7 SIMPLE COMPOSITION tricks I use everyday in my PHOTOGRAPHY
Vložit
- čas přidán 21. 07. 2024
- These 7 composition tricks are quick and simple to learn and I use them all the time. They aren't rules but techniques that you can adopt to help you find better compositions.
Visit Squarespace for a free trial and 10% off your first purchase - www.squarespace.com/nigel
Grab a copy of VISTAS - geni.us/vistasbook
Get a free 19 page eBook if you sign up for my newsletter - www.nigeldanson.com/newslette...
Instagram (follow my daily stories) - / nigel.danson
Where I get my AWESOME MUSIC - goo.gl/7LWnFh
All my gear (inc. clothes) is listed here - www.nigeldanson.com/nigeldans...
NIKON GEAR (Main STILLS camera)
Current landscape camera - Nikon Z7 - geni.us/nikonz7
Awesome telephoto lens - Nikon 70-200m f/2.8 - geni.us/nikon70200
Fav lens - Nikon 24-70mm Z f4 - geni.us/nikon2470
Great wide angle lens - Nikon 16-35mm f/4 -geni.us/MCglWI
Amazing Bokeh - Sigma 24mm f1.4 geni.us/Sigma24
FUJI GEAR (Main FILM camera)
Fujifilm X-T3 - geni.us/fujifilmxt3
Awesome Bokeh - Fuji XF35mm F2 - geni.us/fuji35f2
Sharpest long zoom - Fuji 50-140mm F2.8 geni.us/fuji50140
Killer wide angle lens - Fuji 10-24mm F4 - geni.us/fuji1024
OTHER PHOTO GEAR
Kase Filters - geni.us/Kase | And use code NIGEL for 5% off
Awesome sensor brush - geni.us/brush4sensor
GorillaPod - geni.us/Kb9mV
The great printer I use Canon P1000 - geni.us/cIIc
Clever camera strap (peak design) - geni.us/PDstrap
Great bag for hiking - Tenba 24L - geni.us/orPwh
Great bag for travel (carry on) - Tenba 32L - geni.us/tenba32l
Super light Benro Travel Tripod UK - geni.us/Benrotravel
A must have for tripod (L bracket) - geni.us/myLbracket
Lightweight tripod - Benro Mach3 Carbon Fiber Tripod - geni.us/benromach3
Paper I use for all my prints - Fotospeed - geni.us/fotospeed Use DANSON10 to get 10% off your paper.
Screw on ND filter - geni.us/polarproND
#composition #photography #tricks
Some good stuff there Nigel. A 'trick' I've been using for ages and which I find really useful in the early stages of finding a composition is to view the scene with one eye covered up. As you are now no longer seeing the scene without the enhancements (especially in depth perception) afforded by stereoscopic vision, you can begin to appreciate more how the final image will look when eventually viewed as a print or on a screen - i.e. in 2D rather than 3D. I'll concede this is similar to viewing a mobile phone preview or on the live view screen on one's camera, but I stumbled across this helpful little technique when digital cameras and mobile phones were still in the distant future! I'd encourage anyone just to try it - especially for landscape shots - it's amazing how often a promising 3D vista 'collapses' into a 'flat' and uninteresting 2D scene.
Another great video Nigel! Those composition tips are great, I have started using my phone much more when out in the field as you are right it is a really powerful tool. So excited about receiving your book! Cant wait! All the best
Man, I can't tell you how much I've been enjoying your posts. As a beginning photographer with an interest in landscapes, I find your videos informative and inspirational. Love your work!
Thanks so much, Nigel. Lots of useful ideas and help fo4 us all as usual.
Brilliant in its simplicity and impact on taking better photos!
You are in my opinion a meticulous professional in your approach to landscape photography. Thank you Nigel for sharing your knowledge. Sunday morning is always coffee with a Nigel video.
This video is amazing, thank you Nigel! I photograph as a hobby and struggle enjoying landscape photography due to struggles in composition. These tricks I feel are simple enough to take in and practice in the day to day, even as a working mum of an active toddler!
