Advanced Photographic Composition Workshop

Composition is essentially organization, the ordering of all possible graphic elements inside the frame. It is important to understand that there are objective principles of design that exist independently of individual taste.  Knowing in advance why some compositions or certain combinations of colors or tones seem to work better than others, better equips any photographer.

In this three-part (six hours each) workshop we will discuss the following concepts:

PART I

The Image Frame

• Image Frame dynamics
• 3:2 Format
• 4:3 and similar formats
• Square format
• Stitching
• Cropping
• Filling the frame
• Placement
• Dividing the frame
• Horizon
• Frames within frames

Design Basics

• Contrasts
• Gestalt perception
• Balance
• Dynamic tension
• Figure and ground
• Rhythm
• Pattern and texture
• Perspective and depth
• Visual weight

PART II

Graphic & photographic elements

• Content strength
• Single points and several points
• Horizontal, vertical and diagonal lines
• Curves
• Eye-lines
• Triangles, circles and rectangles
• Vectors
• Focus
• Motion
• Movement
• Optics
• Exposure

Composition with Light and Color

• Chiaroscuro key
• Color composition
• Color Relationships
• Muted colors
• Black and white

PART III

Intent

• Conventional or challenging
• Reactive or planned
• Documentary or expressive
• Simple or complex
• Clear or ambiguous
• Delay
• Style and fashion

Process

• The search for order
• Hunting
• Repertoire
• Reaction
• Anticipation
• Exploration
• Return
• Construction
• Juxtaposition
• Photographs together
• Post-production
• Syntax

Instructor

Chendo Pérez
Getty Images Global Assignment Photographer
American Society of Media Photographers

When

To be announced

Where

To be announced

Donation

$595