{"id":68581,"date":"2017-11-04T09:39:44","date_gmt":"2017-11-04T16:39:44","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/?page_id=68581"},"modified":"2017-11-06T09:23:04","modified_gmt":"2017-11-06T17:23:04","slug":"dynamic-composition","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/dynamic-composition\/","title":{"rendered":"Dynamic Composition Manual"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"ERIC<\/p>\n

How to add more drama, sex, and dynamism to your photographs:<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Learn more secrets of DYNAMIC COMPOSITION at ERIC KIM EXPERIENCE ><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

Introduction<\/h1>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Dear friend,<\/p>\n

The manual you hold in your hand (or device) is your key to unlocking the secrets of DYNAMIC COMPOSITION. The principles in this book will empower your visual artistry \u00e2\u20ac\u201d not just in photography, but in architecture, painting, graphic design, or any form of visual art.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Above all, we want to give you a spirit of play, fun, and experimentation. You will never grow as a visual artist if you never take risks, or push your visual artistry outside of your comfort zone.<\/p>\n

ERIC<\/p>\n

Why Composition?<\/h1>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Composition<\/strong>: The art of putting together visual elements.<\/p>\n

You can apply principles of \u00e2\u20ac\u0153composition\u00e2\u20ac\u009d to writing, to music, and all forms of art.<\/p>\n

Why is composition important?<\/h3>\n

Without composition, your pictures would have no visual coherence or meaning.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

In writing, the meaning of words don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t come from the words themselves \u00e2\u20ac\u201d the meaning comes from the arrangement<\/em> of the words.<\/p>\n

In photography the same principle applies. The meaning of your pictures is created from the arrangement<\/em> of the visual objects in your picture. In your picture, you decide where to place your subject(s), how to frame your scene, what to include and exclude from the frame, who or what to place in the foreground, middle ground, or background.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Composition applies to almost everything in photography, from the colors you use, what kind of light you use (natural light, time of day, color of light, flash), how you decide to process your pictures in black and white or color.<\/p>\n

\"Cindy<\/p>\n

Ultimately, the importance of composition as a visual artist:<\/p>\n

\n You show the viewer what is important in your picture.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Is there such thing as a \u00e2\u20ac\u0153good\u00e2\u20ac\u009d or \u00e2\u20ac\u0153bad\u00e2\u20ac\u009d composition?<\/h1>\n
\"Figure
Figure to ground example: Silhouette of Cindy against backlight of stairwell. Hanoi, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

As a visual artist, you must be opinionated. A picture without a message is useless.<\/p>\n

\"CUBIST<\/p>\n

As a visual artist, you are trying to COMMUNICATE with your viewer. You use your camera or pen as a tool \u00e2\u20ac\u201dto tell your viewer, \u00e2\u20ac\u0153This is what I find beautiful or interesting in the world. I will use composition as a visual framework to direct your eyeballs, to look at what I think is important. Just follow the leading lines, and visual forms.\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/p>\n

Personally, I don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t think there is such a thing as \u00e2\u20ac\u0153good\u00e2\u20ac\u009d or \u00e2\u20ac\u0153bad\u00e2\u20ac\u009d composition. However, I do see certain compositions as DYNAMIC and EDGY, while I find other compositions boring, stale, and static.<\/p>\n

If you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re reading this book, you have a hunger and thirst to make powerful pictures. You want to make pictures that excite your viewer, and gives your viewer a re-invigorated zest for life. As a visual artist, you are affirming the beauty and joy of life.<\/p>\n

Real life is dynamic, complex, and energetic. So why not have your pictures reflect your personal philosophy how you see real life?<\/p>\n

Asymmetry is the key to DYNAMIC COMPOSITION<\/h1>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Asymmetry<\/strong>: Non-symmetry.<\/p>\n

Symmetry is boring. A lot of photographers compose their scenes according to the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153rule of thirds\u00e2\u20ac\u009d where the frame is perfectly sectioned off into clean, and evenly divided sectors of space.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

