The One Trick to Instantly Improve Your Composition

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  • Опубликовано: 20 ноя 2024

Комментарии • 363

  • @FaizalWestcott
    @FaizalWestcott  Год назад +12

    The first 1,000 people to use the link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/faizalwestcott12221

  • @JokiW
    @JokiW Год назад +253

    The photography channel that is actually about photography, something rare on youtube, thank you so much Faizal. This was beautiful and humble. 💙

    • @nvrumi
      @nvrumi Год назад

      The YT algorithm picked the Westcott channel for me. This was one time I appreciate the algorithm. The laid back approach to teaching is very good. The images are gorgeous and give me something to think about.

  • @colebailey
    @colebailey Год назад +583

    I started doing photography about two years ago, I thought that at some point I’ll be far past this chapter and I wanted to document this moment in my life. Now I’m sixteen still shooting and my photos have changed so much but I don’t really know what I changed about my photos they just got way better. From shooting double wides and walks down the train tracks to under highway bridges and lakes we don’t have permission to swim in. My photos have told a story that I’m glad I took the time to take, edit and enjoy. Your work has 100% helped me with my work. You changed the way I approached work thank you for that! Love your channel!

    • @siddhantmogaveera
      @siddhantmogaveera Год назад +14

      Keep at it dude! I wish I had discovered photography at your age, I'm 24 and started doing photography about a year ago

    • @ChrisJaydenBeats
      @ChrisJaydenBeats Год назад +9

      Ditto, reaching 30 soon. Wish I started sooner. Keep at it!

    • @dannecarlos222
      @dannecarlos222 Год назад +1

      u subbed to ur channel man good stuff

    • @FaizalWestcott
      @FaizalWestcott  Год назад +8

      Loved seeing this. Keep it up Cole!

    • @Nitidus
      @Nitidus Год назад +1

      It's good to reflect on what you're doing. If you feel like you've progressed very much, try to look at channels like Alec Soth's for advice and direction on the highest level of photography. At some point, you need to be aware of what exactly you did to improve further. But you've got more than enough time to deal with that. Also, never stop practicing the basics. After 10 years of playing basketball, I still practiced layups at every single training session.

  • @AYDENVESCIO
    @AYDENVESCIO Год назад +94

    Adding foreground elements is one thing I’ve realised I struggle with most in my photography videos. Yet it’s probably the most important rule to create depth and interesting images.

  • @fingerprinz
    @fingerprinz Год назад +24

    Not only is your image making impeccable, but your video skills are just top notch. Thank you for taking the time - highly appreciated.

  • @lichtloper
    @lichtloper 11 месяцев назад +3

    3:25 "...creates a sense of depth." MaybeYes. But what you've lost is the greenish colour in the middle-left backdrop which nicely befriended the red-behind-the-phoneman.
    Win some, loose some (more).

  • @leeraxd
    @leeraxd Год назад +7

    I love Faizal’s channel because it’s not exactly geared towards professional photographers (there’s tons of those out there it’s saturated on yt) but rather on the creative aspect of an enthusiast. These types of videos may seem basic to a pro, but are fun tips for those who still have fun with a camera and aren’t necessarily just taking stoic pics for money.

  • @JanPBtest
    @JanPBtest Год назад +75

    One rather (admittedly) technical trick that has been used by film directors world over for decades is that little filter you see hanging around their necks on a string. It's usually a dark green filter, sometimes dark sepia, depending on preference, with a narrow spectrum. What that filter does is it _draws almost all colour away_ from the scene. So it becomes almost monochromatic. This _vastly_ improves one's sense of composition. I noticed it myself when in the 1990s I switched to a colour viewfinder in my video camera. The quality of my footage suffered immediately and hugely, much to my surprise. Some digital cameras today have a B&W viewfinder mode, I recommend using it.

    • @DennisVrolijk
      @DennisVrolijk Год назад

      Do you mean a directors viewfinder?

    • @JanPBtest
      @JanPBtest Год назад +1

      @@DennisVrolijk No, it's just a filter. Of course it can be put on the viewfinder too.

    • @aquilifergroup
      @aquilifergroup Год назад

      Interesting.

    • @smigglesmiggles614
      @smigglesmiggles614 Год назад

      Which directors do this? I’ve never seen it and I’m really curious!

