Yes, learning how the Exposure Triangle works for properly exposed, sharper images takes time. But what I’ve learned over the last year is that composition is, and I believe this wholeheartedly, the most important aspect of photography to learn and master.
So, how do you master composition? Or, better yet, can you master composition with this hobby of photography? Well, here is my simple and effective answer!
Composition Matters
Composition in photography decides what objects you include, what you leave out, and how they relate to one another. Good composition turns a simple snapshot into a compelling story, visually speaking, of course.
Getting started in photography can seem a bit overwhelming (especially if you are taking this hobby seriously) when it comes to learning the science behind it. I mean the
Yes, I mean the Exposure Triangle. LEarning how to take sharp, clean, and in-focus shots is a must. This takes time and a whole lot of patience, trust me. I am still learning how to work with ISO, Shutter Speed, and Aperture to make better quality images.
Once you learn the basics of the science behind this, however, it still does not make for a truly remarkable photo. This will bug you, just as it does me, even to this day.
See, I can hit the target, and I have, with the “Triangle,” but in the end, I was still not happy with many of the photos I took. This happened for months on end when I first started this hobby. I got a bit upset with this fact and put the camera away for awhile.
My problem was simple; my photos lacked a story!
Sometimes, taking less photos can be a good thing. See, this forces me to frame a better shot when I have set a limit on how many photos I will take of one subject.
So, what I do is simple; I pick a subject, like a giant oak tree. First, I will take a larger landscape shot with the oak tree in it. Next, I will take another photo, but this time I will make the oak tree the subject in the shot. Next, I will get closer, and closer, taking several or more shots until I have taken a macro shot of its leaves and any other part of the tree itself.
After about 10-15 photos of the oak tree, I will move on to my next subject, or call it a day.
By focusing on one subject, and taking different photos of it, I am teaching myself patience with my photography, bettering my composition skills, and letting my images tell a better story.
That’s it, that’s how I do it! Will I ever master composition? Probably not, but I will get better and better as the years go on, and so will you…
Talk soon, and God bless.
Featured image by David.