But this is boring \u00e2\u20ac\u201d because real life isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t perfectly symmetrical. Anyone who doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t have rough edges are generally boring. What makes a unique or interesting personality? Dynamic edges.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Therefore, to make a dynamic composition, think BEYOND simple horizontal and vertical lines. Think about OFF-BALANCE and OFF-KILTER compositions. Think DIAGONALS, CURVES, and triangles.<\/p>\n

The difficulty of creating a strong dynamic composition: keeping it simple.<\/p>\n

DYNAMIC + SIMPLE Compositions<\/h1>\n

How do you make a dynamic yet simple composition?<\/p>\n

DYNAMIC<\/strong>: Making a composition with a wide-angle lens (28mm-35mm), shooting head-on (not from the side), embracing unique and dynamic perspectives (very low angles looking up, or very high angles looking down), and pictures with dynamic contrast and dynamic emotions.<\/p>\n

SIMPLE<\/strong>: Coherence, strength, a strong foundation, clear separation between subject and background (\u00e2\u20ac\u0153figure-to-ground\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\/contrast), clean edges of the frame, and unity in the frame.<\/p>\n

You are always trying to balance dynamism and simplicity while you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re shooting. To be honest, much of discovering what your best pictures are during the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153editing\u00e2\u20ac\u009d phase\u00e2\u20ac\u201dwhen you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re at home, choosing your best pictures after<\/em> the fact.<\/p>\n

How to shoot dynamic compositions \u00e2\u20ac\u0153in real life\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/h1>\n

When you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re shooting on the streets, what I recommend to look for or think:<\/p>\n

1. SIMPLE BACKGROUND<\/h2>\n

\"Dynamic<\/p>\n

First look for simple backgrounds, then look around for interesting subjects to add afterwards<\/em>. You will be more successful making simple and dynamic pictures by first starting with a SIMPLE BACKGROUND. Start with a simple background, then try to get a DYNAMIC SUBJECT.<\/p>\n

2. DYNAMIC SUBJECT<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

A dynamic subject is someone who has unique fashion, who is in motion (try to photograph them walking, with their legs in a \u00e2\u20ac\u0153V\u00e2\u20ac\u009d shape), someone with hand gestures (avoid photographing people with their hands just hanging by their side).<\/p>\n

3. DIAGONALS<\/h2>\n
\"DYNAMIC
DYNAMIC REFLECTIONS. Man and three reflections by ERIC KIM. Made with iPad Pro and Procreate app.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

It is impossible to think of complex red grids when you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re out shooting in the real world. An easier way to think: THINK DIAGONALS. Look for diagonal lines in the streets as graphical lines and visual elements, look for diagonals in the arms of people, or their legs.<\/p>\n

4. DUTCH ANGLE<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

If you don\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t see diagonal lines on the streets, tilt your camera to FORCE a diagonal composition. A lot of classic film noir and German films utilize this technique, to add more drama, danger, and sex to certain high-tension scenes.<\/p>\n

5. DYNAMIC EMOTIONS<\/h2>\n
\"Laughter:
Laughter: One of the most dynamic emotions.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Interact with your subjects. Ask them for their life story, or ask them what their dream in life is. Or, when you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re shooting without permission, look for people who look lost, or a little depressed. Or look for happy, joyful people. Look for emotions in their faces, their body language, or their eyes.<\/p>\n

Dynamic Composition Lexicon<\/h1>\n
\"DYNAMIC
DYNAMIC ANGLE: Very low angle and perspective composition.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Also as a practical tip, the words you want to add to your vocabulary, and to keep in the back of your head include:<\/p>\n

DYNAMIC
\nEDGY
\nSEXY
\nOFF-KILTER
\nROUGH
\nSHARP
\nDIRECT
\nPOWERFUL
\nDANGEROUS
\nSCARY
\nEXPLOSION
\nSHOCK<\/p>\n

Write down these words, and store them in your visual memory, and add them to your visual toolbox \/ lexicon.<\/p>\n

GOLDEN TRIANGLE<\/h1>\n

\"BAUHAUS<\/p>\n

One of the principles of dynamic composition to follow is the GOLDEN TRIANGLE. The Golden Triangle is just a framework we can use to analyze our pictures after<\/em> we have made them.<\/p>\n

