5 Photography Composition Tips From a National Geographic Photo Story
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- Опубликовано: 6 июн 2024
- In this video, you will learn the 5 composition techniques that I used in the making of my photo-story, ‘Jakarta - The Sinking City’, published with National Geographic.
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📷 What's In The Video:
0:00 Introduction to Composition
01:31 The Rule of Thirds
02:47 Frame In a Frame
04:12 Strong Shapes
05:28 Center Focus
06:45 Diminishing Perspective
08:09 Combining Techniques
Each segment offers in-depth insights, helping you not only take better photos but also understand the mindset of a professional in the field.
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Embark on a journey to refine your photography compositions and discover the artistry in everyday life with me.
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Thanks for watching 📸If you have any questions about these composition techniques, please let me know in the comments below. I really hope they help you improve your images. Want more content like this? Don't forget to like 👍 this video and subscribe to help me reach the channel's next milestone, 20,000 subscribers! ✊Download your copy of my new eBook ➡ gallagher-photo.com/learn
Where is the free eBook you mention? All I found at that link was a US$10 book.
@@earledeblonville Thanks for the interest in the eBook, Earle. If you scroll down on that page, the free version is available for download there.
Thanks. I now see there are two versions. I'll buy the full version.@@SeanGallagherPhotographer
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I came here for photo composition tips and I found them with extras: the realization of how harsh life can be in my hometown Jakarta 😢.
Thank you for the powerful images and advices.
Thanks for watching. Jakarta is a great city with a lot of challenges too.
I love the way you slowly and patiently explain things. It makes it easy to follow and understand ❤
Glad you're enjoying the videos 👍
Hi Sean, thank you for the amazing tips and the storytelling. I lived in Jakarta for 10 years, and I really think that the problem of Jakarta was never addressed seriously (and now they just moved to the capital). Your photos really captured the unspoken story of daily people and their struggle against the sinking of the city.
Thanks so much for taking the time to comment. Yes, it's a sad story what has happened in Jakarta. I am glad the photos resonated with you. ✊
Great information. Wonderful photos. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks, Joe. Glad it was useful for you. 👍
Great advice and tips thank you.
I really like this style of photo journalism as it gives me an insight of the subjects surrounding.
Yes, that's the power of the photojournalistic approach to making images. Thanks for watching and commenting 👍
You’re such an amazing teacher and awesome photographer. Thanks for sharing! 🎉
Thanks, Silvester. Glad the video was useful toy you 👍
@@SeanGallagherPhotographer 5 Photography Composition Tips From A National Geographic Photo Story
1. RULE OF THIRDS
2. FRAME IN A FRAME
3. STRONG SHAPES
4. CENTER FOCUS
5. DIMINISHING PERSPECTIVE
I’ll practice this 5 tips too!
I’m so used to the first tip, so from now I think I’ll push myself hard on the second to the fifth tips. 😂
Golden nuggets! Thank you so much!
Thanks for watching, Stella ✊
Pure Gold. Sean, You the man... Following🔥🔥
Thanks, Victor ✊️
Much Appreciated and well presented!!!!
Thanks for watching! 👍
I just loved the photos in this video, Thank you so much for the tutorial.
Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment 👍
Very informative and well presented video! Thank you!
Thanks for watching, Michaela 👍
Great tips, Sean. Very inspiring. Thank you
Thanks for watching and commenting, David ✊
Great presentation and recommendations! Thanks!
Thanks, Roberto ✊
I've been an amateur photographer for about 60 years and read a great deal about composition. But this video was a revelation. I guess if I have a weak point in my photographic skills it's being able to tell a story pictorially. These combinations of composition are very powerful and I will start to practice them straight away. Many thanks. I have subscribed and bought the ebook.
I'm really glad the video was useful to you. Photography is a lifelong journey of learning, practicing and (hopefully) getting better. Thanks for your support in purchasing the eBook. Don't forget to scan the QR codes and join the photo group to share your images ✊
@@SeanGallagherPhotographerCertainly will. Thanks.
Notes taken 📝! Subscribed, thanks for the content!
Thanks for watching and subscribing ✊
wow! your video is excellent. Thanks for share your skills!
Thanks for watching, Israel!
Finally a good photographer. I'm tired of "reviewers" that never took a good photo in their lifes haha
Thanks for following 📸✊
What a nice video, i really enjoyed it!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Love your content! I majored in Art History & Photography...when hour's were spent in the dark room & E-6 processing labs!
Guess I'm "dating myself!" Yes, the late'80s!
The most important technique for me is light, shadows & composition!
