Don McGowan on Composition
(Bullet points from presentation to CCoH on March 22, 2016)
Don McGowan at CCoH speaking on Composition
photo by Bob Coffey
Elements: Line,Shape, Form, Pattern, Texture, Color
Principles: Balance, Relationship, Contrast, Simplicity, Rhythm, Motion/Flow, Unity/Cohesiveness
Thou Shalt Not (at least most of the time):
Bull'e-Eye the Subject
Place the horizon in the middle
Place the horizon on an angle
Introduce distracting elements
Create an image in inappropriate light
Introduce camera movement ( unless you are panning or want intentional blurring)
Create an image with inappropriate focus
Create an image with inappropriate depth-of-field
Create an image with a confusing or unclear subject
Create an image lacking in emotional impact
And always keep in mind the words of Kenyon Cox, "Without design you may have representation, but you cannot have art."
Don McGowan
EarthSong Photography
http://www.earthsongphotography.com
(828) 788-0687