Photography Tips: Composition and Breaking Symmetry
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- Опубликовано: 17 июн 2016
- Composition looks great with symmetry, I love it. But sometimes it works to compose symmetrical images that include something that disturbs symmetry.
In this video I'll take you through a shot I took on the Zurich Masterclass in 2015 which completely split the group. Some loved it, others hated it. What do you think?
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Mike Browne
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Ahh thanks +Péter Sági - very kind of you - MIKE
This man has gotten me into photography 📸 thank you
LIKE
Really wonderful Sir the way you teach. Learning through your videos I'm always motivated to try new things😇
Thank you Sir
The twigs give a sense of life to the picture. Without the twigs, it is a more serious and in a way mysterious shot. I actually like both with and without the same amount, but for different reasons. Great video as always Mike, thank you.
Like. I felt that I liked them, but, when I saw the shot without the twigs, I knew I liked them! Thank you, Mike
By the way I am big fan of yours - Your Voice, your mannerisms, and your "BRITISH" accent - I would love be born again to acquire it :)
You have also lost weight, which is awesome ! BIG FAN !
Thanks Sandy - MIKE :-)
Like.
Always a pleasure to see a new video from your channel, Mike! Thank you!
I like the twigs they lead your eyes to the dock, which leads your eyes to the water, which leads your eyes to the mountains, all the elements work together to walk your eyes through the photo.
Originally I thought "No Twigs" ...but then I saw it without the Twigs, so now:
LIKE
No twigs for me
I'd like a little more twigs.
Like the twigs. I love it personally when i see something that kinda breaks the symmetry of the photo. Adds context, drama and tension to the shot. Nice one mr. Browne. More power to you and Godbless
Love the twigs Mike. Not only are they a uniquely pleasant disruptive feature but it also shows how you creativity enhance an already perfect composition without overdoing it. Btw love to see your reference to the histogram. I'd love you to also turn your highlight alerts. Ideally both features go hand in hand to ensure we get the type of exposure we want for the shot.
-Kreyg Scott Photography
LIKE!
no twigs
Mike i love you and your team. After watching your videos, after sometime procrastinating today i bought my first DSLR camera i.e Nikon D7100 and AF Nikkor 50mm 1.8D. I Feel so Blessed to have came across your Channel, i was just browsing ooops there is Mike and i fell in love with the way you explain things. I'm gonna start practising and win. Thank you so much, not forgetting the team you are working with. You saved me from spending unnecessarily, You have Really Encouraged me to take the Step. Much love. Adolph from South Africa currently studying Soils at UWA in Perth, Australia
Wow thanks Adolph. Go for it... We're delighted to help, though the 'team' is only Melissa in Phillipines (link below) and me here in UK. Though that's about to change as someone new is coming on board too... MIKE
www.photographycourses.biz/videos/tips-and-features/features/meet-melissa-fox
You and Melissa are Genius. I would like to meet both of you in person one day. You are too great.
I like symmetrical photos but I also find that having a distraction makes the photos more interesting and natural rather than too clinical. I love your videos Mike. Awesome.
Thanks Tony... MIKE
I would go without the twigs, if you would want the disruptive factor, I would make it more obvious, now it looks a bit like a mistake :)
No twigs! But there is no right or wrong when it comes to personal tastes.
Thank you mike, great tutorial as always. You always offer a difference of opinion which is great.
Thanks Eric - MIKE
Love your videos mark, as a beginner I find it remarkably difficult to find instructional movies in layman's English. Yours are perfect. Thank you!As for the twigs, normally I like these curious things in pictures like this, the stuff that makes you wonder 'What did he see that was not captured' but seeing as the rest of the picture is very symmetrical, I do believe they are disruptive. This is a Zen picture, about balance. ( gorgeous one too I may add )
Yes it's interesting to hear everyones different opinions, there is no right or wrong. I'd still keep the Twig :-) -MIKE
No twigs!