    • @JanPBtest
      @JanPBtest Год назад +1

      @@smigglesmiggles614 From the top of my head I've seen Fellini and Tarkovsky with those little things (just to make clear: they are _not_ director's viewfinders, like the Alan Gordon). For still photography I sometimes use the Tiffen #58 filter (green).

  • @jocelynlm
    @jocelynlm Год назад +16

    As a newbie experimenting with street photography, this video is so so helpful! Thank you for sharing different ways of observing and seeing! Will definitely practice using the environment as a foreground.

  • @annieragot3573
    @annieragot3573 Год назад +8

    Thank you so much for sharing this tip! It’s something that I unconsciously do, but not always. I sometimes wonder why a good photo will feel like it’s still missing something, and THIS is literally the solution most of the time.
    So, the past 2 days, I’ve started doing this consciously and it has made an incredible difference in the simplest of images. Thank you!

  • @RolandKaufmann
    @RolandKaufmann Год назад +41

    This was super helpful to see how you go about adding layers! I love using elements in a scene to frame subjects. When it works out it’s so rewarding.

  • @rudyvelez1741
    @rudyvelez1741 Год назад

    …you have grown so fast as a RUclipsr,,,the way you talk is so impressive, very articulate, very descriptive,,,& the way you take pictures is simply phenomenal,,I really enjoy watching your videos,,,keep it up!!

  • @maurocarrannante4397
    @maurocarrannante4397 25 дней назад

    Very true, and very solid recommendation ‘bout how to build layers in a shot. I also try to do it anytime I can. Three masters of photography using this as a milestone of their photographic language: Sergio Larrain, Ernst Haas and Saul Leiter. Thx for sharing, and good light!!!!

  • @TimKeh
    @TimKeh Год назад

    YES. Started doing this recently and it makes a huge difference to the look and feel of a photo, even a casual iPhone snap.

  • @gdbriggs4
    @gdbriggs4 Год назад +5

    This is a great explanation of a technique Saul Leiter used in much of his work (apologies if that’s already been mentioned). Very informative, thank you.

  • @photomorti
    @photomorti Год назад +3

    These videos are allways so calming. The photos , the music , the B-roll footage it just works so well. Great tips aswell , ive learned a lot from this channel.

  • @JJSanvictores
    @JJSanvictores Год назад +1

    I really appreciate the tone and how calm your voice is when explaining things ! Deserved a sub!

  • @grants1736
    @grants1736 Год назад +1

    This video has become very helpful. I have started photography ever since 5th grade to become very interested in fashion, but currently now, this year i'm starting to taking more street photographs. Composition has always been my favorite tool in this video because it helped me with some brainstorming ideas and refreshing my own thoughts. You are a very good photographer hope to see more photos soon! Thank you!

  • @fariyalajrad5505
    @fariyalajrad5505 Год назад +9

    i usually skip parts of videos or speed em up because of my dwindling attention span but faizal, ur videos are just one of the few ones that i love to savour, examining each bit and detail - u own my atttention thru out the entirety of the duration. appreciate the effort u put in to ur videos and photography

  • @philoography8233
    @philoography8233 Год назад +1

    Goddammit Faizal, in the recent time you seem to have such an amazing streak with your creative output. The photographs really have your handwriting and in the last weeks I have just been watching your content, gazing at the excellence of your work. Us artists all know there are highs and lows when it comes to creativity and you definitely outdo yourself at the moment. Those times are the ones lighting up our passion. They should be enjoyed and appreciated.

  • @edusk8pwr
    @edusk8pwr Год назад

    Dude, you are so inspirational, the way you feel and express photography is amazing.

  • @MovingMinds.
    @MovingMinds. Год назад

    actually one of the best videos on photography I've watched in a while, really got me excited to go out there and make new photos

  • @horse_dog
    @horse_dog Год назад +3

    a focal length that i like to
    use is 50mm, it’s tight but not too tight, and the FOV feels similar to the focal point of the human eye, so i have a better idea of what i’m gonna see in the viewfinder before i even bring it to my eye, which i think makes me more efficient in composing.

