, if I'm going with, you know, between the foreground and the background, if it's not layered in a way that I want it to be layered. I also won't take the picture so trusting your gut really allows you to kind of multitask in a way, like you said, knowing all of those elements because it can be a lot. So for me, yeah, I actually think of all of them and it just makes up every single picture that I capture. There are times that, you know, I may just add a pot, a little pop of contrast In post-processing. So when I'm taking that picture with intent, understanding what I can do with you know within post as opposed to what I can do, not stop the shutter are all things that I'm thinking in my head all the time with every single image. But once you start trusting yourself, that stuff is so second nature that it's crazy. Hope that helps"
6 Answers
Question thumbnail
Question gif
Expert

Audrey Woulard

Portrait Photographer - Nikon Ambass.
I think of all the elements of composition when I take photos, such as contrast, color depth, and negative space. I trust my gut and if it doesn't look quite right, I won't take the picture. I also know how to make adjustments in post-processing for any elements that are not quite right when taking the photo.
Question thumbnail
Question gif
Expert

Deborah Sandidge

Travel/Landscape - Nikon Ambassador
When it comes to composing an image, I consider all elements such as color, contrast, negative space, aperture, shutter speed and emotional connection. I also think about alternate compositions, techniques, and the timing of the shot, in order to make my image as successful as possible.
Question thumbnail
Question gif
Expert

Tony Sweet

Nikon Legend Behind the Lens
To become a good photographer, you need to understand compositional techniques and be able to see compositions quickly. It is important to take classes, workshops, or private sessions with an instructor in order to internalize composition so it can be done without thinking too much in the field.
Question thumbnail
Question gif
Expert

Mike James

Mobile Photography
There are many elements to consider when it comes to composition. I have written a book on it which outlines a four step system for becoming intuitive with composition. The steps are positioning yourself and the camera, where the main subject is in the frame, contextual elements, and editing. It is important to practice a few of these elements at a time and then gradually stack them together.
Question thumbnail
Question gif
Expert

Jasin Boland

Action Film Photographer - Nikon Ambassador
I don't focus on any composition elements when taking a photograph. I simply pick up the camera and go with what feels good. I am more of a Storyteller than an artist and I like to keep things simple by not overthinking things or photographing rehearsals.
Question thumbnail
Question gif
Expert

Moose Peterson

Wildlife & Aviation photos - Nikon Ambass.
I don't consider any of the technical elements when shooting, but I do consider light, sharpness, foreground, and background to tell a story.