LOL. Keep the twigs. Get rid of the dock. Docks have been done to death. :)
Love your unique way of thinking Ananda - MIKE :-)
Mike - it's taken me a long whole to walk away from the straight and narrow ☺️
Ananda Sim Me too - Mike
I agree with Ananda. I don’t think the symmetry works here, the jetty is not very attractive and straight on pictures of jetties are clichéd. What about a similar shot but with the jetty from the side and a lower camera angle?
See, this is why Mike is the boss - real life practicalities of photography in real time, real world situations. Rather than endless pontificating about gear specs and theoretical blather like so many other RUclips channels. As for the twigs, those on the original 2015 photo were ok, but now they resemble two fingers giving a V-sign. Always carry secateurs for the offenders.
Thanks Saurat - MIKE :-)
Thank you for doing these videos. I’m still very much a newbie and I’ve learned so much from you.
Thank you Brent. Please share any vids you like around. It helps me make more... MIKE 😊
No twigs and no boat. They are just distracting elements IMHO.
I like with the twigs which makes in unconventional!
Thanks much Mike for all you do for us. Much appreciated. Greetings from Vancouver Island, Canada
Definitely like the twigs, they make the image different. I think that now we see so many 'perfect' images, that we are afraid to think outside the box, so a great thumbs up for the initiative. To be creative is what photography should be all about.
Thanks Raluca - MIKE
Can't decide - either is fine.
Thanks for another thought provoking video. It is good to be reminded that we should be taking photos to our taste and that it does not really matter if our taste is different from others.
I thought the image was 'heavier' to the left (those darker mountains) so, in a way, the twigs added a little weight, helping balance, beckoning one over to the right.
Like them, and also like how talented you are Mike to help us all learn, thank you
Thank you Alon - MIKE :-)
Nice learning landscapes, amazing tips, thank u very much Sir.
Didn't think I'd like them but seeing the two together its Twigs for me. Nice work Mr B, made us think!
Thanks Tom - thinking is what it's all about - MIKE :-)
Nice one Mike you never let me down
No twigs. Love the way you teach. Thank you!
Like.. Brilliant video as always Mike.
Initially I was thinking it would look better without the twigs but then when you showed the picture without them, I decided I preferred it with the twigs!
thought provoking, as usual, Mike, which is what us novices need, I think.
Thanks - we all need to keep the old thought process going novice or advanced - MIKE :-)
I'm glad to see your new video
No twigs! Sorry, my OCD kicked in. :))
Lovely series on composition and photography in general. Thanks for sharing this Mike!
Thanks Mike, very useful video!
I like the twigs, thank You Mr. Brown for your great videos!
Like it with the twigs without looks to perfect, another great video thanks Mike
Thanks for all the videos Mike, inspiring me to play more.
Funny thing, I think the twigs create a slight diagonal with the kayak which creates balance, to retain the balance the kayak needs to be removed as well to provide a clean 'zen' image.
I like the twigs. It adds more interest and tells you that there's "not" just the dock there; there's other elements outside the line of view. It takes the shot from static to dynamic, from one dimensional to creating a feeling of depth.
I like it Mike, great explanation.
Thanks - MIKE
Hey Mike, I personally like both photos. they both have a different feel to them. If I had a choice I would pick the one with the twig in because it gives the picture a bit more of a story and feel for me.
Nice video Mike, good thinking about a tiny twigs, yes the image is totally changed with and without ! I'd say, for a symetrical and Zen image, without twigs, but, for an artistic view, yes, we need it, the eye is attracted, and the composition is totally changed, and pleasant at a second sight. I love your approach, thanks !
actually the aesthetics of Zen are very asymmetrical and probably wouldn't have the dock in the centre of the image at all...
Yes I like them Mike By the way Thank You Very Much for All of Your Videos and ideas That's Great!!!
I actually like both images. :-) But a very interesting video that makes a good point: it is what the photographer likes that is most important as the image comes from their vision and what inspires them. If others like it great, if not, well we can't please everyone so best to please ourselves. Love the church bells in the background. Thanks for sharing and inspiring.
