Lessons
Class Introduction: What are you going to learn?
06:16 2Composition Basics
11:09 3Guides - Center Composition
05:07 4The Rule of Thirds
04:26 5Golden Triangles
05:17 6Golden Ratio/Rectangles/Spiral
09:37 7Diagonals
08:51 8Lesser Known Compositions
02:42Lesson Info
Lesser Known Compositions
These are some of the lesser knowns, but still awesome compositions. They are used more traditionally by painters. But they are just as applicable for photographers. These are very simple, very, very simple. But we have the triangle, we have the S or the Z curve, and we have the L-Shape composition. Again, triangles, L-Shape and the S or the Z curve. First, we'll talk about the triangle. This potentially could be overall, it could direct the entire scene. Hey, we got a big triangle. Great. It can also be within a scene. It doesn't have to be corner to corner. It can be a small element within the scene. It can be a secondary compositional element. So, maybe you've got a rule of thirds happening but you have other elements over here creating a triangle in some capacity; to create a relationship between the objects. Really strong compositions and really successful compositions often utilize multiple compositional devices and techniques in itself. So it may not necessarily follow one guide...
, it may follow multiples and that's okay. This is Liberty Leading the People by Eugène Delacroix. And I love this painting. This is, again, talking about those idea of layers. If you squint a little bit, see if you can see and recognize where that triangle is. And now let's see if you're right. The triangle is actually the most stable shape. And this triangle composition actually takes on a whole new meaning when you consider the base of liberty is on those people that have died for it. And actually adds a cool interesting extra amount of depth to that composition. We have the L shape. You see this a lot in landscape photography, which is basically having vertical object on one corner and some kind of a foreground and then you have a background object as well. That one's pretty simple and straightforward. We have the S or the Z curve which are primarily the same thing, just one is a little bit more flowier and one is a little bit more jagged. And they both create different compositional feelings. But, just about how you move the eye through the frame.
Ratings and Reviews
Sara C. Madsen
Fantastic class, one of the best I've seen so far on Creative Live. The amount of information Chris manages to squeeze in such a short time is simply impressive. Extremely useful, not just for photographers, but for everyone who engages in visual arts. Warmly recommended.
MikeD
I have to say, perhaps if you are an academic or a college trained photographer/artist/painter etc., this may be old hat to you. However, if you are like me and have never been exposed to definitions and descriptions of composition, this was a shock-and-awe inspiring reveal of these artistic concepts. I can guarantee I will watch these over and over again while I try to absorb even a little of this material, but Creative Live could make an all day class of this guy explaining this material. material he quite obviously loves and uses and his passion for the subject matter is very obvious. This class is making me consider a trip back to the campus to get more information on this subject. Quick, contract Chris Knight to develop a whole class before I end up in college!!! Highly recommend this class.
Matthew De Moraes
Really useful tips and tricks to improve your understanding of composition and why you like the images you like - which you can then use to further your own ability to take great images in camera.
Student Work
Related Classes
Fundamentals