How does a photographer define Composition
A photograph can be defined as a the reproduction of an image on a flat surface. The image captures a moment in time. The elements that make up that photograph and how they are arranged is called a composition.
The composition is determined by:
a)The main subject.
b)The elements included in the photograph.
c)Secondary elements.
d)How much of the frame is filled by the main subject.
e)The location of the main subject(bottom, middle, or top).
The composition, therefore, is the arrangement of different elements that communicate a subjects artistic interpretation. The successful photographer uses a photograph to tell a story through his or her own eyes and how they felt.
How I Critique Photographs
Since I ventured into the the Fine Art of Photography, I recognized that there is subtle technique properly critiquing one's own work as well as others.Although a critique can be extremely subjective, It should be based upon evaluation of key objective elements in a photograph, as well as subjective nuances that appeal will appeal to the viewer. A comment of, " I love that," or "It's great," are not enough of an observation. A critique should include reasons for liking or disliking a photograph.
I use the following criteria when evaluating photographs and whether I believe an image is "great" or not:
1)When I first look at a photograph,I observe technical criteria. Is the image sharp and "in-focus?" Is the image exposed correctly? If soft focus used, bokeh, was it used properly? Is negative space used properly? Should there be more or less negative space? Does the image need more or less detail in the shadows? Is the print itself correct? Is there too much contrast or does the photograph appear "muddy."
2) The second observation make involves a point of interest. I start to ask myself a few questions. Does my "eye" travel through the image? Do I get "stuck" any where? Is the image balanced? Is the "rule of thirds" being used? Is the horizon at the midpoint of the image? Is the center of interest placed in the proper position? Are leading lines detracting from the images? Do leading lines fall off the image? Is the Contrast and Color correct? Is there enough space between the center of interest and other elements? Is there any negative space that detracts from the center of interest?
2)The third observation when looking at photographs involves the foreground and background. I ask myself many questions about it. Is the background too busy? Does the foreground lead the viewer into the image? Is the foreground distracting? Does the background help the image or hurt it?
4)Finally, I critique the photograph as a genre. Does it tell a story? Do i get a sense of placement? Do I have an emotional response to the image? Do I "feel" anything while looking at it?
I have found that some people are better at receiving critiques better than others. I try I give constructive ideas to make the image more complete and suggest ideas that will improve an image, if it is needed. Once again, this is a very subjective thing. I always start with positive observations and items that I like about a piece. Then, after discussing those issues, I discuss areas that could be improved. Nobody really likes critiques because they tend to be personalized more than not. The object is the make them about the photograph and not about the individual.
http://www.saatchionline.com/ImagesbyJonEvan
What makes a photographer great!
What is the definition of a Great Photographer? I think he/she has certain traits and characteristics that sets them apart from the pack.
1)They strive to create something new and different.
2)Their work is "fresh and innovative."
3)They try to take their work beyond the norm.
4)They have a desire to take pictures.
5)They perceive their work as a passion.
6)They are not categorized in a specify genre(landscape,portrait).
7)They have a desire to create unique art.
8)They view the world through their own perceptions.
9)They takes us on a journey through their art.
10)They create work that will "live on."
http://www.saatchionline.com/ImagesbyJonEvan
I love this waterfall, but it wasn't easy to get there!
I took this photograph in Iceland at a waterfall called Seljelandsfoss. I was told by previous photographers that the best image was from behind. So, I followed like a sheep. If I had known what I was in store for, I would never had gone. As I followed the path behind it, I saw a large sheet of water blowing across. I decided to cover up my camera and proceed. I only thought that it was going to be a couple steps to get through.Boy was I wrong! I ended up getting soaked! I even had to take my glasses off to see because the spray was so bad. When I finally got to the other side, I also found out that my Jacket was not waterproof. Ugh! So, trying to make the best of the situation, I set-up for the shot. I pressed the shutter over and over again due to fine mist spray still hitting me. Thank god I had a towel. Well, I got my photograph, packed up the camera and had to go back through that wall of water. No, it was not fun repeating the trek out from behind and I did not discover how good an image i got until I dried off and sat down to review!! Ultimately, I am very pleased with the outcome.
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The Camera VS. The Eye
The Eye and the Camera do not see exactly the same way. When an individual looks at his or her surroundings, their eyes roam and scan the surroundings, focusing on objects close by or in the distant. Even though the camera and the eye both have a lens, the eye is more complex and able to focus on an object while still incorporating the rest of a scene with peripheral vision. The brain filters this scene creating an image that is less chaotic.
The camera is not able to perform this task. It is unable to filter the clutter, chaos or any other extraneous information. It just records the information.
To compensate for this “visual chaos,” the photographer must actually control what the camera records and exclude extraneous information. He/she must separate the objects in the scene.
This can be done with selective focus( aperture ), perspective, lighting, and shutter speed:
1.Selective focus: The lens of a camera has the ability to change depth of field. A photographer can manipulate how many objects are in focus by changing the aperture on the lens(f-stop). Opening the lens up(smaller aperture-lower number) creates areas in the image that will be out of focus thereby leading the eye visually to more focus areas in the picture.
2. Perspective: The angle that one photographs a scene can isolate an image more. This can be achieved by shooting from a different height; moving closer to or further away from the subject; or moving to the left or to the right of the subject.
3. Lighting: Using the proper lighting can help to remove the chaos from an image. This can be done by using a flash to brighten up the subject and darken the background; using a reflector to bounce light on to the object; or photographing the object at a different time of day.
4. Shutter speed: Shutter speed can be used to create or isolate the subject. Using a slower shutter speed can create a blur effect; or panning(moving the camera while taking the picture) can focus the viewers attention on the subject of the photograph.
The fine art photographer will use these methods to create an image that is organized and well thought out.