The general principle: imagine your frame as a rectangle. Then draw diagonals connecting the EDGES of the frame, then drawing more diagonal lines which run PERPENDICULAR to one another.<\/p>\n

The points in which the diagonals intersect are DYNAMIC POINTS. Dynamic points draw the eye of the viewer.<\/p>\n

Therefore, if you want stronger structure in your pictures, try to make your pictures have lots of dynamic diagonals, and have points of interest in the DYNAMIC POINTS.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Use a separate piece of paper and draw the Golden Triangle in a notebook.<\/p>\n

Case-Study: Boy in flowers \/\/ Seven Samurai by Akira Kurosawa<\/h3>\n

Note how Akira Kurosawa utilizes the Golden Triangle composition in this scene:<\/p>\n

\"\"
Seven samurai still.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\"\"
Intersection of Golden Triangle in Red circle. KUROSAWA x KIM.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

\"KUROSAWA
Final image: KUROSAWA x ERIC KIM \/ Boy in bed of flowers. Diagonal composition , golden triangle.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Golden Triangle Assignment<\/h3>\n

Assignment<\/strong>: Look at your favorite pictures, where you think the composition is strong and dynamic. Print out your picture, and use a red pen or marker to draw the compositional lines on your picture.<\/p>\n

Do you see dynamic diagonals?
\nDo any of your pictures follow the Golden Triangle?
\nHow can you apply the principles of the Golden Triangle when you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re out making pictures?<\/p>\n

Pro-Tip<\/strong>: When you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re using Adobe Lightroom on a computer, access the Golden Triangle Grid by:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Selecting a picture,<\/li>\n
  2. going to the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Develop\u00e2\u20ac\u009d module (hotkey \u00e2\u20ac\u0153D\u00e2\u20ac\u009d),<\/li>\n
  3. access the Crop tool (hotkey \u00e2\u20ac\u0153R\u00e2\u20ac\u009d)<\/li>\n
  4. press \u00e2\u20ac\u0153O\u00e2\u20ac\u009d to change the compositional \u00e2\u20ac\u0153overlay\u00e2\u20ac\u009d grid<\/li>\n
  5. Keep pressing \u00e2\u20ac\u0153O\u00e2\u20ac\u009d until you access the Golden Triangle grid<\/li>\n
  6. Press \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Shift+O\u00e2\u20ac\u009d to change the orientation of the Golden Triangle grid, or any other compositional grid<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    FIBONACCI SPIRAL<\/h1>\n

    \"Bauhaus<\/p>\n

    Once you\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ve mastered the fundamentals of the Golden Triangle, let us continue to work on the Fibonacci spiral \u00e2\u20ac\u201dthe next step to advance your dynamic composition.<\/p>\n

    \"Eric<\/p>\n

    Whereas the Golden Triangle focuses on dynamic diagonals, the Fibonacci spiral focuses on DYNAMIC CURVES.<\/p>\n

    \"Golden
    Golden triangle x Fibonacci spiral by ERIC KIM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    There are no straight lines in nature<\/strong>. When is the last time you saw a straight tree, river, or human being?<\/p>\n

    \"spiral<\/p>\n

    Modernity has cursed us with straight Euclidean lines. Most modern architecture is all (boring) straight lines. More dynamic, and innovative architects like Zaha Hadid have embraced more fluid, dynamic, organic, curved and aggressive lines and spaces.<\/p>\n

    \"eric<\/p>\n

    To make a Fibonacci spiral, follow the same beginning steps of the Golden Triangle. Then, start to divide the box into smaller sub-boxes. Then, draw a curved spiral, to connect the points.<\/p>\n

    \"\"
    Golden triangle x Fibonacci spiral by ERIC KIM<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Using the Fibonacci spiral in \u00e2\u20ac\u0153real life\u00e2\u20ac\u009d<\/h1>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    I seriously doubt that anyone can see the Fibonacci spiral in real life, when they\u00e2\u20ac\u2122re actually making pictures. I think the Fibonacci spiral is more useful as a tool to analyze our pictures as a post-Mortem, after-the-fact.<\/p>\n

