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<\/a><\/p>\nPDF: 5 PHOTOGRAPHY COMPOSITION TIPS by ERIC KIM<\/a><\/p>\n The first question we must ask ourselves: What is composition, and why is it important?<\/p>\n This is how I would define composition:<\/p>\n Composition is how you arrange visual elements within a frame.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Composition is important because you create MEANING by how you frame your subjects, how you juxtapose different visual elements together, and by deciding what you include (and exclude) form the frame.<\/p>\n Generally with composition– to make better compositions:<\/p>\n <\/p>\n An overview of 5 dynamic composition tips you can add to your photography:<\/p>\n With diagonals, you add more engagement, dynamism, and tension in your frame.<\/p>\n How can you easily capture better diagonal compositions?<\/p>\n Photography is all a matter of perspective<\/a>— how you see the world, what you decide to photograph (and what you decide not<\/em> to photograph), as well as how you compose your scenes.<\/p>\n The basic two perspectives:<\/p>\n There is no ‘better’ or ‘worse’ perspective in photography. They are just different.<\/p>\n But what you should ask yourself is:<\/p>\n Which perspective is more dynamic and interesting?<\/p><\/blockquote>\n To achieve a low-angle perspective, you can simply crouch down, and look up.<\/p>\n The benefits of low-angle perspectives is that you make your subjects look ‘larger than life’. This perspective is also unique– it is like seeing the world from the eyes of a child, or of an ant.<\/p>\n Low-angle perspectives work well in architecture<\/a> photography, and street photography<\/a>.<\/p>\n To make more dynamic low-angle perspective photos, I recommend using a 28mm<\/a> or 35mm lens<\/a>.<\/p>\n High angle perspectives is when you get very high, and shoot looking down.<\/p>\n High angle perspectives work well when you want to make your subjects look very small, or make your scenes look more abstract.<\/p>\n Curves are even more dynamic than diagonal lines. Curves simulate nature– and have more energy.<\/p>\n You can imagine curves in the shell of a nautilus, curves in the road, curves in a woman’s body, or curved rivers, or the curved veins of a leaf.<\/p>\n Whenever you see a curve, follow it.<\/p>\n I find curves a lot in architecture photography — where a lot of architects follow the ‘fibonacci spiral<\/a>‘.<\/p>\n And try to get the edges of the curve to connect to an edge of your frame.<\/p>\n To make a better composition in photography, you need clear separation between your subject and the background. This is called ‘figure to ground<\/a>‘ in photography.<\/p>\n One of the best ways to make a better composition in photography is to first start with a simple background, then add your subject in the frame afterwards<\/em>.<\/p>\n A simple background can be a simple white\/black wall, a brick wall, or the blue sky.<\/p>\n If you’re shooting portraits, start off by identifying a simple background, and asking them to stand in front of the simple background.<\/p>\n You can also simplify your background by putting your subject in bright light, and use -1 or -2 exposure-compensation, to cause your subject to ‘pop’ out of the frame.<\/p>\n Furthermore, try out the ‘fishing technique<\/a>‘ in street photography:<\/p>\n One of the easiest ways to simplify our photos:<\/p>\n \n When you are shooting, make sure the edges of your frame are clean.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n Don’t get tunnel-visioned in the center of the frame. Rather, look at the edges. Get closer<\/a> to your subject, to fill the frame with your subject, and also try to connect diagonal<\/a> lines to the edges of your frame.<\/p>\n Composition must be one of our most important pre-occupations in photography– as Henri Cartier-Bresson<\/a> once said.<\/p>\n In photography, it is hard to shoot and compose at the same time.<\/p>\n My simple suggestion:<\/p>\n When you’re shooting, always seek to simplify the frame.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n You won’t always see all the diagonals, curves, and think about the perspective.<\/p>\n Remember– the purpose of photography is capturing the soul of your subject. Use composition as a tool to judge your compositions after<\/em> the fact.<\/p>\n Have fun,<\/p>\n ERIC<\/p>\n For more information on composition, read: Photography Composition 101<\/a>, and these articles:<\/p>\n For more inspiration and free resources, subscribe to ERIC KIM NEWSLETTER ><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Dear friend,<\/p>\n If you’re new to photography, start here:<\/p>\n
\nWhat is composition?<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/composition-1.png?resize=1032%2C1424\")
What is composition?<\/h3>\n
![\"Golden](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/BA99E3F0-FE04-4E3C-B8F4-BDF00A30527B.jpeg?resize=1180%2C1782\")
<\/p>\nWhy is composition important?<\/h3>\n
![\"Golden](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/73598860-A4CD-43FD-8A70-A47887775533-2000x1325.jpeg?resize=1180%2C782\")
How to make better compositions<\/h3>\n
![\"Bauhaus](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/3F10772B-B56E-4D35-B582-08D7624B7BD9.jpeg?resize=800%2C532\")
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![\"eric](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2012\/03\/eric-kim-photography-black-and-white-hanoi-0009910-800x530.jpg?resize=800%2C530\")
<\/p>\n5 Dynamic Composition Tips<\/h1>\n
