“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:

1. Simple yet elegant, classic, timeless compositions.
2. Many 6×6 (square format) photos shot on a TLR (Rolleiflex) camera, which meant lots of unique low-angle compositions.
3. Lots of human soul in the pictures
4. Both street photography and experimentation with more abstract photography as well.
5. Interesting high angle/high perspective pictures.

Composition lessons

Some composition lessons and sketches — made on iPhone Xs and Procreate Pocket app:

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1. Leading lines

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2. Horizontal figure, vertical figure, arabesque composition

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3. Dynamic tension of multiple subjects looking in different directions, as well as different three-dimensional spaces

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4. Walking into horizon, single subject, leading lines, sense of scale

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