Forget the Rule of Thirds, do this instead…

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Жыл бұрын

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This week I'm talking about composition in photography, and the rules (rule of thirds etc...) that we perhaps pay a little too much attention to versus other ways of thinking. Hopefully it helps!
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Пікірлер: 489

@banditalley9592 Жыл бұрын

"Supporting" subject really emphasises the idea of a photo "about" something rather than "of" something. It adds context and the "about" part of the photo. Great video, straight to the point!

@MaunoKoivistoOfficial Жыл бұрын

Nice way of putting it.

@chrisfetto9400 11 ай бұрын

A thought provoking distinction: 'of' vs 'about'!

@kaihocompany 4 ай бұрын

@@chrisfetto9400 seems to be in line with documentation versus interpretation

@activ8me3 2 ай бұрын

@@kaihocompany Not exactly IMHO

@mp7161 Ай бұрын

When you photograph just an element, you make a portrait. When you photograph more elements, you start to tell a story, a visual interaction between them, which says something about that moment, that place, those elements, an evolution from the past or into the future. You capture their state or the state of their interaction at a moment in time.

@wesleymarquardt4708 Жыл бұрын

This was actually probably the most useful composition video I've seen in a while. While I believe other rules are great tools, a lot of composition videos simply define them and call it a day. Photography is so much more than rules and facts, it's about telling a story and your video did a great job with helping guide people to tell stories.

@Tmanaz480 Жыл бұрын

Yes. Especially with cameras becoming smarter, photographers are less tied up with the science, and are free to concentrate on the art.

@0lyge0 Жыл бұрын

I once had a boss that was so obsessed with the rule of thirds, and would constantly say this or that shot "violates the rule of thirds", that it got to the point where if he was talking about composition of a photo at all I'd just get up and walk away. One day he had a photo book he was showing around the office and was particularly enamored with one specific photo of a baseball player in the dugout, when he showed it to me I looked at it for a few seconds then said it violates the rule of thirds and walked away. Although it did, it was a great shot. I thought the comment would get him off the idea that that was the only way to judge a photo but instead it completely ruined the picture for him. If photography is an art form you can't bind it, or yourself, with rigid rules. I wish more people would talk about these things as guides rather than rules.

@snonsig2688 11 ай бұрын

tbh this is exactly where this entire channel shines for me. so many others are exclusively focusing on the act of photography, the workings and technicalities of it without really concerning themselves with the feeling of it, if that makes sense. learning and remembering rules and settings and whatever is nice and great and obviously important to know, especially for a beginnner but restricting yourself to only those things can really hold you back in certain situations i feel.

@thabstract0ne 11 ай бұрын

Agreed....I learned more about composition with this video, thanks mate!

@reinerm9910 8 ай бұрын

Absolutely! Will last for a lifetime ... The dance of the elements.

@corykphotography Жыл бұрын

If I like it, I shoot it. But I try to capture it in a sense that conveys how I actually view it. Visually and how it makes me feel. It is our job to express how the subject makes us feel.

@Just_Call_Me_Tim 9 ай бұрын

You just (3 months ago) said what I've been thinking better than I've been able to bring to words for a long time. That's what I aim to do with my lunar shots and the things I see of The Quiet at the end of my work days (I'm a trucker). There's just something about places that I see that change when everyone leaves for the day.

@pnda4258 8 ай бұрын

@@Just_Call_Me_TimYES ! I take pictures of empty spaces in metro stations for that… I love to put that liminal feeling into a photo!

@jameshoy380 Жыл бұрын

One of my professors often says: “we don’t point our cameras at things, we point our cameras at relationships.”

@washinours 5 ай бұрын

As an illustrator with poor composition skills this video is a golden nugget, thank you

@DanielGonzalez-jg5bx Жыл бұрын

And THIS is why I follow you. Such a simple yet powerful concept that elevates our photography to another level. Well done James!

@lookeast3047 5 ай бұрын

"Consulting the rules of composition before taking a photograph, is like consulting the laws of gravity before going for a walk." Edward Weston.

@marciolabio 11 ай бұрын

I must admit that I've never actively thought of an image composed in such a way that there are different subjects participating in telling a story. This was very inspiring and your pictures, when seen through these lenses, look even more astonishing. Great job, both for the video and for your pictures.

@eorsjr Жыл бұрын

Very insightful video, James! Made me realize how much I focus on isolating single subjects while paying little to no attention to supporting subjects.

@andrewwillows4333 Жыл бұрын

Very well said

@GameLikeYouMeanIt Жыл бұрын

I am about 270 days into a daily photo challenge. I have found myself doing a lot of landscape/street because of it. This is incredibly helpful advice

@alexgimagery Жыл бұрын

This is probably one of your most helpful and insightful posts. You've done an excellent job describing the relationships between the main subject and supporting subjects.