I'm not a photography professional but my photography, even on a cell phone, drop everything for the perfect light & shadows!
I recently went to Italy & I have never had more opportunity to utilize my skills!
I wish I could share my photos of Assisi!
Wowza!
Thanks for watching and commenting, Jen. I also learnt photography in the darkroom... early 2000s though 🙂 Italy is a wonderful place to photograph. Glad you are enjoying the videos here 👍
Thanks so much for taking time to explain your photos with guidelines and your own words. We often learn from seeing other’s work. But hearing one's thought helps tremendously. I really like your honest effort on making this. This is very rare nowadays.
Thank you, Abdullah. I am glad the video was useful for you. 👍
Muchas gracias. Muy interesante. Saludos desde Cuba.
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Great work, great tips 🙌
Thank you, Canon ✊📸
Thank you for very useful tips
Thanks for watching, Miguel 👍
Thanks mate.Those are some strong lessons.
Thanks for taking the time to comment, Mithun 👍
Thank you very much for this video. I am starting to learn fotography and your tips are very useful for me in this new adventure I just begun.
I am glad the tips are useful for you, Jose ✊ Good luck on the adventure!
Thank you for giving me such a great video
Thanks for watching!
Well presentation and nicely described.
Thanks for watching! 👍
Thank you. Very useful
Glad it was helpful! 👍
Just excellent.
Thank you, Don 🙏
Sean, this was helpful to me. I think I’m on the right track but never for sure. This helps validate my thought process when composing. I think the next challenge is getting out there to find the unique and interesting. My best photos were when I took the time to get off the beaten track or up early before the crowds showed up. Good photos do not come to the lazy. Thanks again for the presentation.
I am glad the video was useful for you, Jesse. Good luck with your photography ✊ .... And yes, "good photos do not come to the lazy"!
Great video. Thank you. I'm a self-taught photographer and we all need to refresh our knowledge from time to time. I can also add contrast to the mix, bright and dark, light color and darker ones etc. The camera angle and perspective have a big impact too, many people confuse them. And negative space around the subject as well, like in the photo of the kid. Great work though.
Thanks for watching, Mohanad. I am glad the video was useful and inspired some extra thoughts about image making. 👍
Great information. With everyone taking snaps these days I feel we have lost these concepts. I’m going to practice each of these one at a time.
Glad it was helpful! Good luck with your photography ✊
This man talks like my high school photography class teacher, convincing but more importantly, he knows his subject.
I should teach high school photography 😆 Thanks for watching 👍
Good one mate. Thanks for sharing
Thanks for watching 👍
Practice each of the principles. Over time it becomes instinct to capture a moment that is just right!
Exactly! 👍
thank you for this knowledge
Hope it was useful ✊
Inspirational 👍
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well i will try all of this tonight as much as i can 😮
Good luck! ✊📸
Hi Sean, thank you for the amazing tips and wonderful photo. Your shots were familiar to me since I read the NG article a long time ago, and this video reminds me that I have to go out shooting photos more often since I work in Jakarta
:D
Thanks for commenting, Arief. Glad you enjoyed the video. Jakarta is a fascinating city to photograph in! 📸
Hello! I just found your channel! It is very good! Very good information for those of us who want to learn how to photograph and film! Thank you for sharing! Kind regards from Sweden! 🇸🇪 👍
Thanks for watching and commenting 🙂👍
As a beginner this helped me so much!
Great! ✊
Thank you for your excellent academic presentation on composition; I'd like to propose that you create a video on the "Art of storytelling through film & photographs"
Good idea. Maybe one for a future video 👍
Nice idol thank so much for your tuitorial
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I just ‘liked’ the video and subscribed your channel. 🍾🥂💕
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Great video 👊🏾
Thanks, Troy ✊
Really enjoyed this as not used all rule of thirds you mentioned. Have to say the shots seen were great story telling and added more bang than my shots😏
Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment, Sarah ✊
Personally, I know rule of third, use it and just use it to satisfy my craving for 'everything must be balanced'.
I always forget that it can also be used to draw attention to the subject (maybe I did but not really the strongest intention).
You helped me realize things I neglected from that very basic rule.
There's always something new to learn, even with the 'basic' techniques. Glad it was useful for you 👍
Nice! Thank you
👍
Thanks!
Thank you, Richard! ✊
Thank you Sir
Thanks for watching ✊
Thank's❤
👍
Nice pictures.
&
Because of technology and smartphones -
It's wonderful that everyone has access to taking their own photos.
*How many billions of photos get snapped & shared everyday* ?
So many Fab images online & on the Internet.
Happy new year/ 2024 everyone.