Great set of tricks. I looking forward to your book arriving at my doorstep!
Fabulous Nigel, so practical. Much appreciated.
Thank you Nigel. Really great advice. Keep up the amazing work.
I just went up into the forest today and tried some of the tips from your last composition video, (puddles of light etc). I'll definitely keep some of these tricks in mind on my next outing.
Great Nigel, thanks. Really encouraging us to think about the art of photography
Thanks Nigel, your tips are always so helpful. Best!
Amazing tricks! Definitely going to try them next time I go out. Thanks for sharing 🙏
Thank you Nigel, another great video and always come away with some great tips!
Great video! Always lovely to see Pebbles as well!
This is AWSOME! Thank you Nigel! All 7 tricks are new to me, and really helpful
Great tips Nigel
I really enjoy the way you approach photography and find your videos helpful. Thank you!
Thank you for tips. Especially love the first one)) But for me is enough just to take my glasses off 🤓 It's pretty much the same as gaussian blur 😅
Great instructional video Nigel. I very different approach but very easy to understand why you do these
Thank you Nigel for these great tips. I really must use my phone more in the field. Cain't wait to have your book !
Thanks for this great video. Wonderful, the way you share your experiences. One of your best!
These are some great tips. I always feel I do a good job with the "technical" rules on composition, but still lacking just that special touch. Can't wait to try a few of these out in the field.
Great tips. Thanks Nigel.
Definitely have to try some of these Nigel, thanks for the tips. Pebble fix for the fanclub at the end lol
Thanks Nigel. Another fantastic video. Really looking forward to using those phone techniques. Eamon
Very good info and well presented. Thanks.
Thanks Nigel. Very informative as always!
Great channel you have got, I have been interested in landscape photography for years but only now I have the time to do more so you will be of great help.
Excited to try the blurring effect. Never considered that. I often throw images I'm not sure of in black and white and see if that makes a difference. Thanks for the tips as always. Oh also, your editing effect to make the sun a big soft spot in images has done wonders for a few of my photos. Much thanks.
Fantastic explanation.. really will pay attention all those topic.. especially, never thought of seeing in upside down and similar tones topic can really breakthrough..thanks Nigel..
Well done. Thanks!
Love the tips about using your phone to help compose a better shot!
Great images of woodlands. That's been daunting to me, but I'm going to try. Especially like the b/w technique.
Thanks for this, picked up a couple of things I never thought about!
I just started photography thanks to the lockdown and I can't stress enough the 7th advice specially when I'm editing photos on Lightroom (being new to this is quite overwhelming sometimes) I can spend 2/3 hours on one photo (sometimes even more) and taking a break helps a lot before seeing things blurry and go back again on it with fresh eyes!!
Another great video, eager to get the copy of my book and study more of your photos !
Nice! Yes, keep the elves well-paid and happy along with Pebbles of course. Rock on!
Excellent tips and advice as always! 👍👍👍
I watch your videos regularly. I'm new but thanks to you my pictures are getting really good. So Thank you 👍
Thanks, Nigel! So usefull!!!
Nice tips dear Nigel thanks for sharing ✌🏻🙏🏻
Turning the photo upside down reminds me with something similar I do which is bending my head to the right and then to the left during looking at the photo 😄
Perhaps another way of phrasing #6 is to try the shot you have in mind in both portrait and landscape. Thanks from the Antipodes: it's valuable to have someone talk about why they've done something, not just describe what they're done.
legendary video! This is applicable in others as well. thanks a lot :)
Looking forward to getting my book thanks
Hope you enjoy it!
I love watching your videos I have learned soo much. Your tips and tricks have made mi photography easier. 💪👍
Great tips and I will have to try that phone blur trick next time!
I think that Black and White tip is very useful. You can really see the definition of the tree trunks. Thanks ND!
Thanks for this, I was also having a dilemma since I do not want genetically composed photos and these tips will definitely help!
