Composition

Second to lighting, composition is the key ingredient for the creation of a successful photograph. Whatever other technical skill is involved, if the formal organization of an image is lacking, there is little to hold the interest of the viewer. But what makes a winning composition? Is it about following the rules or about breaking them?

Basics Composition is divided into six core chapters that cover everything the beginner needs to know to improve their composition, including the basics of composition, exploring the formal elements, how to organize space and time, learning the real world 'rules' and, beyond that, how to use the ideas presented in the book to create original, compelling images. The book is illustrated throughout with photography to inform the mind and inspire the eyes.

Includes work from Henri Cartier-Bresson, Dorothea Lange, James Nachtwey, Martin Parr, Marc Riboud, David Hockney, Duane Michals, Harry Callahan, John Darwell, and many more.

Includes the following:
- The basic rules of composition, including viewpoint, perspective and scale
- The formal elements, such as point, line, shape, form, texture, pattern, tone and color
- How to organize space using frames, balance and space
- Capturing the passing of time and specific moments, the decisive moment and sequences
- Applications of composition, featuring landscape, still life, portraiture, documentary, the figure, action and sports, fine art and advertising
- Finding your own view and the specific considerations of digital imaging