Thanks for watching and commenting 👍
The caption on the video clearly says “Photography composition TIPS”, which is why I personally watched it. And if you watched the video till the end you’d know he focuses on beginners. I just can’t understand the hate & criticism toward the creator 🤷🏽♂️
Thanks for the comment, Johanne. Don't worry, the response has been overwhelmingly positive 🙂
Excellent video
👍
surprise that it was taken in Jakarta. Greetings from Indonesia.
Thanks for watching from Indonesia! 🤝
Thank you Sean sharing a beautiful tips. like and subscribe 👍
Thank YOU, Pradip ✊
Never waste the opportunity to learn from the master. 👍
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Seems that many people feel that to be a great artist you have to learn to “break the rules.” There really is no such thing as breaking rules - it’s just choosing which ones to use. The best artists understand how to combine light, color, composition and so forth that together tell the story or evoke an emotional response. The “traditional” rules are there for a reason - they have stood the test of time through the centuries. Break them at your peril….
I think it's a combination of both, James. Know and respect the photographic rules, but don't be afraid to break them once in a while to try something new.
Live your photos.
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Nice perspective!
Thanks, Sergio 👍
Well... i found that all rather calm and credible so, impulsively, i Liked and Subscribed. I'm not in any way skeptical re the material presented here, but i do have an ongoing curiosity regarding a sort of 'chicken and egg' phenomena (that's not limited to photography, btw). Something catches my eye, i raise my camera to frame it - perhaps pause to adjust slightly - and i shoot. In fewer instances i will take some time (sometimes weeks) figuring a shot out, often using a pile of test shots that i've taken just for the purpose. But in either case, i rarely think in terms of 'rules' or composition techniques - it is only after the fact of the image that i might look at it and impose this reading on it - and i always find some or other 'rule' or technique is present (other than for fluffy clouds). I do know that, when i frame a shot, i'm after a sense of 'balance' (the distribution of 'weight' in a frame), of 'ease', and for whatever is important to have sufficient 'room to breathe' in the frame - things i either see, or i don't. I kind of wonder whether the rules and techniques are really just a formal analysis and codification in pursuit of realizing these and other principles? Or perhaps i'm just a crap photographer. Nice vid, btw. Many thanks from a cabin in a swamp in a rainforest in New Zealand.
Great comment. This might need another video for a full deep dive though into your points! In other art forms, music, sports etc. I think when you start, there is always an element of what is naturally within you, complemented by what you are taught. It sounds like something inside you is already calling to you through photography. Your words give me a sense you are naturally thinking about what makes a photograph 'work'. I felt that too at the very beginning of my career. I didn't study photography formally (I am self-taught) but I picked up the "rules" along the way, but many of them I had already broken by the time I found them. Of course, there are many in photography that will tell you there are many "rules" to follow. There aren't any rules really, just guidelines. Of course, you must inject your own style, interpretation and feeling into your photos. If that breaks the "rules", then fine. Who cares? It's your photography.....Also, when I look at my photos retrospectively, I do so like a professional sportsperson reviewing a match they've taken part in. In the moment of the game, the sportsperson is not thinking about the basic techniques and principles they learnt many years previously. Those have become ingrained after decades of practice and are now played out instinctually in the moment. But if they look back on the tapes of the game and review it carefully, they can see all those principles played out while we were "in the moment" of the game, perhaps with a few extra flourishes of their own that were unique to them as a player. That's how I look at reviewing my photos from the past. Okay, this is my longest reply ever on YT 🙂 Hope it was helpful.
P.S. The swamp sounds wonderful.
Danke!
THANK YOU, Ben ✊
Awesome, where can I get these brackets and handle. Thanks for sharing
?
Its funny how you told us to subscribe and thumbs up without saying it at 5:53. I paid special attention for sure.
Neatly packed tips ; thanks for sharing! 😊
…however, I could not help but notice that tilting the frame seems to be your favourite, which didn’t appeal to me personally. But all of us have our likes 😊
Tilt from time to time, but only when it serves the composition. Thanks for commenting, Asheesh. I
Gracias
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I'm glad you like it 👍
i came here only to comment. i havent watched the video.
ive been taking photographs (some good some bad) for publication since 1976. a co-worker of mine has been shooting for a long long time as well.
we were looking through a national geographic a few years back and we looked at each and every photograph taken by NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC photographers.
a vast majority of the photographs were no better than simple snapshots that my mother could have taken with her Kodak Instamatic 404, and kodacolor II 126 film.
