Learning composition

[jakethepig]

Hi All and merry christmas

I have been trying to get the hang of composing a good shot. My question, does this photograph take the eye where it is supposed to (the arch) or should I have done it different?

Jake

[anthonybeard]

yes, but only because it is dead center. you should typically avoid that. typically.

the biggest thing for me with THIS particular picture isnt so much the composition, but the many distractions. the car, the two light poles, the radio tower (if thats what that is....)

as far as composition, i almost want to say that you should crop out most of the right half of the picture, because the curve of the sidewalk would 'lead' you to the subject.

im sure someone else has a different opinion, though i dont think we are supposed to critique in this particular forum...

[jakethepig]

Thank's for the comments anthonybeard, looks like I have a lot to learn. The comments will give me a good starting point.

Jake

[inkista]

Two good books on basic composition are Bryan Peterson's Learning to See Creatively and Michael Freeman's The Photographer's Eye.

Paying attention to what else is in the frame, aside from your subject, is a good start. You may also want to consider exclusively using a prime lens for a while, so that you're forced to walk around to compose. Using a zoom can sometimes lock you into thinking zooming is your only choice when it comes to reframing a shot, while a prime may get you to think about moving a step to the left, a step to the right (as well as getting closer or farther back), or climbing up on things or kneeling down.

[brasaremean]

i'm reading both of those books and like them tons . definitely recommended.

i seem to have a lot of trouble with composition...it's not that i don't get it all...leading lines, rule of thirds...i just seem to like different things than most people. but i'm trying!