How can you improve your critical thinking skills for better composition?

Think old school. Taking a picture with a camera that gave you a limited number of shots. It made the photographer more mindful, carefully observant and crystal clear about what they wanted to see on paper. Yes. On paper. Because you had no idea what it would look like. You will focus on what is important. And discard what is not. Light, colour and contrast will all fall into place. Be brave and let go of the dependency on filters. The endless clicking of digital can make us flippant storytellers. Think film, 24 shots and developing time and each photograph taken will mean something, even if it is a digital camera you are looking through. Don’t just click away.

Improving critical thinking in photography's composition is like becoming a storytelling architect. Start by observing the world with intent, understanding how elements interact. Experiment, challenge norms, and ask why before clicking. Learn from mistakes; they're blueprints for growth. Study others' work, deciphering why certain compositions resonate. Embrace diversity in perspectives; it's the cornerstone of creativity. Trust intuition; it's your design compass. Practice, but also reflect. The more you refine your thought process, the stronger your visual narratives become.

La fotografía, más que simplemente apuntar y disparar, es un arte que se nutre del pensamiento crítico. La capacidad de observar, analizar y tomar decisiones informadas puede marcar la diferencia entre una imagen ordinaria y una composición visualmente impactante. Debes observar detenidamente a tu alrededor, toma unos momentos para absorber los detalles que te rodean. Examina la luz, las sombras, los colores y las líneas. La observación activa te permitirá identificar elementos visuales clave y comprender cómo interactúan entre sí. Olvida la fotografía digital en la que puedes hacer infinitas capturas e imagina que sólo tuvieras 12/24 oportunidades.

Composing an image requires you to observe others work like famous painters. There are a few fundamentals when it comes to composition. In short when you compose a picture, do it in a way that will lead the viewers eye to the main subject, using geometry in the scene.

I find sometimes that he pursuit of meaning in each image can cast an unnecessary shadow over the artistic process. The pressure to create something mind-blowing can ironically stifle the creative process. Art can be intuitive—a spontaneous capture of a moment. We can acknowledging that an image is inherently good without immediately deciphering its meaning. Framing a photograph intuitively is akin to trusting our instincts. It's only when we revisit these images later that we unravel the layers of our subconscious choices, working backward to comprehend the meaning obscured in the heat of the creative moment. Embracing spontaneity allows us to appreciate the joy of capturing what moves us, leaving room for interpretation over time.

Notice the movement of the sun, and how it changes everything, it will change your angles, the textures, the color tones, and the compositions. And with experience, you’ll be able to schedule your shoot accordingly.

Le photographe est celui qui verra ce que les autres n'auront pas vu. Il réussira à capter ces moments qui feront de ces photos un moment inoubliable. Le visage humain, par exemple, fait beaucoup de micros mouvement quasi imperceptible. C'est uniquement l'empathie qui vous permettra de les capter. Prendre la photo au bon moment sera alors une évidence. Observer, observer, et encore observer avant de prendre une photo, c'est nécessaire.

II would suggest taking your camera, take a deep breath in, exhale, and simply be yourself! Photography should be a zen moment where you capture the beauty of your vision, regardless of the subject. If we overthink it, unless it's your passion to do so, it can turn into just another 'job.' Photography is an art and should be the expression of your soul. Don't let it become merely a business, as has happened in many cases. While having a technical foundation is crucial, today's digital cameras allow us to see results instantly and make adjustments accordingly. As far as the right technical instrument goes, I worked with one lens for ages and that did not stop me from creating magic!

A lot of improving composure is trial and error, but the most objective way to improve is observing your environment. Sometimes the best results can come from difficult environments with obstacles or light that isn’t ideal. Get creative with it! Look at your available light and circle around your subject if you have to in order to find the optimal placement in comparison to available light. If you don’t like your background, try and create more distance between the subject and the background or less distance the subject and the camera. Play with depth of field and learn how to manipulate it!

I often find it's what you leave out of your frame that can be more important than what you include. Think on relationships between included elements too. Focal length can drastically change how elements fit together in your scene. Using longer focal lengths will compress the scene and bring parts of your image together. A shorter focal length creates distance between your subjects.

En fonction de votre objectif, vous pourrez expérimenter des zone urbaines avec une focale type fish eyes (< 24mm), ou des portraits avec un 85mm ou de la faune avec un téléobjectif (>200mm). à chaque fois, essayez de vous mettre bas, à hauteur puis en hauteur, voir de tourner votre appareil pour avoir les lignes directrices dans les angles par exemple. Ce n'est qu'en faisant des essais multiples que vous trouverez votre style.

Le matériel est tout aussi important suivant le sujet. Encore un fois, avoir le regard différent, chercher l'angle nouveau Prendre de la hauteur ou l'inverse

We live in a world where anyone can take a photo and with places making it easy to take an instagramable photo, it’s important to not only shift your perspective but play with your camera settings and lens choices. You might need to approach a subject from a different time of day or from a different vantage point. It’s okay to take the safe shot but it’s more rewarding to find something different and unique in a popular place or common subject.