NatGeo used to have amazing photography. i wanted to work for them once long ago. i did everything i could to perfect my craft. i studied, i talked to award winning photographers, i shot miles (okay i dont know how long the film would come to) of film, practicing and working to be the best that i could. when my friend and i looked at the credentials of the photographers, we couldnt find much about them. no real history of education, or work. we just shook our heads and questioned how that issue was so filled with photos that didnt even aspire to ho hum....
Love the video. Is it maybe possible for your next awesome video, you can put the info you used? Like which lens, iso, shutterspeed, etc etc? Only if its possible. then i got a better view with every photo how you have done it.
Interesting suggestion, but I would say don't focus on the camera settings, focus on the way in which the photo was taken. Focusing on aspects such as the composition, uses of light, colour, shapes, moments etc. will help your understanding more and make you a better photographer ✊📸
Teşekkürler.
Thank you! ✊
I'm almost 30 and I realized my age is very young, too young even, to be called professional photographer.
Being NG's photographer is my childhood dream
Thank you for sharing this with us!
Thanks for watching and commenting, Umar. Good luck on your own photography journey!
Fantastic video! I noticed that in quite a few of your photographs, the horizon line is not level How do you decide wether to level off the horizon line or not?
Thanks for the question. It depends on the situation. In documentary photography, I try to react to what's happening in the frame and sometimes the horizon isn't important.
Thank you for your sharing! Would be lovely if it was longer and more comprehensive!
Thanks for watching 👍
Sometimes I find it a bit hard to work on the composition when things are happening too fast around me. By the time I’d work on the composition the moment is gone. It’s a nicely composed image of not much importance. Maybe it’s just a matter of working more at it so it’s more second nature than conscious consideration, if that makes sense.
Makes perfect sense. I come from a photojournalistic background, so reacting to things in the moment has become second nature. But that came from years of practising the fundamentals first. The more you practice these techniques, the more they will become instinctual and eventually you will hardly think about them. Keep going. Keep practising and having fun. Wishing you luck out there ✊📸
Yes, practice makes perfect. I have a friend who concentrated on good composition of static subjects for the last couple of years. It slowly became an automatic response to a scene. His action photos are spot on nowadays.
If you practice in landscape or architecture photography, where your subject is not moving, you learn a lot about camera settings, light, and composition.
Key is, you have to know your camera and how to use the exposure triangle.
I worked as an army photojournalist. And I understand what you mean but after a while you are able to instantly compose a picture even if it’s a fleeting image. I had to shoot a lot of action photos while working as a photographer. One thing to is prefocus the camera using the depth of field marks on the lens for the f/stops used. If full manual also set the shutter speed by pre-metering, or use aperture priority. This way you basically only have compose the image. Most of the time people will center everything in the camera. Usually the head of the person or people in the shot. This gives too much space above the subject. When you take pictures of people concentrate on their midsection which should bring their whole body into frame or most of it. But there is no wasted space over them.
Sometimes the center is where the action is. Get used to composing from the left or the right. Basically from the direction your subject is facing. Look at the scene around you this in itself will guide your composition.
Actually a really really good explanation on very simple composition techniques! Don't need to be Annie Leibovitz to shoot interesting pictures!
Even Annie Leibovitz uses simple composition techniques 😉 Thanks for watching and commenting 👍
Hi sean did you use one lens only for jakarata and would focal length was it ?
Hi. Most of the images were taken with a Canon EF 35mm f/1.4L in that story, but I did have some zooms with me as well. 📸
Great video! Just about to start taking photos again after a long break. Where's a good place to pitch nowadays for work as a freelancer? Is it online mags and newspapers as before? Or, best to try and get a regular paid gig? Thanks for any advice.
Hi Steven. I won't lie, it's tough being a full-time freelancer these days. Without knowing your specific situation, I am reluctant to give advice. Start with photography as a side-hustle perhaps, and see where it takes you. Good luck! ✊
@@SeanGallagherPhotographer Thanks for the honest advice! I'm getting back into article writing and also, going to offer a few photos to go alongside. I'm working online and travelling around S.E. Asia at the moment, so want to pitch some travel/topical/culture articles. Thinking about getting a Sony A7 iv or something like that to use. I've got an old Canon 7D which I love but probably too old for modern day websites.
Do you use Dutch tilt? Agree with Gary Winogrand that something should be parallel to the edge?
I do tilt the camera sometimes, but only if I feel it adds something to the composition. I used to do it a lot in my younger years, but I've 'levelled out' now a lot 😆
By trying to combine the relevant techniques, what zoom lens do you recommend, please.
Hi. You don't specifically need a zoom lens to combine the techniques. I like to shoot with a 35mm lens, but the zoom I use most on assignments is a 24-70mm. Hope that helps. 📸
Thank you so much@@SeanGallagherPhotographer
No problem!
