HELP! I need composition

[photoaddiction]

It seems that I always have trouble with composition, I do get some great shots, but it seems I struggle seeing the best composition until viewing them in the post processing stage. What do you think is the best approach, and how can I gain a "trained eye" and see the great shots sooner?

[Nicole]

I've moved this over to the technique section on composition . I think a good start would be to read the sticky in this section which has a whole bunch of links to sites that give ideas about composition. That will help you learn about some of the various ways to compose a shot and give you some ideas about what to practice so you can get it in the camera before you take it to the computer.

[jdepould]

Shooting a series of pictures using the same subject from different perspectives will help you get a feel for what works and what doesn't. Always try to be aware of your background, the camera has a tendency to flatten things; goal posts growing out of a cheerleader's head look strange.

[RexK_Cozumel]

I think you posted this in the wrong section. the critique section is for critique of photos. you should ask this in either the composition section of the forums.

really it just comes with experience. but the best way to do this is to take more time with each shot. think about the different rules of composition. get out of the whole snap shot/point and shoot mentality. treat each shot like it is the last one you can fit on your card so you better make the best of it. (or treat it like you were shooting film and you have to pay for each shot you take)

The biggest advantage for digital is that it allows you to experiment with out costing any mroe however this is also one of its greatest weaknesses as well since it makes the photographer more lazy with the mentality of well I can just delete it or shoot of 100 more shots.

[ecreale]

So much of having a "good eye" is just knowing and being able to recognize what works for you, what you like, and this is really hard to do if you've never seen it. In addition to looking at "rules of composition," and practicing shooting from a variety of perspectives (both really good suggestions), also just go online and find examples of photography that seems really strong to you, that is striking, or looses the "flat" feel that jdepould mentioned.

For a long time I've kept a folder on my computer of images that I found really strong, and If i feel stuck, I just browse through them. Flickr's a really good resource for this. After your eye has seen and recognized enough images that suit your idea of "strong" composition, it'll start to recognize it as much through the viewfinder as it does in other people's shots. At least for me, the eye learns best by example.

[jsanders]

Can you show some of your pictures you took so we can help you along?

[photoaddiction]

I originally posted this in the Critique section because I wanted to add a few photos and ask for suggestions, but didn't see a way to add them at a size large enough to be subjective. And then didn't see a way to change the section... I guess I should have looked harder.
I guess the best way is to post a link to another site. Here are some other photos I would like feedback on.
http://www.vazaar.com/user:photoaddiction/photos/
thanks in advance for your time.

[FloridaMike]

You already have beautiful well composed pictures, don;t be so hard on yourself, I liked your photostream!

[ecreale]

Originally Posted by FloridaMike

You already have beautiful well composed pictures, don;t be so hard on yourself, I liked your photostream!

Seconded. Everyone always has room for improvement, and who knows, maybe you do need more of a conscious understanding of composition (your call really), but as far as an "eye" you clearly have one, just keep shooting and you'll eventually see patterns int the things that work for you.

Of the shots you have up, i particularly like http://www.vazaar.com/user:photoaddi...otos/id:15301/, and http://www.vazaar.com/user:photoaddi...hotos/id:8323/. The flower macro is simple, but well composed, especially the choice to allow it to break the edges of the frame, and placing it off center instead of simply lining the frame up around it and clicking the shutter. In the other (barn?), the vertical and diagonal lines work well together, and the (maybe unconscious) choice to include the hay bales in the corner provides a nice endpoint for the shot's diagonal motion. You might like other things about these, the important thing is, when you do get shots that you like, look at them and figure out what you like, then keep that in the back of your mind when you go shoot again. Chances are you're really your own best teacher.