Your subject is stationary doesn't mean you have to be too, move around as you photographer, change angle, go high, go low shoot from the sides,etc and evaluate your shots

Absolutely! Perspective and point of view play a significant role in photography, as in all aspects of life. If you find yourself struggling with composition, a distracting background, or an unfavorable side of your subject, consider changing your perspective. By adjusting your position, whether it's moving around, up, or down, you may uncover magical moments. It could be a ray of sunlight hitting the perfect spot, a simplified background, or a more harmonious alignment with your subject from a different angle. In my portraiture work, for example, even when I believe I've captured the perfect shot, I make it a practice to explore various perspectives and angles towards the end of the shoot. Many times, that's when the magic happens!

Il existe des règles de composition, en photographie, sur lesquelles vous pouvez vous reposer : nombre d'or, 3 tiers, espace négatif, symétrie, motifs, lignes directrices... Cela ne signifie pas que votre photo sera meilleure, mais ?a peut aider. Mais n'oubliez pas que l'important est de dépasser ces règles ! Faites regardez vos photos à des personnes neutres et voyez comment elles réagissent, c'est le mieux pour avancer.

One tip for beginners when sharing your work with others: create a contact sheet! You can look up a quick tutorial on how to do this in Lightroom and it makes quickly sharing 100 different images of the exact same object/person/place less of an uphill battle.

Create reports that allow you to track your results effectively and then use the same to take data backed decisions that can help you grow

I always like to compare my results to brands for fashion photography. I ask myself, “if Chanel captured this how would they change it? Now what about Alexander McQueen? And what makes this shot feel like that brand”

Recorta y reencuadra tus fotografías Creo que no hay mejor ejercicio para encuadrar mejor y eventualmente llegar a tener imagenes perfectamente compuestas directo de camara

In my view, no"error"should be labeled as a mistake, except for a blank frame, a rarity in today's digital era. What might be perceived as an error, can evolve into a stunning piece of fine art. There are constructive steps toward gaining confidence, and each step, constitutes a valuable lesson. A vast world of info is available to acquire knowledge, but it can become an overwhelming 'noise.' I suggest selecting a guide/mentor, a goal, and following a style/image you love. Create a personalized path that aligns with your unique vision. Workshops are invaluable resources, so could be personalized training, if available. It's not about learning from mistakes; rather, embracing the continuous evolution that each photographic struggle brings.

ce qui me semble important est le plaisir ressenti à photographier et surtout l'émotion que l'on fait passer à travers un cliché, rappelons nous que ce n'est pas toujours les photographies les plus abouties qui ont le plus de succès. Et le concept d'Erik Kessels et de la photo ratée comme chef d’?uvre mérite d'être connu et de méditer sur ce qu'est une photographie ratée.

as artist, we need to be open. open to feedback, open to learn and relearn. this way we will have an attitude of learning. this shapes our work more and more. and not only our work, our life too.

Tout est question de pratique. On apprend chaque jour. Et les erreurs font parti de l'apprentissage. Il y a toujours des choses à peaufiner, à appréhender différemment. Comme tout, ?a s'apprend avec l'expérience (que ce soit le maniement du matériel, les réglages, les prises de vues, les conditions, etc.)

I find the concept of Kaizen intriguing. It's a Japanese idea that encourages continuous improvement by making small, gradual changes rather than big ones. In business, the focus is on teamwork to identify small ways to enhance processes, products, or services. The ultimate goal is to foster a culture where everyone is consistently seeking more efficient ways of doing things and improving quality. While Kaizen is commonly associated with lean manufacturing and thinking, its principles extend beyond business and are applicable in various aspects of life.

“Critical thinking” and photography don’t necessarily have to go hand-in-hand. It’s about feel. There’s emotion involved in taking an incredible photo. Simply applying the rules may get you fine results, but where’s the soul in that?

Consistent study of different genre's. If you only study other photographers images you will limit your exposure to new ideas. Study paintings, sculptures and art installations. Add in viewing and reading about composition from a technical standpoint that move beyond the simplistic 'Rule of Thirds.' One of the many ways I study is visits to museums. I suggest spending 5-10 minutes before leaving an art piece that grabs your attention. I've spent as much as 45 minutes with a single painting...

Do the responsible thing and do all these tips, and then play with it Like you know the quote from Capa (i think) if your photographs are not good enough youre not close enough So play is the key word here There are different approaches and what i love is this use all these approaches and when you dont love it just continue and play with it Example what is the worst composition i can make, make it, laugh and then either reverse it and include what interests you

Time is your friend. Don't change your frame because you're impatient.Sometimes your subject comes to you, just make sure you have a good vantage point when it does.

Ce qui me semble important est de s'affranchir de la technique de l'appareil photographique, ill vaut mieux choisir l'un des modes que l'on maitrise le mieux que de vouloir jouer sur tous les paramètres et se perdre dans les réglages. Ensuite ce qui me semble important est l'histoire que l'on veut raconter avec sa photographie, et plut?t que de demander des critiques sur le cliché il me semble préférable de demander ce que l'observateur per?oit, l'histoire que lui comprend, s'il ne ressent rien, il est probable qu'il faille recommencer. Plus que la technique c'est le ressenti qui est important et parfois une photographique qui n'est pas techniquement la plus aboutie est pourtant celle qui donne le plus d'émotion.