  • @julianheritage6436
    @julianheritage6436 Год назад +1

    After a really frustrating day of street photography where I totally felt any creativity was lacking, this video has given me a boost and fresh ideas, thanks 🙏

  • @curt300s
    @curt300s Год назад +1

    ABSOLUTELY brilliant. You have take your work to a higher level, and you share your process so humbly and thoughtfully. Well done. WELL DONE!

  • @slowcyclist4324
    @slowcyclist4324 Месяц назад

    Watching this makes me wish I had done so sooner; there were so many shots during an event that I could have approached differently when I was struggling with composing the shots.

  • @Kenaroni
    @Kenaroni Год назад

    This video makes me think of a high school English teacher I had in the 1970’s. Sometimes he would have you write something and speak it out loud. If he felt you weren’t making a point or explaining yourself well enough, he would say “So what?” He was tough but he was trying to make you think about what you were saying and hopefully have you write better. I still think about this today when it comes to taking a photo. I’m not saying every photo has to have a specific point, but we can ask ourselves “So what?” and maybe make it more interesting by suggesting a story, asking a question, or just contrasting subjects. Thanks Mr. S.

  • @Crosado777
    @Crosado777 8 месяцев назад

    I’ve watched many videos on composition and this was the most helpful & inspirational!

  • @cowjuh
    @cowjuh Год назад

    wow i love the way you phrased it, using the environment as the foreground.

  • @marleykimmitt202
    @marleykimmitt202 Год назад

    Thank you for this reminder to look at the world in a different fresh way today 🙏

  • @Ttjam1
    @Ttjam1 Год назад

    Great tip! I don’t normally like or do street photography but your pics are really pleasant to look at, so I might have to give it another go. I took a photo today, placing the subject, a car, high in the frame, rather than in the centre. I thought it worked out well because of a gravel path leading the eye up to the object. But after watching this I realise an out of focus shrub that formed part of the foreground is what also contributed to its quality. I feel like a foreground really brings the awareness of there being a photographer (or viewer) taking the picture. It gives it a voyeuristic feel, but in a good way. Kind of makes the image more introverted. Which probably explains why it works well with 35mm or longer focal lengths (in APS-C). Take your first lamp post example - the one without the lamp post makes it look like everyone is looking at the man; with the lamp post it feels like it’s just you, the viewer.

  • @yassinesobh4165
    @yassinesobh4165 Год назад

    Unrelated but u have such a comforting and reassuring voice. Puts me in the right mindset to actually absorb the techniques ur talking about

  • @sketchwithmich
    @sketchwithmich Год назад +1

    just found out your channel yesterday i think(?) and i just enjoy watching your videos so much and they are really helpful, so thank you!

  • @rob.youtube
    @rob.youtube Год назад

    I came across your street photography videos randomly. I gotta say, I am very intrigued about street photography now. I am a portrait & event photographer. Watching your videos has given me an interest to just go on a photo walk. Thank you so much! This video in particular really helps since I cannot control the subjects like I am used to doing. Thank you for doing what you do.

  • @lmauro
    @lmauro Год назад

    another great plus of watching you is that additionally to the advice, we get a chance of watching your ‘street cinematography’! great post faizal really love your latest pics and videos!

  • @User-jekqocofowowowpeoro
    @User-jekqocofowowowpeoro Год назад +5

    Using the foreground to create depth is an amazing tip. I’ll definitely try it in my next photo walk! Thanks for sharing great tips👍🏻

  • @carvera9496
    @carvera9496 Год назад +1

    Thank you for your true & insightful advice. Extremely helpful. Thank you.

  • @mattfromyvr
    @mattfromyvr Год назад +6

    1:28 you can just say intention :)

  • @lookintok
    @lookintok Год назад +2

    Dude your video production as went from a normal RUclips standard to great quality cinematography. Love it keep it up!

  • @aramdavid
    @aramdavid Год назад +1

    these photos are really great. And its mind blowing to me how effortlessly you can blend theory and artistic practice. Sadly, for so many, these are mutually exclusive. They are too focused on the theory to be loose enough to take the photo. Or, the opposite. They are so in the flow, they dont consider theory. But you blend both so well.

    • @Adrian-wd4rn
      @Adrian-wd4rn Год назад +1

      Those into theory make technically perfect images. Those into the flow make great emotional photographs.
      Seeing a guy framed by a light post, clear across the street with his hand in his pocket and talking on the phone is really neither of the two.