Great video and thanks for the tips 👌
I was just using that "squinting" technique yesterday. I was composing a scene in a creek with water and trees and rocks and branches; quite chaotic. I found defocusing my camera made it so much easier to compose for shape and form and flow.
Very helpful! THANKS!
Great video Nigel, when I was doing a lot of pencil drawing I used a similar kind of technique to the upside down trick, bit instead of turning it upside down you hold the picture up to a mirror and suddenly you can see everything that is wrong with it, it's really bizarre, not sure you could do that on a phone or not but also handy, it's very useful when drawing a portrait of a person. I've used my phone for lining up a composition quite a few times as I know when my phone camera is on wide angle it's 17mm so it's pretty much exactly the same as my 16-35 lens so that's really handy and like you suggested go high and low etc. 👍🏻👍🏻 Great stuff Nigel. Cheers. All the best.
Some very good points here as always, thank you Nigel! I'd like to point out to everyone in the comments that the blurring, flipping upside down, and the B+W conversion are very good techniques to practice afterwards too, not just in the field. By doing one or all of the above when post-processing in Lightroom or another piece of software on an image that doesn't quite work, you can find out why, and apply better composition next time you're out shooting because you're more aware of the composition. Or maybe it'll highlight an area that's distracting, so you can rescue the image through cropping or content-aware-fill.
Yes - good point. Great to do afterwards
Funny thing about flipping images, it was something I was taught in the military that helps you see details that you might miss when analysing overhead imagery. Now, it had more to do with which way the shadows are facing than what you describe, but it could come in handy when looking on Google Maps/Earth for a new spot.
Thank you for another superb video! I’ll definitely be taking your 7 tips with me next time I go out with my camera......oh and my phone
I really wanted to improve my composition game, thanks :)
Nice tips. That picture with nice autumn colours... well, as photo probably doesn't work very well but I could make a beautiful painting out of it. :-)
A pleasure to watch your videos, as usual. Thanks!
11:18 : What a beauty. Great photo 🙌🍃
Great video really interesting. Thanks very much !
A thought about turning an image into a b&w mode: this makes a stronger accent on lines and textures and their balance in the frame. For our vision there qualities are not a top priority comparing to color but they contribute a lot into a final impression from the image.
From my own experience, both as a photographer and someone who's severely nearsighted 😉😆, squinting reduces the perception of color and increases perception of contrast. That is why compositions may be easier to see while squinting. It also helps for visualizing if a photo will work in monochrome, which is totally dependent on value and contrast control rather than hue and chroma.
Viewing images in different orientations is also a great tip. A good composition will somehow look balanced no matter which way you turn it.
I need to use these tips. These seem to be more practical than various 'rules' as often none of the 'rules' really help with composition.
Some gI did a processing workshop recently where the tutor demonstrated the technique of processing images up side down. I was skeptical at first but having seen it in action, I can see the benefits. I intend to revisit a number of my images to take another look. I am not sure if my camera will allow me to flip in the field. May need to learn how to do headstands? Thanks for sharing Nigel. Book is due to arrive tomorrow, fingers crossed...
It doesn’t always work but can be a great aid.
thanks for the video, I like these tips, especially 1,2,7 didn’t know about 1,2....about #5, maybe sometimes it can be intentionally “broken” to create special effects, actually I like the image of the tree where only the top part was clearly emerging......
Hi Nigel, thank you for the great tutorial. Question, how do you lock your iPhone screen in order to turn it upside down?
Need to take the photo first...
Sage advice as always, Nigel. Thanks from DownUnder.
I don't know if Nigel knows this but I read many years ago that Ansell Adams used the squinting technique to assess the fundamental structure of the scene. It gives you the highlight areas to be wary of and also the dark blank areas.
I didn’t actually... thanks for letting me know
Not sure if anyone else has mentioned this, but on an iPhone you can set a shortcut to turn the screen B&W. Means you can shoot in colour on your iPhone, but be composing in Black and White.
I’d take a photo with your iPhone then slightly drag down on the top right of your screen (partially start control centre) and it blurs the photo nicely in a gradient
Interesting ideas, but i'll have to give many of them some more thought. I suspect practicing them will make them much clearer in practice.