@roojanday Жыл бұрын

This was actually one of the most useful videos I’ve seen. James it’s like a lightbulb moment. Great explanation, makes total sense and I’ll never look at compositions like I used to. Keep up the great work 👍🏽

@nabeeldanish4374 9 ай бұрын

Simple. Easy to follow, straight to the point, and easy enough for even a beginner like me to follow. This was really one of the best videos on composition I have seen, and so for that, you got yourself a subscriber

@washingtonradio Жыл бұрын

Thanks James, I like the concept of a "star" and "supporting" elements in a shot. I think this is a more useful concept than the various "rules" as it seems more natural than the rules often are.

@TheArtist441 Жыл бұрын

James, there’s something very special about your photography style. It’s that special sauce beyond what words can explain. I really like it

@thedachmo Жыл бұрын

I absolutely love this philosophy/approach. You're dead right about how rules make people take photos of uninteresting subjects! The supporting elements is going to be something I'll definitely be taking out into the field, thank you!

@nurulkharisma8096 11 ай бұрын

I'm a beginner and this is the most useful composition technique I've ever seen. Thanks for the video, James!

@snoopdoggty1086 Жыл бұрын

you are a life savior! i was feeling lost and on an all time low and depressing phase of photography as i felt my compositions are not great and here you are!

@michaelj.1121 Жыл бұрын

That’s REALLY useful way of visualizing the approach - excellent advice

@AshleeDenaro 8 ай бұрын

Stunning work. The explanation of story-telling in these combines an aspect of photojournalism that I love, but in almost a cinematic way-simply lovely

@MSladekPhoto Жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for sharing this! I really appreciate the notion of paying attention to what you notice and then taking time to work out how to compose the photo elements. Great reminder!

@kirokyo 11 ай бұрын

The concept of subject and supporting subjects is so powerful and changes the way I think of composing a photo. Putting it in that frame work, it helps understand all of the other composition techniques, which is how to add to the main subject and make it interesting. Thank you for this!

@benw2751 11 ай бұрын

Been watching you for years. Just wanted to take a moment and say thank you. I learn so much from you (almost) every time and find your approach to topics original and it jives with my mindset. Please keep it up I’ll keep watching.

@Jake-vt4ow Жыл бұрын

Top notch advice. Explained in a way I haven’t heard before, and it’s made so much sense. Thank you, so much. I love your work!

@buildingpickleball 11 ай бұрын

I’m more involved in videography than photography but found this one fascinating and useful. Thanks for sharing, super easy to watch.

@EmanuelePanni1983 Жыл бұрын

This is one of the most eye opening video about photography I've seen. Can't wait to go out and shoot to apply a new fresh way to look at composition!

@f4.therapy Жыл бұрын

Such a brilliant analogy James, love this idea of a main character and their supporting subjects! Great work! 👍

@darryljungen8307 Жыл бұрын

Thank you, James. Great explanation of a complicated process. I really appreciate that you provide information in a clear, concise and slightly humous way.

@keeganoconnellphotography Жыл бұрын

Informative and entertaining as always! Can’t wait for your next book!

@alexsaint1652 11 ай бұрын

Your videos always give me so much to think about! Thank you so much

@nancymatheson8602 Жыл бұрын

This is the first "fresh" discussion of composition I've encountered in quite a while. Thanks for giving me another tool for organizing my compositions.

@perrymckenna2261 Жыл бұрын

By far one of the best composition video I’ve ever viewed. So insightful and on point. Thanks for sharing!

@ivanbarrientos7106 4 ай бұрын

I have being doing this since long time ago, but in a purely intuitive way. This video has greatly helped me to understand my own way of doing things and refine my perception of my own photography (mental ?) work flow in order to simplify it , in direct benefit of my getting meaningful images. This has been the most important video I have had the opportunity to watch in a longtime. Thanks !

@andrewwillows4333 Жыл бұрын

I watch all your videos, loads of others and read every book on photography I can get my hands on. This is the first time I heard the concept of supporting actors in photography. Fantastic video James.

@TudorSmithPhotography 11 ай бұрын

Brilliant. I often enjoy including other elements in a photo when I'm focusing on a subject. I never considered the idea of supporting subjects. This was really helpful. Thank you.

@cameroholic67 5 ай бұрын

Wonderful video!!! Knowing all of the rules for perspective and composition are good, but more often than not I feel like they trap me and limit what I feel like I can create, often leaving me feeling frustrated or discouraged. This concept of supporting subjects is incredibly freeing and honestly inspires more creativity and excitement. Thank you, thank you for this video and for sharing your work, which is incredible and inspiring.