Thanks Kerry - no worries - MIKE
No twigs, but as you already said yourself, there's no right or wrong. After all we're talking about art here and art is about expressing YOURSELF, not about rules or pleasing others (unless you do it commercially). Another great video, btw. 👍🏼😉
thank you jens! - very well said - Melissa pp Mike
I like it. It feels more natural and gives more information about the location. I could imagine the tree on the bank, even if I hadn't just watched the video.
Like (well love) your videos are amazing! You single handedly changed my photography
Thanks Rowan - MIKE
Great video Mike! Personally, I'd let the twigs stay if it was my photo; I believe it adds a bit of personal touch.
I would have included the light box in the shot. Perhaps even made it a little bit more of the foreground by going a wee bit to my right ( but then where would symmetry be, eh? I wonder, is there something "off" with me? Love your videos, Mr. Mike. You could say I " weaned" on them. Thank you.
Great film Mike, i like the twigs
No twigs for me Mike.
Thanks for all your great videos
no twigs
thanks for all the great videos you make
No twigs for me either. It doesn't seems disruptive, more like an omission in post prod. Also, it makes us forget the subject. And even if those pictures with a deck have been seen a zillion times: the background is really pretty with the mountains, I haven't seen that overall composition much myself. Thank you for this video, and always makes us use our little brain cells. You're one of a kind Mr Brown! ;)
My pleasure +nycaxl - MIKE :-)
Great video, very helpfull! I actually like the twigs.
I like! It makes you use your imagination as to what is there. I also understand the other side of the of the debate, but I like a little intrigue in an image.
I Like the twigs, however the metal grate under the dock, how was that managed in the composition?
Hi quick question I want to buy some studio lights and al be using a bridge camera how will that camera trigger the lights with a lead or trigger ?
Sorry SST I can't tell you for sure. I've never used a bridge with Studio lights and have never heard of anyone doing it. It will probably depend on the camera. If it has hot shoe and you have radio trigger that will probably work - but like I said I'm not certain. If anyone reading this is using bridge camera with studio lights please comment.. - MIKE
thanks for the video mike.
I like it, as it gives the idea of reality, the depth is defined nicely.
Thank you Hemant
I like both versions! ^^
Great video. I think I like it with the twigs.
No twigs. I think with the long, soft exposure it creates a sense of calm. Disruptive harshes my calm. However, had it been a faster shutter speed with pin sharp ripples on the water and definition in the clouds I think I would like the disruption. Again, no right answers. Mike, keep it Rollin! I have purchased the 7 Building Blocks and love how you approach these subjects.
Thanks Steve - MIKE :-)
I love the twigs and the boat by the mountains, on the left site.
I originally thought I wouldn't like the twigs, but It acts as a foreground element, it brings you into the picture. I like both, but with twigs is slightly better in my opinion.
That's a really tough one. I almost feel like I'd like the twigs more if they were in the image even more. At the end of the day though, I think both images look amazing. Really hard for me to pick a side. At first I was against them. After looking at it some more, I like them! Awesome video :)
Thanks - MIKE
I love the Twigs and disruptive is good :)
And a perfect shot really
Thanks Rohit - MIKE
Like. A lot of the magazines that critique photos would probably say 'Great, but what about editing out...' Symmetry is important, but often an intruding branch can give a shot that extra something (not always, but sometimes). Yes, I guess it is a judgment call, but I take your point Mike. Thanks again for yet another interesting video.
Thanks and no worries Wayne. You reminded me of something. Many years ago, I once used Photoshop to edit IN some lens flare to a commercial image of Concord. It won a national award from Fuji - and the Master Photographers Association judge said it would have been better if I'd used a lens hood to stop lens flare. Love it! - MIKE
No Twigs; the dock is the runway for a large daydreaming view, no disturbing things in the foreground. Fine issue, Mike
Great video as usual, Mike! :)...Both shots are nice - but i prefer it without the twigs :) I like the moody/simplicity look :)
I prefer no twig on the given image because the amount of twigs in the current image isn't significant enough to "tell a story". However, if there were more twigs in the image, and if the twig is covering also the camera-left side of the image, I will probably choose that over the no twig.