  • @JKEYSONVINYL
    @JKEYSONVINYL Год назад

    So I shoot videos to go along side my music mostly just me playing but along side some other content as well and a typical framing and compositional aspect I use is I have plants in my studio and I put the camera in them to use a couple stray leaves to peak in the edges of the frame on me and I never realized the reason I liked it is because of the depth you talked about as well as framing as they help draw attention to me and remove distracting elements

  • @Barberhearts
    @Barberhearts 10 месяцев назад

    I absolutely love street photography, it’s what got me into photography, but I do find it the most stuck up out of all the niches.
    So many people telling me that if there’s not a face In the photo it’s not telling a story etc.
    This video proves how you can make interesting subject without being in peoples faces and be clever and frame the image in a clever way.

  • @13MoonsOverMayhem
    @13MoonsOverMayhem Год назад +3

    Thanks, these are great ideas! Basically, photograph like you're a private investigator, lol. I really like your reflection photos, that's something I hadn't even thought of doing on purpose. I do have one really great photo through a storefront window, but I was just trying to photograph a display inside the shop, from outside. I do usually try to incorporate foreground elements, usually because street photography makes me very self conscious and nervous and its a way to somewhat disguise that I'm taking photos of people. Mostly I get to photograph out in nature right now. Its just what I have the most access to. I use foreground elements there too, they're just usually fern leaves, rotting stumps, and hanging lichens instead of lamp posts and cool sculptures.

  •  Год назад

    I really love the way you've shared and the photos you took. fascinating!!!

  • @spvidz
    @spvidz 9 месяцев назад

    This is something I've never knowingly thought of but I will absolutely be mindful of in future! 100% will be using this technique. Great vid!

  • @syanshih1268
    @syanshih1268 Год назад

    haven't watched your stuff in awhile. You've improved so much since!!

  • @RazeTheWeak
    @RazeTheWeak Год назад

    First 2 images reminded me so much of Saul Leiter. 3rd image was all Fan Ho. It’s been wonderful to watch you grow as a photographer. Thanks for all your time and dedication to the craft. You continue to inspire me to go out and shoot.

  • @dylantimoff
    @dylantimoff Год назад +1

    Hey man - I revived my love for street photography after doing it for so many years, I am getting back into it now. Thank you so much for the idea at 6:21 to incorporate elements into the shot. I used to do a lot of photography back in the day and started my street photography account last week to share my photos and learn from people.

  • @robertmeyerson1618
    @robertmeyerson1618 Год назад

    I enjoy your work. The first thing I do is set my screen on my Lumix zs100 to set to preview in B&W. It helps me see my composition better. Thanks !!

  • @collincourtois8587
    @collincourtois8587 Год назад

    This video is absolutely remarquable. Your work is simply superb. Thanks for the inspiration.

  •  Год назад

    at first i thought why you just didn’t crop the photo (first one), but now i get it. thanks for inspiration.

  • @robertobreve8623
    @robertobreve8623 Год назад

    Love seeing your videos because you actually are a good photographer.

  • @martinxpanelo
    @martinxpanelo 4 месяца назад

    Loved this video man.. you are, by far, my most inspiration to get into this world. Cant wait to start!
    Hope we can talk some day a little bit, when you come to South America and share works.

  • @christianmuller2031
    @christianmuller2031 Год назад

    Totally agree with the longer focal length! I’m Shooting for years with a 85mm.

  • @jordanjoestar8839
    @jordanjoestar8839 Год назад

    Started with a 2016 Mirrorless Sony.
    Added a 1982 Olympus OM-2...
    Added another 1962 Olympus Auto Eye II.
    I seem to be going backwards time wise, but forward skill wise. Now photos from my Mirrorless seem almost too perfect, nearly soulless, granted they are gorgeous. They lack the notes of variation and randomness film gives. It's a great journey and shooting film on a 60s camera makes me Agent 007 with a modern mirrorless!

  • @grjlynch
    @grjlynch Год назад +1

    This has given me a lot to think about, thank you. I am looking forward to my X100V arriving tomorrow. I wanted something to be a totally different experiance than my ‘big’ camera (and R5) and your video has helped me to imagine how I can do that.

