“I felt compelled to venture forth and explore the true face of the world. Leading a satisfying life of plenty had blinded many of us to the immense hardships beyond our borders.” – Werner Bischof
Who was he?
Werner Bischof was one of the first members of Magnum, but tragically died in his early 30s. He still in a short period time made a great body of work.
Personal Lessons
Why I love Werner’s photos:
- Simple yet elegant, classic, timeless compositions.
- Many 6×6 (square format) photos shot on a TLR (Rolleiflex) camera, which meant lots of unique low-angle compositions.
- Lots of human soul in the pictures
- Both street photography and experimentation with more abstract photography as well.
- Interesting high angle/high perspective pictures.
Composition lessons
Some composition lessons and sketches — made on iPhone Xs and Procreate Pocket app:
1. Leading lines
2. Horizontal figure, vertical figure, arabesque composition
3. Dynamic tension of multiple subjects looking in different directions, as well as different three-dimensional spaces
4. Walking into horizon, single subject, leading lines, sense of scale












Village of Corinth.

