Basic Photography 01: Composition – Basic, Space & Application

Basic Photography 01: Composition – Basic, Space & Application

David Prakel’s Basic Photography introduces in-depth analysis of the rules of composition in photography. Prakel quotes “Armed with knowledge about geometry and proportion, how do photographers tackle composition in the real world? In some situations, such as conventional landscape photography, the photographer has control of certain aspects only: they must wait for the right light, are at the mercy of the weather and their choice of viewpoint is critical. In complete contrast, the still-life photographer is able to control every detail, from subject arrangement to lighting. Still-life photographers often impose limits on their work by studying still-life paintings or by exploring traditions of the medium – for example, photographing a single, perfect flower. Fine-art photography shares some similarities with still life, irrespective of its subject matter, as the artist-photographer often researches and revives alternative or early photographic techniques, sometimes in combination with modern techniques” Prakel explains how composition works with landscape photography as composition is vital in capturing landscape photographs. The choice of using the rules of third, leading lines, depth of field and golden ratio defines the photograph, however rules of third is the most common composition used in landscape photography as it highlights the geometry and proportion of the photograph. In landscape photography, the composition is everything. The photographer waits for light to reveal texture, with landscape photography the photographer has no control as lighting can change at anytime with the sun and moon, hence why it is such a vital element in landscape photography. Still life photography consists of adaptability and control. With the simplest of lights reflecting onto an object can make the photograph a outstanding photograph, whereas in landscape it is the opposite. The difference between the two is patience and discipline. These are two key characteristics which I will need to adapt too for my final project. 

When it comes to documentary or action, Prakel states “composition is a much more difficult prospect for the documentary or action photographer, but is, if anything more important in translating the narrative of a moment to the viewer.” It is certainly hard to capture the moment in documentary or action as movement is the main criteria in these genres.The photographers ability to pre-visualise and react to rapidly changing events whilst capturing the peak of the action shows how hard the photographers task is. Anticipation is everything, photographers need sixth sense to anticipate every move. Prakel has made me realise that when i'm shooting my photographs for my final project, I need to study and anticipate the event so the composition of the photograph turns out well. Prakel has stated that “Composition is a process of organising space. All photographic imaging starts with selection, but before the photographer even thinks about a subject, he or she must give consideration to the proportions of the frame that will contain it. There are various film and digital formats and a choice of aspect ratios for frames. The frame of the image can be horizontal (landscape), vertical (portrait), square or panoramic, the latter offering the photographer a particular challenge with composition.”

“The rules of composition give photographers an organising principle and strength, but they can also be an artistic straitjacket, inhibiting creativity, and can lead to stereotypical images. Many of the so-called ‘rules’ of composition are based on an analysis of what the establishment and practitioners alike have traditionally considered to be effective images rather than on scientific experiment or survey. This quote reveals the understanding of the rules of composition and what is required to take a photograph with the correct composition. The composition of a photograph reveals what the photograph is about and it is important to make sure that your giving the right the interpretation in the photograph. Prakel has developed my understanding of photography by giving me an insight in composition, especially in my field trip to Falmer Village where landscape photography is really effective.