John Lewis, LRPS, the photographer not the shop, asked us to concentrate on composition in our photography, a huge complex topic. The subjective issue of taking an image for the viewer to emit emotion and communicate an idea has many facets. A better composed picture will be more effective and make a stronger impression. The example of a portrait of Igor Stravinsky by Arnold Newman demonstrated this idea; the sitter is in a corner, but the image is dominated by shapes created by the piano. Art can give many examples of composition that can be replicated by the photographer.
John felt that there must be an intense curiosity rather than a passing visual interest in a subject to ensure better composition. The subject matter can be shocking, sad, amusing, gentle or dramatic to get the viewer’s attention. Using diagonal lines, leading lines, and shapes especially in black and white can result in a satisfying image that gives a sense of movement. The idea of colour to create a mood generated lots of conversation. John highlighted the colour wheel as an effective tool to produce an experience that affects a mood, emotion or behaviour for example letting one colour dominate creates drama.
I would encourage you to look at John’s website, www.johnalewis.co.uk to see his images. We followed our talk with a look at members’ images based around the topic of ‘Shadows’. Our comments were more focused on the idea of composition after listening to John.
Our next meeting will be our AGM at the Adderbury Institute on Wednesday, 6th April at 7.30pm. This will be followed by a presentation of members’ favourite images from the last year. You are welcome to join us but please check the website for up-to-date information.
Anne Hunsley
www.addphoto.co.uk