Composition beyond the thirds
Introduction
There are more than a hundred compositional devices we can draw upon as photographers (I have catalogued more than one-hundred and fifty) but we’re often stuck in a rut with the rule of thirds, perhaps because it’s built into the camera, or maybe because it is one that is so easily understood.Objective
To introduce a variety of compositional approaches so that one can ‘read’ an image then go on to create one using different techniques.Format
An interactive presentation of about 35 minutes to introduce more than a dozen techniques for composition (in three categories).Then, split into small syndicates of four to six people, who review the compositions using a pack images (supplied) per team. Take notes to distinguish among the aspects of technical, composition, and impact (handouts provided).
After a short time, the pack of images are passed to the next group and each group receives a new pack of images from the previous group. Each group sees about thirty images in total.
Finally, an end of session review to note the composition techniques used in the images.
The small-group working means that members have the chance to speak with each other throughout the evening.
Finally, an end of session review to note the composition techniques used in the images.
Outcomes
Club members discover new composition techniques and gain the ability to read an image. Typically 30 to 100 composition devices are found.The small-group working means that members have the chance to speak with each other throughout the evening.