I want to ask you something - " what photography really means to you? Or what is the image that appears in your mind when you hear the word photography? "
By the way love your work sir❤.
I also capture images with my phone. Yeah might be they are not as good as others but i love the process.
KEEP EDUCATING US WITH YOUR EXPERIENCE SIR.
Love from INDIA (KOLKATA) ❤.
Thanks for the comment, Arup. I have photographed in Kolkata before. Amazing place full of life and colour. For me, photography is a way to discover the world and the issues that affect us all. It is also a way for me to understand myself. Good luck on your own photography journey and thanks for following along. ✊📸
The pictures with the plates being washed: I would reframe it to a square since the elements on the right side are distracting, or put the bowl right in the center of the frame.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts 📸
Sean, Thank you for sharing this information. Question for you. How important is it for you to frame the final photo in camera? I sometimes find that I'd wished that I'd taken a wider shot so that I could crop in post processing to acheive some of the composition tips you mentioned. I believe that I really started that habit from a class that I'd taken and that was important to the teacher. Curious to hear your thoughts & perspective. Liked, Sub & Joined. Thanks again.
Thanks for the question, Jeffrey. I try to get the photo in-camera as much as possible. I do crop images from time to time, but I try to keep the amount I crop to a minimum. If you can, try to capture the scene as you saw it, as this will often lead to a better image and ultimately you becoming a better photographer as you rely less on the "i'll fix it later" mentality. Good luck with your photography! 📸
@@SeanGallagherPhotographer I appreciate the input.
I worked at The National Geographic Society for 40 years involved in image production.. I worked directly with many of the Photographers and the editing dept. I was heavily involved in all aspects of producing the image in the magazine ,or for special exhibits; therefore I know everything involved in the behind the scenes at NGS.
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What kind of editing goes in to a natgeo published photo?
Hi. When you refer to "editing', are you referring to the selection process of the best images from a large number taken on a shoot, or the adjustments made in post-processing on individual photos?
I am curious why the horizon was not straightened in some of the photos?
I am curious why you think the horizon needs to be straightened in some of the photos? 😉
"I could not find the WeChat QR code you mentioned in the video
Hello Hai Ling. You need to download my eBook from here ➡️ gallagher-photo.com/learn QR codes are on the last page of the book.
I enjoyed the video, but as a new photographer I wish you could have contrasted the correct vs an incorrect composition on the same photo, it would make it easier to see what the advantage of correct composition is and what it helps to avoid. Thanks!
Theres no such thing as a wrong composition, dont fall into that trap at all. This is a guide, not a lawbook.
Interesting idea. Maybe I'll try that in future videos. As some of the other comments have suggested, these are guidelines rather than rules. I have lots of images that "break" the rules. Good luck with your own photography. Hope my other videos help too 👍
Yes, guidelines and certainly not "law"
@@SeanGallagherPhotographer Appreciate it! Yes, I realize they are guidelines...but it does help to see how using those guidelines can help, especially if there is an example to see where they weren't used, in the same photo.
Diminishing perspective or vanishing point.
💙💙💙💙🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏👍👍👍👍👍
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Thanks for the helpful tips, but this place is overwhelmingly infused with rubbish. Is it like that everywhere in that city?
Glad the tips were useful, Fernando. Sadly, at that time many areas were heavily polluted. I hope to return soon to see what changes have taken place in Jakarta.
What is your favorite focal length for these types of photo shoots?
This is the topic of the next video I am releasing next week. Keep an eye out for it!
Bro, you look like Chris martin 😁
😎
Fox
Its called sub frame.
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Not fan of tilting water since it gives really strange perspective of water standing still on a sloped land. Otherwise really like these advices.
Thanks for watching and commenting 👍
ebook not free .. you saying ebook is free ?
Hi Rohit. There is both a free version of the eBook and a paid version (released last week) available on my website.
@@SeanGallagherPhotographer free ebook is limited time offer?
No limited time offer. It has been available on my website since August 2023. Hope it's useful for you.
I don’t find these so-called rules very related to the art. What you see and feel through the lense is what is important. If you can enjoy first, then nothing else matters. Feeling and enjoying is subjective. Depending on your particular need, your photos may be taken differently.
Thanks for the comment. Consider them as useful guidelines, rather than "rules" 📸
All I'm seeing is YOU.........
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Nah, vast majority of NG photos are Editorial & though telling a story are not necessarily beautiful to look at. Been a subscriber for decades but rarely found gems.
Well, everyone has different tastes. Hope you find your 'gems' somewhere out there. 📸