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201: Composition
“Mastering the art of photographic composition is the cornerstone of creating timeless, visually striking images.”
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$105 • 3‑hour course • In-person • Limited to 6 students • Pro instructor
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.
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Learn to see the world like a photographer.
Description
What you’ll learn:
- 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
In-depth
Composition is one of the essential factors in creating a compelling photograph. A good composition starts with understanding your subject and scene and effectively assembling 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.
Important Details
Recommended prerequisite:
201: Composition in Photography is also available as a private photography course for 1–2 people.
Meeting Locations:
One of two locations depending on the time of year and weather.
April – November: In front of The Royal Conservatory of Music:
December – March: The Allen Lambert Galleria inside Brookfield Place, just by the RBC Dominion Securities facade:
Accepted cameras:
- We accept all cameras capable of manual mode.
- We accept all brands of digital cameras.
- Contact us if you’re unsure about your camera’s suitability for this course.
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
- Notebook and pen
- Questions and thirst for knowledge!
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Are you ready to start learning photography?
Join the 100s of beginners who’ve improved their photography with Exposure Therapy.
201: Composition in Photography
Satisfaction guaranteed
More Info
More Information
The scope of our photography lessons
At Exposure Therapy’s photography courses, I focus on building a strong foundation in photography that will work well with most cameras. However, to ensure a consistent and positive experience for all participants, I cannot cover every feature of every camera. If you have an advanced camera and would like to learn more, I’d be happy to offer private photography lessons that explore those features in more depth.
What to wear
This is an outdoor photography workshop, so it’s essential to check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for the conditions on the day of the workshop. This is especially important on wet days, so bring weather-appropriate clothing to stay comfortable and protect your equipment.2To ensure the best performance of your camera during the workshop, I recommend bringing two or more fully charged batteries.
Meeting point and workshop location
My workshops are held outside and involve walking to different locations. Please note that some places we visit may not be fully accessible.
In the event of bad weather, I may need to change the meeting location for the workshop. I’ll inform you in advance if this happens and will ensure the new location is easy to get to by public transportation.
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, refunds, and rescheduling
My full cancellation and refund policy is found in the Terms of Sale. The following summary is for your convenience:
- All sales are final, and no refunds are given if you cancel.
- If unexpected issues occur, you can reschedule up to 24 hours before your group photography workshop is scheduled to start.