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