Nice tip for using the phone, I’m going to try that.
B&W @ 9:10 looks so much better than the color image IMHO.
Great video and thoughts around workflow as usual...!
Some times, the Photographer is the most interresting...!
Pictures are made with picture language...
Good idea, to try separate elements and look at each aspect as simple as we can
and in sevaral ways.
Another simple "trick nr 0" I use: If you like a scene: Close One Eye...!
Become a 2D camera (w no 3D.perspective).
The "depth" in the scene, is now as the camera sees,
Not how I experience and "Want"
Now open the eye and Close the other...!
Our 2 eyes are more or less wired to different brain halves...
We see differently with them...!
One eye is more logic, serial...one thing at a time, controlled.
One is more creative, parallel...all at once, intuitive
I compose with right eye:
Distracting elements? Straight lines straight, shadows, reflections...etc?
When all ok, I close my right eye
and look with my left:
But: Is it also Nice...?!!!
Cameras are just tools...
View cameras have the image upside down
And flipped left to right...
another great exercise, to ponder,
if the "dynamic" weight in the composition is interresting.
This is also true for most 6x6 cameras...
I recognize the importance, of, "what best tool" to use, for certain jobs...!
Thank "you" world, for digital cameras with Live monitors...
Best thing since Polaroid...!
Short comment long...
Greetings from Denmark to You Nigel...I enjoy your videos very Very much...!
6:16 is not at Zion(Utah), it’s at Valley of Fire(Nevada).
Yep - my mistake
I’m stuck in the sub burbs with things still in flux due to the pandemic with no clear path to when it will end. I’m frustrated that I can’t go out any farther than my own neighborhood so I have been watching your videos. It has helped relieve the anxiety for me a bit and also given me new tools to try to improve or fix some bad habits I have. You and Pebbles have given me a nice distraction from the every day grind of the pandemic and I thank you for that. I was wondering, I have sent a few emails with questions but have never gotten a response from you. Is there a better way of communicating with you other than the “contact me” form on your website?
I am so sorry about that... you can email me through the contact form on my CZcams profile 👍🏼
Nigel Danson don’t be sorry, you’re busy, I get that. Just want to make sure I am going to the right spot my friend 😃
Nigel...great tips...I will be sure to try! On another note, I signed up for your newsletter a couple of weeks ago, but I did not receive your 19 page ebook? Maybe I did something wrong or a I missed something when signing up? Anyway, I've been enjoying your newsletter and videos - really good content!
That is odd! You should have got an email with a link - sellfy.com/nigeldanson/
@@NigelDanson Thanks Nigel..I downloaded it from the link above.
I find #3 often helps me find a photo I couldn't see. Things do look different through the camera.
Hi Nigel how are you I just want to know is it alright if I always shoot my camera in aperture priority mode
It's fine shooting in aperture priority mode. I usually do for film. If shooting in digital though Manual mode is great because it gives much more control over exposure. I say digital because you have the instant feedback and you can also see how the image will look on the display as you adjust settings.
I do!
Nigel I notice when I shoot in manual mode my pictures are not showing up on my laptop but when I shoot in aperture priority mode and automatic mode the pictures shows on my laptop.
I'm using a Fujifilm s1000 fine pix it's my late uncle,s camera.
Very helpful!
I always think of photo composition like telling jokes. The more you try to tell before getting to the punch line, the less funny it generally ends up. Which is why one-liners or two-liners are so effective.
Google Pixel my best friend🤩
Great Video! However, instead of using your 'Out-Of-Focus-Phone' technique (or squinting your eyes), just simply adjust your viewfinder diopter. Because lets face it, we don't take pictures with our eyes (Yet??) and we are more then likely taking pictures with our DSLR, and not our phones.
Once you have your composition setup with your camera and tripod, just simply adjust your viewfinder diopter to un-focus the scene and adjust accordingly!