@michelv714 Жыл бұрын

One of the best composition video ever, James ! As simple as it can be, but full of useful information .

@DonaldDork 5 ай бұрын

Your photos are absolutely wonderful. They are like a warm, comforting treat for my eyes. Thank you for sharing your insights. This is the first time that I'm learning of this concept of Supporting Subjects & the Compositing techniques that you use. I feel inspired. 🙏

@-grey Жыл бұрын

Fantastic insight, James. This is the most useful intermediate relevant tidbit I've heard about photography since dynamic symmetry was popular a few years ago. Quality work and photos here. ✌️

@yashshah6508 5 ай бұрын

Your video randomly popped up on my feed and I’m so glad it did. I feel motivated to get back to pursuing photography as a hobby and learning more about its techniques. Thanks James!

@joetag5429 Жыл бұрын

Bravo mate. A difficult subject expertly explained in a creative, succinct and entertaining manner. Multiple thumbs up.

@JoseIgnacioCabral1 9 ай бұрын

this is exactly what i needed. I've been trying to find a video like this for so long. thank you so much!

@bobfolsom5908 5 ай бұрын

I think this is the most thoughtful discussion on composition I have ever come across! Excellent!

@user-ri5eo5tn2s 4 ай бұрын

One of the best videos on composition. Thanks James.

@manuelheckmann6681 10 ай бұрын

James, just can confirm what already has been said. One of the best and most insightful videos on composition. I really like your personal take on it and your nonchalance approach to photography. Thanks you.

@mpearce888 Жыл бұрын

Great video. Love seeing the shots and hearing the thinking behind them

@GriffinPurse 10 ай бұрын

This was really helpful for me, thank you!

@sarah.ashley. 9 ай бұрын

Love the colours in your photos. Fantastic!

@jensbertholhansen3435 Жыл бұрын

Good advice, thanks. Simply explained and just one theme, main subject/supporting subject. And the most important, you encourage reflection on what the photographer is trying to tell with the photo. You don’t tell us how, but you ask us to think. That’s why I subscribe.

@gregdarroch1946 Жыл бұрын

I really like the way you expressed this method of setting up a shot. I will be attempting to do exactly that when I next venture out. Just have to wait a week for my cataract surgery to settle down before I get back into it.

@harrykitch9239 Жыл бұрын

Very helpful way to crystalize composition - other rules help once you have the subject & supporting subject firmly in place. Thanks

@jacobmunkhammar3775 Жыл бұрын

Best advice I've heard in a long while. And very inspiring. Thank you!

@leechappelow2757 11 ай бұрын

This one is getting saved to my “killer photography videos” playlist. Thank you for giving us this fresh perspective. Can’t wait to try it.

@JonDiPietro Жыл бұрын

Great analogy. This is probably the most impactful and easy-to-implement composition advice I've heard.

@JohnSmith-ov7iz Жыл бұрын

This was actually the most useful discussion about composition that I have ever heard. Thank you.

@DanaPushie 7 ай бұрын

Thanks James. I find it really instructive to hear a photographer, whose work I enjoy, describe their approach to composition. Creativity is, in my opinion, the greater skill than just knowing how to use ones gear. Great channel James.

@HollySzczypka Жыл бұрын

Absolutely loved this video, explained in such a clear and compelling way. I can’t wait to start implementing it more in my work.

@rexbenny1553 6 ай бұрын

Oh my. That picture you showed at 2:38? Amazing. Just amazing. The intention, the pull, the magnificence and the feeling of, being this small tiny existence all rolled into one amazing picture. Wow. In awe sir, in awe.

@skylerp.1319 11 ай бұрын

Fantastic take on some compositional strategies you use, thank you!

@heyolly Жыл бұрын

This was an excellent episode James, thank you! Very helpful. The pictures you show are wonderful too.

@ronboe6325 Жыл бұрын

Have not thought of it this way and find this is an excellent way to, conscientiously, frame up a shot.

@StuddMuffin99 5 ай бұрын

I’m really impressed by your videos! So well thought out and well explained 👏🏻 Keep ‘em coming 😊

@jshariff786 10 ай бұрын

Fantastic video as always, James. Thank you!

@jeffML3926 10 ай бұрын

I love the inclusion of your photos throughout these 'concepts of photography' vids... so useful, and cool to see some of your great shots!!

@Mightymoose02 4 күн бұрын

Great tutorial and wonderful photos!

@evam7431 10 ай бұрын

so rare to come across this kind of content and the photos are actually great. thanks for this!

