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Mastering Photographic Composition and Visual Storytelling

Lesson 15 of 50

Keeping an Open Mind and Thinking on Your Feet

 

Mastering Photographic Composition and Visual Storytelling

Lesson 15 of 50

Keeping an Open Mind and Thinking on Your Feet

 

Lesson Info

Keeping an Open Mind and Thinking on Your Feet

to pretend that the full visualization process I used to create the image of the lions that I described in less than two of this module is what I do for every picture I create would be disingenuous. Now it's true that for many of my images, it's my starting point. If I was to restrict myself to this technique alone, I'll be closing the door on spontaneity and creativity. And let's face it as photographers. That's not something we should do whenever I'm out with my camera, either for work or for fun. I'm always on the lookout for the candid moment, but here's the thing. What I found is probably because I've been doing this for many years. Even when I'm making snap decisions in photographing spontaneously, I go through exactly the same visual ization process. It's just that because I'm so familiar with it now I do it subconsciously. What I mean by that is before I press the shutter, I'm asking myself the question. What's the story? What is it I want to say here one of my feeling and what...

do I want to express? And it's from the answer to that question. I get the image. A simple way to practice visualization is when you're looking through the viewfinder on before you press the shutter, ask yourself the question. How would I caption this image if the only answer you can come up with is a common noun, a landscape, a beach, a seal, then stop. That's a record shot on. Let's be honest, the world doesn't really need any more of those. So let's play a quick game on the screen. I'm going to play a slide show. What I want you to do is come up with a caption for each of the images and take your time and pause a video if you need to. So how did you get on? You probably found with the 1st 4 images, it was pretty easy. The final image was probably a bit more of a struggle, but don't worry. It was meant to be because the last image was a snapshot, a record shot, and it was there to illustrate the point. Now, to show you how you can put this into practice in the next lesson, I'm gonna tell you about an amazing French woman I had dinner with or photographing orangutans in Borneo. 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 !