  • @cahmzhere7963
    @cahmzhere7963 Год назад

    not gonna lie, as I am watching your video, I pulled out my digicam fujifilm xp90 and tried what you said about framing using the environment and using it as foreground, and using some reflection.... because you said in the beginning, it's WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT. and you said you can use any focal length and you just have to challenge yourself in making the photo, so yeah... I tried it in my room right away and it does make a difference. It really "isolates" the subject. thanks for the info! I guess I will be pushing myelf more using the gear that I have especially my digicam and instax that needs a different approach as well. I just love taking photos using a camera, reminds me of year late 90's - 2000s. when we are using the films and we don't even know what we captured in the film until we develop it and we don't edit it. we just capture the moments not "posing" for it. when we used to take "selfies" with our digicam and not "seeing" what you at the time of taking it. 😁😆 I miss those times. 🤭so thank you for the tips. 😄

  • @bdssoaz
    @bdssoaz Год назад

    Loved the video and thanks for the tip! Happy New Year! :)

  • @thientrieu91291
    @thientrieu91291 Год назад

    Fantastic images!!! And awesome tips! I need to get out and try these. Learned something today. Thank you so much!

  • @baharam98
    @baharam98 Год назад

    This is one of the best videos, helping me with my photography composition. Thank you.

  • @gharrop1
    @gharrop1 Год назад +1

    Simple and succinct…excellent advice and good food for thought….definitely some great Saul Leiter like shots in there too.

  • @kdjvideo6281
    @kdjvideo6281 11 месяцев назад

    Thanks for this video,it has inspired me to go out and try including some of your ideas into my next day out shooting

  • @soshiucheong
    @soshiucheong Год назад

    This is a wonderful tutorial. My composition improved massively today. Thanks !!!

  • @alejandroricoveri
    @alejandroricoveri 3 месяца назад

    Great video!. Very inspirational, I must say. I'm currently looking for more ideas on how many options can I use when doing street photography!. Keep it up!.

  • @josephlai1078
    @josephlai1078 Год назад +2

    I just got the Fuji XF 56mm, F1.2 prime and went out to do some street photography this past weekend. It took me awhile to get used to the focal length. However, I was very pleased on how much "unnecessary elements" were cropped out and I was able to get some pretty clean compositions. In fact, I applied your "foreground technique" and it worked well. I also find that using "bokeh" might be another way of adding layers to a otherwise, pretty flat and compressed composition. Great video as always. Keep up the good work and happy holidays.

    • @Adrian-wd4rn
      @Adrian-wd4rn Год назад +3

      28-50 is great for "in the moment" photography. (or 18-35 for crop sensor homies). 75-105 is great for "particular" scenes, where you want tight crop.
      Sometimes I'll throw on a 56 on my xpro 3 and get some super tight shots. Or I'll go to some outdoor event with my flash and 35mm equiv and get some "in the moment shots"...
      Good on you for exploring outside of your "standard" comfort zone.

    • @markmuller3086
      @markmuller3086 Год назад

      @@Adrian-wd4rn I like your characterizations of different focal lengths. It helps!
      I’m just starting street photography and getting a feel for the 40mm lens. I’ll soon be ready to try longer lengths for some “particular” images. Thanks.

  • @ex0ja
    @ex0ja Год назад

    Great tip man, thought it was a clickbait title but it actually did what was advertised, appreciate it.

  • @NaveenVenkataraman
    @NaveenVenkataraman Год назад

    Faizal, I'm a new follower and really enjoyed this lesson in composition. Clear concept and easy to apply.

  • @mylifeswork101
    @mylifeswork101 Год назад

    Very inspiring and very well taught! Thank you for sharing your talent!

  • @Apachers
    @Apachers Год назад

    Very instructive video with some beautiful shots.
    Thank you so much!

  • @andibrowne166
    @andibrowne166 Год назад

    Thanks so much for the Skillshare link. Amazing!!

  • @rafeakspvd
    @rafeakspvd Год назад

    Some of the best photos I’ve seen on your channel. Really great video 🙌🏼

  • @bobprentiss8215
    @bobprentiss8215 Год назад

    This was great. Short and sweet. Thanks!