    \"Dynamic
    Dynamic CURVE composition. Cindy, curved line, hand, with flash. Saigon, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Above all, the concept of the Fibonacci spiral is useful because it makes us to start thinking about DYNAMIC CURVES.<\/p>\n

    We want to add more curves to our compositions and pictures.<\/p>\n

    How to add curves to your compositions or pictures<\/h1>\n
    \"Cindy
    Cindy silhouette and curved arms. Saigon, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Practical tips how to add curves to your pictures:<\/p>\n

    1. Look for curves and spirals<\/h2>\n

    Look for spiral staircases, seashells, circles, or things which already have<\/em> curves. Therefore as a photography assignment, go out with the INTENTION of looking for, hunting for, and analyzing curves. Make it a game: see how many curves you can spot and identify.<\/p>\n

    2. Study nature<\/h2>\n

    There is a concept of \u00e2\u20ac\u0153fractals\u00e2\u20ac\u009d\u00e2\u20ac\u201d a self-sustaining and self-directed form of growth in nature. Study the growth patterns of trees, veins, rivers, and bodies of water. Look for the curves. Draw the curves in a notebook or your iPad, or phone. Think curves.<\/p>\n

    3. Study the human body:<\/h2>\n

    Where do you see curves in the human body? Think about the hourglass curves in a woman\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s hips. Study classic statues and renaissance art\u00e2\u20ac\u201d and note how classic conceptions of beauty showed women as quite plump and curvaceous.<\/p>\n

    Think about how our hair grows, how our nails grow (curved), or the subtle curves in our bones which make them stronger. Consider the human spine \u00e2\u20ac\u201d we think it is straight, but in fact, it is curved.<\/p>\n

    4. Look for curved architecture or roads<\/h2>\n

    Look for curves in pottery or sculpture.<\/p>\n

    5. Start with the edges of your frame<\/h2>\n

    To accentuate curves in your pictures, start with the EDGES of your frame. Try to get the start of your curve to start from one of the edges of your frame. Then give the curve enough space in the frame to spiral around. Imagine giving a snake the opportunity to spiral around the frame.<\/p>\n

    6. Photograph details<\/h2>\n

    When photographing the human body, be very specific\u00e2\u20ac\u201d get close to the curves of people (their hips, their elbows), or have them bend, and contort their bodies to CREATE CURVES with their body.<\/p>\n

    Curve composition photography assignments<\/h2>\n

    Assignment<\/strong>: Get a piece of paper, or open a drawing app on your phone or tablet. For fun, draw curves. See how many curves, spirals, you can fit on a piece of paper. Let your hand go wild.<\/p>\n

    Assignment 2<\/strong>: Figure out how many different ways you can contort your body to make spirals and curves (think Yoga poses). By creating curves with your own body, you can better understand the curves in the bodies of other people.<\/p>\n

    FIGURE TO GROUND<\/h1>\n

    \"2-side<\/p>\n

    To create a dynamic composition, you need dynamic contrast between your subject and the background.<\/p>\n

    \"tokyo<\/p>\n

    FIGURE TO GROUND is a compositional concept of having your figure (subject) pop out, or have contrast with the ground (background).<\/p>\n

    \"Dynamic<\/p>\n

    Simply put:
    \n– Dark subject against white background
    \n– White subject against dark background<\/p>\n

    Why is Figure to ground important?<\/h3>\n
    \"Figure
    Figure to ground: Black background<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Without a strong figure to ground between your subject and background, your viewer will struggle to know who or what the subject is. By creating a strong figure to ground in the picture, you can help direct your viewer\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s eye to focus on the subject.<\/p>\n

    \"Figure
    Figure to ground: White box creates a \u00e2\u20ac\u0153strong\u00e2\u20ac\u009d figure to ground against the black background.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    You want to create a \u00e2\u20ac\u0153visual anchor\u00e2\u20ac\u009d for your viewer\u00e2\u20ac\u201d giving them a strong subject, with a strong contrast to focus their eyes on.<\/p>\n

