PHX sunset

Composition 2: b&w

One of the best ways to get better at composition is shooting in black and white. I recommend this because I firmly believe that limitation is where creativity flourishes. If you limit yourself you can better define yourself as a creative.

 

The reason for the limitation of color is simple. I believe people use vibrant colors as a crutch and it can also be incredibly distracting when you get into editing the photos. You start asking yourself questions like “how much should I be saturating?” “What do color curves effect?” And you find yourself learning less and denigrating your photo more. 

If something is done right to begin with the rest is simple. Same goes for photography. If you are going to get a great result in the end it helps to start with a great photo! This is why I recommend shooting film because it makes photo editing less of a concern. But I digress. 

When it comes to shooting for composition and while you are in black and white look at how the frame is set up. What lines and shapes do you see? What is the light doing? These are the questions that direct you to frame the photo better. When you can see things like shapes and lines in the space you can better establish how you want to take the photo and where from. If you are shooting a subject you can use this to influence where you stage your subject in the space. 

When you do this project look into some of the most mundane objects and places to photograph. When you do this you want to force yourself to truly appreciate what you see . What makes this thing beautiful. How can I take this as is and make it interesting. How can I tell a story? This will also make you feel more connected to the world around you. I always feel deep connection when I do this. 

This is all I have for composition today. Shoot in black and white and look at things more deeply. Try to find patterns or beauty in the world around you. Experience it as if you are a child. And share you experience, get to shooting! 

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