Nigel: "#1 Quint your eyes" [things become blurry]
Me: I squint my eyes [Wow, I can see my monitor again!]
Nigel: "#2 Flip things upside down"
Me: Have you ever watched one of Nigel's CZcams videos upside down? GAME CHANGER! Don't let this catch on!!
Note: I will say it is a little difficult to comprehend the text at first and you do get used to it. But the blood really rushes to your head after about 3 minutes.
Ha ha!!! 🤣🤣
Great idea, to turn the camera screen upside down. But . . . my camera outsmarts me. The camera senses the screen being upside down, and flips the image back to normal orientation. But Lightroom does allow for an easy flip, so at least in editing I can use the flip technique to examine a composition and at that point maybe crop differently, and certainly to learn what works and doesn't.
A couple years ago, I watched a series of videos about Charles Cramer (www.luminous-landscape.com/videos/). To find a good composition, he uses viewing cards and he mentioned that Anselm introduced them for his students.
So, I tried this. I made two sizes to allow me to look for wide-angle views and another one to mimic a long lens. I laminated them to make them a bit sturdier and have them on a lanyard with a retractable line around my neck so that I can easily move them closer or farther away with my arm. It works quite well and I can really recommend this method.
Thanks Nigel, I want to order one of your books but my jolly credit card expired and of course I didn't clear my postal box during covid so I have a new one I just have to go into the bank tomorrow and activate it so please put one aside for me for a day - your fan in New Zealand Anna
Don't worry still a few left....
Take a break. Good advice for all sorts of things!
First in. Winner
Well done. Here's you chicken 🐔. Unfortunately I can't cook, so you need to make the dinner yourself.
If you are short sighted just take your glasses off, instant blurring effect!
Ha ha
Sounds like you should use a ‘Phone’ for better images or better still just take images which others have done before you.
I'm sick of standing on my head trying to get a balanced image..... Am I doing something wrong?
Technique 1: ah yes remove me glasses
you probably should run over to James Popsys' channel and help him out. He's inciting insurrection - telling people to ignore the rule of thirds. You speak his language, and might be his best chance for redemption :) Seriously - good stuff - I do a one eye view thing from opposite corners - it points out some things that are too heavy sometimes. I do the blurry eye thing as well.
I agree!
Good video. Incidentally, it’s *every day. “Everyday” is an adjective.
Nigel, can you answer me a question? Why every Video starts with "5 simple things" "7 easy steps" "how to be...".
I subscribed because of one or two helpful Videos. But now I noticed that your Video Titles and often the content became boring because they are repeating always the Same topics (speaking about pictures rather than to have new content or do some Action or to Change the Location...). I think you are a good creator and thats the reason why I didnt unsubscribe. But I am currently Just watching maybe every 6-10th Video because Its depressing to see repeated content over and over again
Sorry you think that. I did a video on printing recently and one on others editing my images. Lockdown has made on location videos impossible and even now I don’t feel like going out as want to respect local communities. I have done 7 tips series since the very beginning so it isn’t anything new. If you have any ideas though then much appreciated 👍🏼
What nobody tells about Squarespace, photography business wise, is that your photos aren't 'right click' secured Everybody is able to save (steal) your images. I don't get why they still didn't implement that feature.
Because it is useless. What is to stop somebody doing a screenshot of the screen. Image stealing does happen whatever you do. My tip is don’t upload great than 1500px. 👍🏼
@@NigelDanson Not that useless as you think it is. A lot of people and photographers I know don't think the same way about it. Right click and saving an image is always the first thing people will try to do. If Squarespace would implement a way to secure your photos from that, I might try it out.
Enjoy the channel and this episode. But i don't agree with the idea that a photo should "tell a story". I know its common advice, but I think it's misguided. If you want to tell a story write a story. I don't know exactly what a photo is to me, that's always changing. But it's can be a simple record of a particular moment or place, a record of my own engagement with the world and with photography, a mood. It's a lot of things but never a story. I'd actually say it looks like you agree because all the photos you use to illustrate this video have one thing in common - no story. And that's good.