    \"In
    In figure to ground, your eyes always travel to the areas of the highest contrast, then to areas or shapes of less contrast. For example, your eye will first look at the white box (most contrast) then the grey box (less contrast)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Also, pictures with strong figure to ground are more aesthetically pleasing to look at.<\/p>\n

    \"If
    If we add a dark grey triangle (top left)\u00e2\u20ac\u201d that is the third object we look at.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    You can also see through these diagrams, our eyes look through a picture or a frame according to the degrees of the intensity of light or contrast. Or to the strength of the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153figure to ground\u00e2\u20ac\u009d contrast in the picture.<\/p>\n

    \"When
    When we introduce a fourth shape (very dark grey lightning bolt in bottom right corner) we can barely see it \u00e2\u20ac\u201d because very dark grey has \u00e2\u20ac\u0153weak\u00e2\u20ac\u009d figure to ground (contrast) against a black background.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Generally, I recommend starting with a black background or canvas<\/a> \u00e2\u20ac\u201d to practice figure to ground. Of course, the inverse works \u00e2\u20ac\u201d if you see dark subjects against a white background:<\/p>\n

    \"Inverse
    Inverse figure to ground: with a white background, your eyes are first drawn to the darkest colors and shapes.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Figure to ground assignments<\/h3>\n
    \"A
    A greyscale chart of darkness to lightness (from left to right)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Assignment<\/strong>: Find a simple white background in your home, and photograph different subjects or objects against it. Photograph your hand, different colored objects, and experiment shooting some pictures with a flash, and some pictures without a flash.<\/p>\n

    Pro-tip<\/strong>: To create stronger pictures and figure to ground, AVOID OVERLAPPING FIGURES. Add some white space between the different subjects and elements in the frame.<\/p>\n

    MULTIPLE SUBJECTS<\/h1>\n

    To create a visual hierarchy of multiple subjects in a frame, there are different strategies:<\/p>\n

    1. Variety of head height<\/h3>\n

    Studying Seven Samurai by Akira Kurosawa<\/a>:<\/p>\n

    \"\"
    Kurosawa<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    \"KUROSAWA
    KUROSAWA x ERIC KIM \/ Seven Samurai<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    2. Sitting vs standing \/ direction of body<\/h3>\n
    \"\"
    Why did Kurosawa use a telephoto, and why are some subjects standing, others sitting?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
    \"KUROSAWA
    Just the actors. KUROSAWA x ERIC KIM \/ Seven Samurai<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
    \"\"
    Just the foreground.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
    \"\"
    Actors and the foreground added. KUROSAWA x KIM \/ Seven Samurai<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
    \"KUROSAWA
    KUROSAWA x ERIC KIM \/ Seven Samurai<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    3. Depth<\/h3>\n

    When composing a scene, add depth by compressing the scene with having certain figures closer to your lens, and others further away:<\/p>\n

    \"\"
    Kurosawa Seven Samurai<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
    \"KUROSAWA
    KUROSAWA x ERIC KIM \/ Seven Samurai<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
    \"KUROSAWA
    KUROSAWA x ERIC KIM \/ Seven Samurai<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    \"\"
    How do you perceive depth in a picture?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    4. Clustering of subjects<\/h3>\n

    Have some of your subjects in the forefront\/foreground, and other subjects to be crouched and clustered together:<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    \"KUROSAWA
    KUROSAWA x ERIC KIM \/ 7 SAMURAI<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    5. Strong diagonal lines<\/h3>\n
    \"\"
    Kurosawa, Seven Samurai<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    \"\"
    Kurosawa x Kim<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    \"\"<\/p>\n

    \"\"
    Kurosawa x Kim<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Take your visual artistry to the next level<\/h2>\n
    \"Kyoto.
    Kyoto. Cindy, 2017<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

    Learn more secrets of DYNAMIC COMPOSITION at ERIC KIM EXPERIENCE ><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    How to add more drama, sex, and dynamism to your photographs:<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":68182,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"advanced_seo_description":"","jetpack_seo_html_title":"","jetpack_seo_noindex":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-68581","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/68581","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=68581"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/68581\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":68767,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/68581\/revisions\/68767"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/68182"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=68581"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}