I've spent a couple of hours today writing up some image analysis of 6 of my own shots to demonstrate the use of my basic composition elements. The analysis looks at differing images and shows a breakdown of the elements used in each one. This helps demonstrate both the element itself and its overall contribution to the image. 

You will find a permanent link to the 6 images and their analysis on my composition page or alternatively click here to go directly to the analysis page which begins with a smoke filled sunset framed by foreground trees.    

I have completed my tutorial series on basic composition this week, with the final three sections covering Light & Shadow, Negative Space and Separation. I had thought from the beginning that about 20 topics would cover the basic requirements. As I have worked through them I found a couple that could be combined resulting in 18 sections, making a little less work for me and I feel that as a basic tutorial, it is complete. 

Composition is something that is very difficult to master but we can all strive to improve, after all you never become a 'finished' photographer. What I mean by that is that we never stop learning, we are like golfers, always striving for more, always reaching that bit further and occasionally making that hole in one, perhaps that is one of the greatest joys of photography.   

At some point I might post a breakdown of some of my images pointing out the techniques used in each. If you follow the full series you will see the same images cropping up again and again, that's because they each utilise more than one aspect of composition (as you would expect) I did try to mix it up a bit with different images but ultimately every shot you post online is a shot stolen by some neerdowell and claimed as their own work.

You can find the whole composition series by clicking here or by finding it on the 'Tips & More' section of the site using the link provided or at anytime using the tabs above.

Those who have taken a peek at my composition tutorials will know that I have some way to go with symmetry. It's not that I find myself unable to shoot symmetry or compose in that way, it's just that in landscape work it is not something that appears with great frequency.  But on occasion, I find myself with a situation that cries out for a symmetrical shot. A local hike this week saw me wandering past a small pond which was almost ripple free. The small mountain opposite and a few coloured trees reflected perfectly and the wide angle lens extracted the best from the clouds reaching toward the corners of the frame. 

As I said, I definitely need to keep on practicing symmetry when available as my work has so little of it, but this image shows that even when lacking the 'grand vista' a symmetrical shot can really pull something from nothing. It's not a show stopper or something to hang on the wall (how many truly are) but it is a good solid shot from a simple location, what more can we ask. 

My series on basic composition continues this week with three more topics bringing the current total to 15 sections. As always, these are basic starting points that when combined, will help you produce better images. I still think somewhere around 20 will complete the series if I include some detailed explanations with examples as one section.

​Shapes & Odds explains how odd numbers and geometric shapes play a big part in image making, Framing The Shot is another section which differs from 'In Shot Framing' and 'Filling the Frame' previously covered in this series. Balance is the third section this week and explains  how we can avoid or introduce balance and the effect it has on your images. 

You can find the whole series on composition here or look under the Tips & More section of this site using the link or the tabs above. 

Continuing my series on basic composition this week with three more additions to the existing 9 tutorials. This week it is the turn of  'Reflections'  'Composing with Colour' and 'Creating Depth' .  As always the additions are kept basic, simple and easy to understand. No single tutorial section will make your images 'great' overnight, but knowledge of each section and the part it plays in composition will soon advance your skills a little further and move your images forward, that's all we can hope for as we chase continual improvement in our images. The whole series can be found on the ' Photographic Composition' page under the 'Tips & More' section of the site which you can find with the links provided or using the tabs above. This addition takes me to 12 tutorials on the topic and I still feel there are at least another 7 or 8 basics, so please keep returning and I'll keep posting additions as times allows.  

The third installment of my series on photographic composition continues this week with three more posts covering, 'patterns', 'symmetry' and 'seeing the light'. The series now has 9 components (I expect at least as many again before it is complete). It is important to note that no single aspect will lead to a step change in your image making, but an overall understanding in the many aspects of composition will greatly improve your images.  You can click this link to go to the composition page  or find a permanent link in the Tips & More section of this site. 

Last week I posted the first three sections of my composition tips, and as it has been a slow week photographically I wrote up another 3 sections this week covering 'In Shot Framing' 'Aperture in Composition' and 'Filling the Frame' . I am still of the mind that this basic series will have something like 20 sections in total, as of now there are 6 but I will continue to grow the series as time allows. Each section is explained individually so as not to confuse any issues but ultimately they should all be considered when planning your shot.   You can click here to go directly to the composition page or locate it through the tips and more section in the tabs above.

This week I have started a series of tuition pages on composition. Right now I can think of about 20 seperate sections so it will take some time but I hope to keep posting new additions frequently.  I have begun with the basic things which will help you make better images, so this week is the 'Rule of Thirds', 'Leading Lines' and 'Viewpoint'.  In time I will get all 20 or so completed so be sure to bookmark the site and keep returning to learn more and refresh existing knowledge. 

You can find the composition page directly HERE or you can click the TIPS & MORE tab above at any time and browse all of the posts aimed at helping you improve your image making.