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Elements of Design

Lesson 23 from: Mastering Photographic Composition and Visual Storytelling

Chris Weston

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Lesson Info

23. Elements of Design

Lessons

Class Trailer
1

Your 10,001st Photograph

03:24
2

Camera Gear

03:03
3

Piece of Gear We Always Forget

03:47
4

Be a Storyteller

03:09
5

Finding Ideas For Photography - Know Your Subject

06:59
6

Cae Study - Why Are Zebras Black and White Striped

01:30
7

Photograph What You Love

02:00
8

See the Extraordinary in Ordinary Things

01:31

Lesson Info

Elements of Design

As you can see, I'm not actually in Marrakech, which is a shame. But anyway, take a look at this image. What do you see to a casual observer? It's a building, one more informed but still casual observer. It's a building associated with Muslim culture. For the slightly more observant, the flaking paint and water stains tell you it hasn't been renovated recently. Toe a photographer, however, is an object formed of the five elements of design, line, shape, color, pattern and texture. The building is in the main center of Marrakech. On when I walk past it. Of all the elements, line stood out, particularly the curved line of the main arch, which is created by the contrast of the white wall in the area of shadow. What I saw in that line was a stalk of grass spent over in the wind. Some might see a sickle. Others will see their own story to photograph my story. I framed the image to remove the windows, which were a distraction because they give the structure a context at odds with my abstract...

interpretation. Then to get rid of the texture of the wall, which again gives an unwanted context. I overexposed the light tones and then dark in the shadows in adobe light room. In the final image, we're left with abstract contrast ing lines. The vertical line gives the image strength and solidity, and it creates a boundary fixing the left side of the image space. The curved line is more delicate, representing the subtle arching of my imaginary lyft. No.

Ratings and Reviews

Edmund Cheung
 

Perhaps the style of presentation and simple, short, and direct messaging does not "jive" with some; but others may really love this. Yes the production of each episode is stylized and perhaps a bit formal (like a TV Show?), but there is something to be said about it. Perhaps this is not meant for professional photographers? I think of myself as decent amateur / high level photographer. I found lots of great nuggets of wisdom and inspiration from this. Especially when I an in a rut for creativity. Yes I have heard all these concepts and ideas before. BUT it is always great to hear and see a different way of presentation and voice. Please do NOT take the naysayer reviews as the end all. You should judge for yourself and watch a few episodes. If the style and content click for you, I would highly recommend this course.

Abdullah Alahmari
 

Thanks a lot to mr. Chris Weston This course is great and It is a 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 🌟 course for me. Beside the other course ( mastering the art of photography ) both courses are Complementing to each other and highly recommended.

Kai Atherton
 

While I am perhaps more advanced in my photography then this course. It is always great to be able to go back to fundamentals and remind ourselves of the basic principles, and even camera function. I thoroughly enjoyed this course and Chris's other. It is a great motivational jumpstart when lacking fresh creative idea's.

Student Work

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