  • @JayShackleton-dv9tm
    @JayShackleton-dv9tm Год назад

    The best explanation on Street Photography I’ve seen

  • @benjaminmitchell5345
    @benjaminmitchell5345 Год назад

    wow that was so instructive in such a short time great work love the results

  • @jessetimmmiller1870
    @jessetimmmiller1870 Год назад

    Great video! Thank you!! What kind of camera and lens are you using for the cinematic video shots? Looks amazing!!

  • @fjvc2590
    @fjvc2590 Год назад

    hello!! I love your photos and your style! Thank you for sharing your work and your videos on RUclips!!
    I would like to know, what camera or equipment do you usually work with?
    I want to invest in a work team to take photos and video but I'm in a mess...

    What would you recommend to be able to do street photography and at the same time be able to make quality videos? 🙂

  • @pawerss1282
    @pawerss1282 Год назад

    Wow. love the video aesthetics. What camera did u use for the cinematography? 😃

  • @thomasclark631
    @thomasclark631 Год назад

    Including a foreground element also aids in bringing the viewer into the image. Excellent video.

  • @Chazyfizzlez
    @Chazyfizzlez Год назад

    Love the video. The lamp post is an interesting photo for me. For me, it gives a feeling of claustrophobia or uneasiness. Especially when you add more of it to the frame. Awesome how photos can make you feel things.

  • @ChaseBenjaminCollects
    @ChaseBenjaminCollects Год назад

    As always, love your video! Something I will challenge myself with this week.

  • @TravisHenson777
    @TravisHenson777 Год назад

    Really wonderful video. Very powerful and simple way to create more interesting photos. Thank you.

  • @adrianxrodrigues
    @adrianxrodrigues 25 дней назад

    great video, since you talked about focal length reminds me that I have a camera with apsc sensor and using a 23mm , I love the lens but I am shy to get close in some situations, do you think going to a 35mm would give a bit more room or should just jump to the 50mm?

  • @esqigibraltar2609
    @esqigibraltar2609 Год назад +1

    nice content, btw what camera were you using to record the videos in this video?

  • @LeosHimself
    @LeosHimself Год назад

    Another great video! Thank you Faizal!

  • @andrei4696
    @andrei4696 Год назад

    Nice trick. Thanks for a lot of examples of how it works!

  • @xcx8646
    @xcx8646 6 месяцев назад

    This is a nice technique. One question - in the first (lamp post) example, are you changing any depth of field or focus decisions? Doing this with a full-frame camera could leave a very close foreground element extremely out of focus if not careful.

  • @DebiSenGupta
    @DebiSenGupta Год назад

    Really loved the tip to use foreground elements to improve composition. Thanks a lot

  • @Pascal15B
    @Pascal15B Год назад

    Excellent images & great help & tips. Thank you.

  • @haileyjennelle
    @haileyjennelle Год назад

    These are such good tips! thanks for sharing these!

  • @romantea3506
    @romantea3506 10 месяцев назад

    Love your videos. Very helpful. Thank you so much. 🙏🏼

  • @bobafett5323
    @bobafett5323 Год назад

    These tips are money! 👏🏽👏🏽

  • @alihancaglar74
    @alihancaglar74 11 месяцев назад

    Fantastic tips! Great work Faizal.

  • @DrAgan_tortojed
    @DrAgan_tortojed Год назад

    Superb street-life photos! Thanx!

  • @petratihelkova1276
    @petratihelkova1276 7 месяцев назад

    I loved your video and your images are amazing ❤ You inspires me to go out again and take some photos

  • @mikericciuti5996
    @mikericciuti5996 Год назад

    That was truly excellent. Some really great tips-thanks

  • @patrickbarks997
    @patrickbarks997 Год назад

    I love this, stunning photos!

  • @marcowaldmeier
    @marcowaldmeier Год назад

    such great art. love your pics

  • @arenalsurferphoto
    @arenalsurferphoto Год назад

    video with magic!!! congrats...

  • @ManyDoors777
    @ManyDoors777 Год назад

    Beautiful photography! Nice work!!

  • @robertbreining
    @robertbreining Год назад +2

    Thank you for sharing Faizal. I really love the work you create. Not much of a street photographer myself, but your tips can surely be used also in other situations than street! Will see if I can elevate my images with such techniques. Cheers!