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Composition and Exposure

Composition and Exposure

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The visual language of photography

Composition is the visual glue that holds your picture together.

By Mason Resnick - February 26, 2009


But technical perfection is just a start. You also need to compose your photo. There are a lot of parts to composition:

  • Color: complementary or clashing?
  • Contrast: will the light and dark areas of the picture work harmoniously together to guide the viewers eye the way you want it to?
  • Placement: Are all the elements in the photos in the right place within the frame?
  • Distractions: Are you focusing on what's important, and eliminating what isn't?

There's much more to composition, and we explore many aspects of it here. If you really, truly want to become a better photographer, spend some time in this part of our site.

 

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Find a Fresh Photographic Perspective And Wow Your Audience

You Keep Shooting with Brian Peterson—AdoramaTV

ArticleAdoramaTV - You Keep Shooting Techniques and How-Tos - by Bryan Peterson, April 19, 2013

Join Bryan as he visits Jackson Square in the New Orleans French Quarter.  Here he will show you a new approach to your photography.

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TAGS: nikon,  composition,  wide angle,  bryan peterson,  Nikon D800 

9 Awful Real Estate Listing Photos—And How To Avoid Taking Them

Do you really want to sell that property? Don't post crappy photos of it!

ArticleComposition and Exposure Techniques and How-Tos - by Mason Resnick, March 25, 2013

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The worst sound a real estate listing agent can hear in his or her office is crickets chirping. This advice is for them (the agents, not the crickets).

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TAGS: exposure,  composition,  photo technique,  horizons,  photo tips,  indoors,  compact digital camera,  exposure compensation,  architecture,  buildings,  real estate 

"It Looks Like Trash!" Use Macro and Find The Fine Art Photos Everyday Scenes

Exploring Photography with Mark Wallace—AdoramaTV

ArticleAdoramaTV - Exploring Photography Techniques and How-Tos - by Mark Wallace, March 19, 2013

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Can you find photographic ambrosia in a nondescript alley or refuse? Mark Wallace turns trash into photographic art! The secret? Visual Pushups!

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TAGS: macro,  macro photography,  composition,  color,  inspiration,  Fujifilm X-Pro1 

Get Closer To Your Subject For A Strong Photo Composition

You Keep Shooting — AdoramaTV

ArticleAdoramaTV - You Keep Shooting Techniques and How-Tos - by Bryan Peterson, February 4, 2013

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Join Bryan Peterson in Burano, Italy where he shares an effective and simple composition technique.

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TAGS: travel photography,  composition,  tip,  bryan peterson 

Take Dramatic Photos of Buildings using the Apple iPhone 5

Weekly Inspirations Using The Apple iPhone 5

ArticleiPhoneography Gear Guides & Reviews - by Mal Sherlock, January 28, 2013

Here's our second weekly dose of inspiration for anyone who uses an iPhone (or any smart phone camera, really) for fantastic photography.

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TAGS: iPhoneography 

Shoot Low With A Wide-Angle Lens To Transform Your Landscape Photography

You Keep Shooting: AdoramaTV

ArticleAdoramaTV - You Keep Shooting Techniques and How-Tos - by Bryan Peterson, January 15, 2013

Join Bryan Peterson at Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia where he shows how to turn an eight-inch puddle into a lake.

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TAGS: adorama,  landscapes,  wide angle,  photographer,  photography tips,  foreground,  lens,  Adorama TV,  mobile device,  landscape photography 

Punch Up The Drama in Front-Lit Landscape Photography with a Graduated Neutral Density Filter

Do it in camera so you can keep shooting!

ArticleComposition and Exposure Techniques and How-Tos - by Bryan Peterson, August 31, 2012

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Here's a technique that adds drama to skies in landscape photography. Yes it's old school, but it lets you spend more time taking pictures!

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Use Your Wide Angle Lens's Closest Focus For More Dramatic Travel Photography

A PPSOP special presentation

ArticleOutdoor and Travel Techniques and How-Tos - by Bryan Peterson, July 2, 2012

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Many photographers don't know how close they can focus with their wide angle lens. In this video PPSOP founder Bryan Peterson shows you what opportunities await when you focus as close as you can with your wide angle lens!

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TAGS: PPSOP 

Underwater Photography Composition Basics, Part 1

What works on land also works in the water

ArticleUnderwater Photography Techniques and How-Tos - by Michele Westmorland and Matt Weiss, June 12, 2012

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Underwater photography is not just about getting the right camera, underwater housing and lights. You need to know the basics of composition to tie it all together.

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TAGS: tips,  composition,  tip,  underwater,  tips and tricks 

6 Principles of Gestalt Psychology That Can Improve Your Photography

Psych yourself into stronger photographs

ArticleComposition and Exposure Techniques and How-Tos - by Joe Baraban, May 22, 2012

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Want to give your photography skills an upgrade? Wouldn't it be great if you could get people to spend more time looking at and appreciating your photos? Learn and understand these principles of Gestalt Psychology, developed over 90 years ago!

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TAGS: composition,  photographs,  photography tips,  photography tip,  photo tips,  gesthalt 

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