A concise, jargon-free guide through the basics of composition
In photography, as with other visual arts, composition is the placement
or arrangement of elements in an image as distinct from the subject of a
work. Although it may sound clichéd, the only rule in photography is
that there are no rules: just a number of established guidelines that
can be applied to enhance the impact of a scene. These guidelines will
help you take more compelling photographs, investing them with a natural
balance, drawing the viewer's attention to the important parts of the
scene, or leading the eye through the image. Professional photographer
David Taylor guides the reader through the basics of composition, why it
matters, and how to attune the mind to the art of looking. Beginning
with a guide to choosing a camera--and how different types help you
think about composition differently--he explains aspect ratios, the
focal length of lenses, and the effect of perspective. The main
composition concepts--from the Rule of Thirds, the Golden Section, the
Rule of Odds, visual weight, and contrast, to actual and implied lines
in an image, symmetry, viewpoint, and abstraction--are each analyzed and
demonstrated with the aid of the author's own beautiful images. The
techniques of exposure, depth of field, shutter speed, and white balance
are explained, with practical hints and tips. Finally, post-production
techniques such as cropping, selective blurring, panoramic stitching,
and use of filters complete this in-depth guide to a fascinating area of
photograph. Includes four punch-out quick reference cards at the back of
the book.