1. Diagonals<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/5-PHOTOGRAPHY-COMPOSITION-TIPS.002.jpeg?resize=1024%2C768\")
<\/p>\nDiagonal composition photography tips<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/5-PHOTOGRAPHY-COMPOSITION-TIPS.003.jpeg?resize=1024%2C768\")
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/5-PHOTOGRAPHY-COMPOSITION-TIPS.004.jpeg?resize=1024%2C768\")
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<\/p>\n
\n2. Perspective<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/5-PHOTOGRAPHY-COMPOSITION-TIPS.008.jpeg?resize=1024%2C768\")
<\/p>\n\n
Which perspective is best?<\/h3>\n
Low Angle Perspective<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/5-PHOTOGRAPHY-COMPOSITION-TIPS.009.jpeg?resize=1024%2C768\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/5-PHOTOGRAPHY-COMPOSITION-TIPS.010.jpeg?resize=1024%2C768\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/5-PHOTOGRAPHY-COMPOSITION-TIPS.011.jpeg?resize=1024%2C768\")
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/5-PHOTOGRAPHY-COMPOSITION-TIPS.012.jpeg?resize=1024%2C768\")
<\/p>\n
\nHigh Angle Perspective<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/5-PHOTOGRAPHY-COMPOSITION-TIPS.016.jpeg?resize=1024%2C768\")
<\/p>\nHow to shoot from a high angle perspective<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/5-PHOTOGRAPHY-COMPOSITION-TIPS.017.jpeg?resize=1024%2C768\")
<\/p>\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/5-PHOTOGRAPHY-COMPOSITION-TIPS.018.jpeg?resize=1024%2C768\")
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<\/p>\n
\n3. Curves<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/5-PHOTOGRAPHY-COMPOSITION-TIPS.021.jpeg?resize=1024%2C768\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/5-PHOTOGRAPHY-COMPOSITION-TIPS.022.jpeg?resize=1024%2C768\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/5-PHOTOGRAPHY-COMPOSITION-TIPS.023.jpeg?resize=1024%2C768\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/5-PHOTOGRAPHY-COMPOSITION-TIPS.024.jpeg?resize=1024%2C768\")
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<\/p>\n
\n4. Clean background<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/5-PHOTOGRAPHY-COMPOSITION-TIPS.026.jpeg?resize=1024%2C768\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/5-PHOTOGRAPHY-COMPOSITION-TIPS.028.jpeg?resize=1024%2C768\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/5-PHOTOGRAPHY-COMPOSITION-TIPS.029.jpeg?resize=1024%2C768\")
<\/p>\n\n
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<\/p>\n
\n5. Clean edges<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/5-PHOTOGRAPHY-COMPOSITION-TIPS.030.jpeg?resize=1024%2C768\")
<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/5-PHOTOGRAPHY-COMPOSITION-TIPS.031.jpeg?resize=1024%2C768\")
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<\/p>\nConcluding thoughts on composition<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/cindy-red-scarf-yellow-outline-2000x1325.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\")
<\/p>\n![\"Contact](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/DD796F6D-AA49-4524-B570-548CCA607C1B-1500x2000.jpeg?resize=1180%2C1573\")
Learn more about composition<\/h2>\n
![\"Cindy](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/D2617A22-51D5-48C5-B9E7-6AB16F79887D-2000x1325.jpeg?resize=1180%2C782\")
\n
\nPhotography 101<\/a><\/h1>\n
\n
\nPhotography Techniques<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/NIGHT-PHOTOGRAPHY.024.jpeg?resize=1024%2C768\")
<\/p>\n\n
\nEveryday Photography<\/h2>\n
![\"RICOH](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/PRAGUE-MARSEILLE-eric-kim-photography-0583575-2000x1325.jpg?resize=1180%2C782\")
\n
Color Photography 101<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/04\/eric-kim-street-photography-Only-in-America-6-800x531.jpg?resize=800%2C531\")
<\/p>\n\n
New Photography Articles<\/h2>\n
![\"Mad](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/AE0F8A3E-E324-4FDA-B70A-E2B71EFB68BD-800x600.jpeg?resize=800%2C600\")
<\/p>\n\n
Photography Philosophy<\/a><\/h2>\n
![\"Cindy](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/36881B2B-2B8C-4FDB-A00B-9FE3209F758F-800x530.jpeg?resize=800%2C530\")
<\/p>\n\n
Photography Inspiration<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/eric-kim-saigon-photography-0017257-800x530.jpg?resize=800%2C530\")
<\/p>\n\n
The Fundamentals of Photography<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/eric-kim-photography-0009403-cindy-project-O-2-800x530.jpg?resize=800%2C530\")
<\/p>\n\n
\nPhotography Equipment \u00c2\u00bb<\/a><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/eric-kim-street-photography-black-and-white-hands-hanoimonochrome-0005801-2-800x530.jpg?resize=800%2C530\")
<\/p>\n\n
How to Take Better Photos \u00c2\u00bb<\/a><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/eric-kim-photography-black-and-white-hanoi-0009560-1-800x530.jpg?resize=800%2C530\")
<\/p>\n\n
Composition Lessons \u00c2\u00bb<\/a><\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\n\n
Photography Assignments \u00c2\u00bb<\/a><\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/eric-kim-street-photography-hanoi-ricoh-gr-ii-0003645-1-800x530.jpg?resize=800%2C530\")
<\/p>\n\n
Contact Sheets \u00c2\u00bb<\/a><\/h2>\n
![\"laughing](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/IMG_0223-800x413.jpg?resize=800%2C413\")
<\/p>\n
![\"eric](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/erickimphotography.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/07\/IMG_0222-800x1208.jpg?resize=800%2C1208\")
<\/p>\n