Title
201: Composition
“Teach a photographer composition, and give them a lifetime of beautiful photos”
Brief Description
Learn how to improve the composition of your photos without relying on stuffy “rules.”
This course introduces new photographers to several techniques for developing the ability to identify a potentially strong picture and then organize the graphical elements to capture a great photograph. Our goal is to train the way you think about photographic composition without the constraint of rules.
$105 • 3‑hour course • Limited to 6 students • Pro instructor
Overview
Overview
This 3‑hour photography composition course presents the following:
- A brief overview of how our minds process visual information (and why this hinders compositions)
- Techniques for identifying and defining your subject
- The importance of perspective, focal length, and exposure in controlling subject scale and prominence
- Format, frame dynamics, and cropping
- Subject placement for more striking pictures
- How to visualize and design better photographs
- Easy shortcuts for immediately improving almost any photo
Recommended prerequisites
Description
Composition is one of the essential factors in creating a compelling photograph. A good composition starts with understanding your subject and scene and finding an effective way to assemble those visual elements into a cohesive whole using a camera and lens.
New photographers often have trouble with both parts of this process because how our minds process visual information is incompatible with the photographic medium.
This workshop introduces you to several rule-free techniques to overcome the psychological barriers to ideal photographic compositions. You will learn about effective methods for identifying your subject and giving them scale and prominence with the help of your camera placement and lens. You will discover how camera format and subject placement can change frame dynamics and subsequent cropping. You will learn about using your mind’s eye to visualize better photos before taking them. And you’ll be introduced to several easy techniques for improving almost any picture in short order, even after taking it.
Details
Important Details
Accepted cameras:
- All brands of digital cameras are accepted for this workshop
- This course is designed for DSLR and mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras, and enthusiast compact cameras.
- Contact us if you’re unsure about your camera’s suitability for this workshop.
What to bring:
- Camera and lens
- Battery (fully charged)1If you’re participating in more than one workshop, please bring either your battery charger or a second battery to ensure you can operate your camera throughout the day.
- Memory card (emptied)
- Camera manual
What to wear
Most of our photography workshops feature outdoor exercises to apply the theoretical concepts into practice. Monitor the weather forecast and ensure you dress appropriately for the conditions—especially on cold days.2Please note that the lithium batteries powering your camera may exhibit diminished power output in cold conditions. When subzero air temperatures are forecast for the day of your workshop, we recommend bringing two or more camera batteries.
Meeting/workshop location
Our classroom-free workshops take place outdoors, involve walking and feature locations that may not be fully accessible. Currently, we meet in front of The Royal Conservatory of Music (273 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1W2).
We reserve the right to change the meeting location and will notify you at least 48 hours in advance of such changes. A modified meeting location will always be within 500m of a TTC subway station.
Cancellation and refunds
Satisfaction guarantee
We want to ensure that you fully understand the materials covered in our photography courses. If you aren’t completely satisfied with your learning experience, please let your instructor know immediately after your workshop concludes. We’re more than happy to address any points of confusion on the spot or to offer you the opportunity to repeat the same workshop on a future date (pending availability).
Cancellations
Our full cancellation and refund policy is found in the Terms of Sale. The following summary is for your convenience:
- We accept cancellations for a full refund up to four (4) weeks in advance of your initially-scheduled course.
- We accept schedule modifications up to seven (7) days in advance of your initially-scheduled course.