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Mastering Photographic Composition and Visual Storytelling

Lesson 16 of 50

Case Study - The Maternal Bond

 

Mastering Photographic Composition and Visual Storytelling

Lesson 16 of 50

Case Study - The Maternal Bond

 

Lesson Info

Case Study - The Maternal Bond

A while ago, I was in Borneo photographing orangutan for a book I was writing about endangered species and conservation. Now, because I'd never photographed around town before, I decided to spend a few days at a sanctuary to study the animal's behavior and visualize some ideas for images. On my first evening in the camp restaurant, I met a woman who invited me to dinner, and she turned out to be one of the most fascinating women I've ever met. Dr. Francine Iago was in her eighties and had spent her entire adult life caring for and conserving orang utan. During the conversation, she asked me about my work and specifically what I was doing at the sanctuary, and that Porter's under the subject of conservation. One of the surprising things he told me was that while the many sanctuaries in Malaysia and Indonesia have a part to play in saving individual orangutans, they don't really help in conserving this species as a whole. Now, explaining this, she told me the maternal bond between a moth...

er and baby orangutan is the strongest bond in nature, even greater than that of humans on. But for a baby orangutan to thrive it needs love Justus, much as it needs nourishment. The problem is, she said, that when an orphan orangutan arrives at a sanctuary while feeding, it helps it to survive to thrive. It needs the love of a mother, which, because of the circumstances, is always provided by a human surrogate. But as soon as you habituated orang utan to humans, it can never be released back into the wild. After dinner, as I walked back to my room, I thought about this conversation on what kept coming back to me over and over with Doctor Niarchos, statement about mother and baby, that the maternal bond between a mother and baby orangutan is the strongest bond in nature. I thought, What a beautiful sentiment that WAAS would it be, Geiling and engaging story. And so the next day I went into the sanctuary with the sole intent of photographing that story. I didn't pre plan specific shots. I didn't draw compositions on paper. I didn't Presuppose camera settings. Instead, I put my faith in my knowledge and experience of camera technique, which allow me to be mindful to my task, and I let curiosity fight me, and every time I framed an image. I asked myself the question. Does this composition tell the story when the answer came back? Yes. That's when I pressed the shutter. Captured meaningful image, No.

Class Description

WARNING: THIS COURSE CONTAINS ARTISTIC NUDITY

AFTER THIS CLASS YOU’LL BE ABLE TO:

  • Compose a shot consistently and effectively
  • Create artistic, powerful images quickly
  • Gain confidence in building narrative
  • Identify what stories you’re drawn to photograph
  • Brainstorm and develop concepts for creative shots
  • Trust your instincts when approaching a subject

ABOUT CHRIS' CLASS:

CreativeLive is partnering with Chris Weston to offer you his Complete Photography Master Course. This is the second class in the series.

Today, everybody has a camera, but that doesn’t mean everyone’s a photographer. Chris Weston will show you how to do all the other stuff – how to “see” an image, tap into your creativity, and compose a photograph that makes the subject look as good in print as it does in real life.

This class isn’t about cameras, it’s about you – the photographer. It will break free your creative mind, get you thinking about narrative rather than object, and show you how to apply simple artistic skills that turn that next click into a powerful photograph.

Learn how to approach photography like a pro and start creating great pictures straight away. With in-the-field lessons, case studies and powerful tips and techniques, you’ll quickly unleash your creativity and gain confidence in expressing yourself through your camera.

WHO THIS CLASS IS FOR:

  • Beginner photographers
  • First time DSLR or mirrorless camera users
  • Any photographer who wants to hone their artistic skills

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR:

Named one of the world's most influential wildlife photographers, Chris Weston takes a contemporary approach to photography. After launching his career in 2001, the Fujifilm ambassador's images have graced the pages of top publications like BBC, The Times, Outdoor Photography, Practical Photography, and Digital Photography. As a photography educator, Chris has written over 20 photography books, along with leading photo tours and online workshops.

Lessons

  1. Your 10,001st Photograph
  2. Camera Gear
  3. Piece of Gear We Always Forget
  4. Be a Storyteller
  5. Finding Ideas For Photography - Know Your Subject
  6. Cae Study - Why Are Zebras Black and White Striped
  7. Photograph What You Love
  8. See the Extraordinary in Ordinary Things
  9. Have an Opinion
  10. See With a Child’s Eyes
  11. Tell Your Story
  12. Find a Needle in the Haystack
  13. Lions Hunting Under Star Trails
  14. Ansel Adams and Visualisation in Practice
  15. Keeping an Open Mind and Thinking on Your Feet
  16. Case Study - The Maternal Bond
  17. Don’t Tell the Same Old Story
  18. Relevance
  19. #1 Reason Photographs Fail
  20. Getting Rid of Clutter
  21. Post Capture Cropping
  22. The Elements of Design
  23. Elements of Design
  24. Elements of Design - Shape
  25. Case Study - Shape
  26. Elements of Design - Color
  27. Case Study - Color
  28. Color in Camera
  29. Pattern
  30. Texture
  31. Seeing The Elements of Design
  32. Gestalt Theory
  33. Case Study - Cove
  34. Case Study - Hat
  35. Light and Contrast
  36. Light and Form
  37. Light and Depth
  38. Perspective
  39. Lenses and Perspective
  40. Rule of Thirds
  41. Centre of Frame
  42. Case Study - Positioning the Subject
  43. Positioning the Subject - Dynamic Symmetry
  44. The Horizon Line
  45. Should the Horizon Line Always be Straight and Level
  46. Other Lines
  47. Rhythm, Balance, and Visual Weight
  48. Negative Space
  49. The Two Most Important Controls on Your Camera
  50. Training the Mind

Reviews

Edmund Cheung
 

Perhaps the style of presentation and simple, short, and direct messaging does not "jive" with some; but others may really love this. Yes the production of each episode is stylized and perhaps a bit formal (like a TV Show?), but there is something to be said about it. Perhaps this is not meant for professional photographers? I think of myself as decent amateur / high level photographer. I found lots of great nuggets of wisdom and inspiration from this. Especially when I an in a rut for creativity. Yes I have heard all these concepts and ideas before. BUT it is always great to hear and see a different way of presentation and voice. Please do NOT take the naysayer reviews as the end all. You should judge for yourself and watch a few episodes. If the style and content click for you, I would highly recommend this course.

Kai Atherton
 

While I am perhaps more advanced in my photography then this course. It is always great to be able to go back to fundamentals and remind ourselves of the basic principles, and even camera function. I thoroughly enjoyed this course and Chris's other. It is a great motivational jumpstart when lacking fresh creative idea's.

Silvia Garcia
 

Excellent ! Will see it many times to digest all the messages here. Important info on composition theory. Very well explained. Go to the essence of photography. Thanks, Chris !