LIKE. Didn't think I would like it, but when you showed the "with" and "without" one after the other, I realised that the "with" made the picture more interesting to me, less sterile. I know most competition judges would tell you to lose the twigs, but people should remember that a judge is just one person, and what he/she is giving you, is just one person's opinion.
Absolutely Leo. Best way to win competitions is to research the judge, look at what they awarded prizes to and enter something similar - MIKE
I like the twigs! But how often do we look at images and notice every single detail? ;)
Did you photoshop out the rocks and the wire close to the bottom of the picture, were they there last year when you took the original photo? They are not in the photo but are there now, if so the do the same with the twigs, otherwise it seems careless to have the twigs in after getting the rest of the picture so good.
No I didn't remove them from the 2015 shot Glyn. I noticed that too when I got back and was waiting for someone to mention it. Guess the water level was higher 1st time round - MIKE
No twigs. Mike we miss your vids , we need more and more . Like this comment if you agree👍🏻
Great picture. The one with no twigs i like the most.
Hero and brilliant teacher
Thanks Martin ... MIKE
Like, definitely adds to the shot.
Mike, hi...
What tripod and ball head did you mount the camera at? TQ.
In this vid it's a Manfrotto 190 go with a Manfrotto PRO-BHQ2 head sacca - MIKE
Sorry for a very basic query, but I assume when you mentioned 'dialing it up a bit' when you were brightening the exposure you were referring to using the exposure compensation dial. Yes?
You got it - MIKE :-)
Mike if this was in a competition would remove the twigs. Some judges don't like things like that. Very interesting video. I would leave them in
No twigs for me Mike. They just seem to grab my eye away from the main subject. Great vid as always
Like, it really adds to the photo
I personally like the twigs. It adds intrigue to the photo :)
Great video
Again, thank you for your video! Having started photography with film, I am not inclined to use post-porcessing software at all. It is my respectful opinion that, the art of photography, as well as painting, is about that shot you made without alterations. I think that including the alteration of the picture, takes away from the pothograph. My humble preference! ;-)
Hi Juan Carlos Lopez. "shot you made without alterations" the only problem with that is the camera alters it because when you shoot jpeg it does the post production for you based on an average image. It was the same with film, the person who developed and printed your film had fianl control over how bright, dark, contrasty and what colour it was...MIKE
Hello Mike, I is a matter of style and art. Me I prefer clean undisturbed shots for most of my pictures but, in the end does it add to the image and what you are looking for or not. Have a good day, friend.
Love the twigs!
Like. I think it gives depth to the picture and makes it more interesting, it is something that adds element to the image
Hi Mike. I like the twigs and would leave them in
Hi Mike no twigs for me fab video as always making us think
What camera and lens combo are you using? Could you have physically move the camera closer and use an ultra wide lens to lose the twigs?
Fuji XT-1 and 18 to 55. I didn't want to use shorter lens because it would make the mountains smaller and look further away - MIKE
If you just adjust the aperture when in aperture priority mode wont the camera adjust the shutter speed accordingly and as a result giving no net change in actual exposure?
Yes that's right Andrew, so you adjust exposure in that mode with Exposure compensation dial instead - MIKE
Thanks Mike.
When using exposure compensation, do't forget to reset it to zero when you've finished.
Am I allowed to like both ? a case for ether being good photograph,in the end, whichever I like I can print or whatever.not forcing it on anyone am I ? Graham
You could always use an ulta-wide lens and just get closer to the pier. That way you can really decide if you want twigs or not
so what's the exif of the final picture? 1/55 wouldn't give you the smooth water effect.
I don't remember off hand Nature Good as it was a while ago. I think the original featured in the video was about 3 or 4 minutes as it was quite a still day... MIKE
I wonder what the composition would look like with the dock a bit to one side?