@BenjaminSexton Жыл бұрын

I think you did an excellent job at providing some personal insight on how you approach the more challenging and subjective aspects of composition. I really like the concept of main and supporting subjects. I hadn't considered it before, but I can certainly see it at work in some of my photos I've taken recently - ones that I knew were somehow more compelling than what I usually shoot but couldn't quite explain why. It will be fun to see what comes out of playing around with the ideas you offered next time I go out. Thanks!

@NikHem343 5 ай бұрын

This is a very valuable video. Never thought about it like that. Thanks!

@bondrawin5926 Жыл бұрын

A one of powerful video for me who cannot find the inspiration for the new idea of photography lately, Thanks so much!

@krolldavid Жыл бұрын

Excellent video. Eye-opening. Thank you!

@TheKewllewk 11 ай бұрын

This might just be the most useful video about taking pictures i've seen so far. The idea definitely clicked with me and i'll try to use these insights next opportunity. Thank you!

@lukemerrill1272 11 ай бұрын

Seriously brilliant video, great examples, so much to learn... and of course well presented. Thanks James!

@dbarrywilliams 9 ай бұрын

One of the houses across the frosty field at around the 1’ 40 mark is the place I grew up. I remember many cold winter mornings and also playing in the long grass of that same field just before it was cut for hay.

@cheychc Жыл бұрын

very interesting!! thanks for taking us through your process!!

@richardturner81 Жыл бұрын

Great video, enjoyed watching and learning. The photos were very nice, I really like your editing style James. Thank you.

@evanistics Жыл бұрын

Fantastic. What a way to organize the process when putting together a shot. Thank you for this.

@kqschwarz Жыл бұрын

Fabulous video. I have watched it 3 times and saved it to my list of very informative content. THANK YOU.

@xuanlikethebike 5 ай бұрын

Really well explained. Thank you!

@botant500 Жыл бұрын

Great video. Clear and informative. Thank you.

@katherinec6031 8 ай бұрын

I like how your approach produces photos that are actually telling the viewer the subject(s), not just using what’s in the photo as a prop to go through the motions!

@jayjayasuriyainfo Жыл бұрын

Love your work! It was nice to see Sigiriya when you were scrolling through your photos! :D

@FerdiGaleon Жыл бұрын

Such a simple breakdown, thank you for the insight. Love to get perspectives from other photographers with compelling images that have strong compositions.

@safegourd 8 ай бұрын

I'm a painter and this is one of the best ways i've seen to frame (ha) good composition. Definitely applies to all visual art, not just photography. Even in non-representational art, there is still a focal point and supporting "actors" - it's just the subjects are now shapes, colors, patterns instead of objects

@ammarkhan3945 8 ай бұрын

Great perspective to view the world of images. Excited to implement this thought process more cognizantly! Thanks.

@AaronGayah 10 ай бұрын

Enjoyed this perspective, thank you.

@haileyjennelle Жыл бұрын

This video was so incredibly helpful. thank you! I have been trying to figure out how to make my photography more interesting and I think this will definitely help me.

@retropixer Жыл бұрын

Excellent advice James. Most useful video I watched on the topic, and your presentation of the idea was very clear and sensible. Thank you.😊

@ThiagoFerreira-jn4td Жыл бұрын

Hello James, it made a lot of sense. It was one of the most didactic explanations I've ever seen about composition, a simple but powerful explanation. I will try to apply it to my photography.

@AndG463 Жыл бұрын

This is a great way of looking at composition. It really made me think and reflect on how I take photos. Thanks for sharing your approach.

@charlotteice5704 4 ай бұрын

That was very impactful, thanks! My approach to composition has previously been "turn the grid on and get things to line up, and try to frame things" but my photos have been hit or miss thus far. Now I know why that is and what I can improve.

@jjfecik 5 ай бұрын

Wow! Thank you so much! This is such a helpful breakdown 🙏 Love your photos too!!

@originaljamtracks Жыл бұрын

Very useful, thank you - gave me lots to think about

@rosalieb7909 10 ай бұрын

As someone previously commented, this video helps me understand how to get my images to be about something rather than of something! Thank You!

@oakmountain2788 28 күн бұрын

This was excellent, first time I have heard of this idea and I've been shooting for years. Thanks!

@tooplanx Жыл бұрын

Thanks. This was a great video. I don't know how many composition videos I've watched, but I always struggle to find leading lines, or diagonals or any interesting way to shoot the thing I'm interested. This makes the thought process much simpler.

@belema22 5 ай бұрын

I absolutely love your photography! So helpful. Ill try some of these later

@hepcatliz 6 ай бұрын

the one at 10:11 I love this! the balance of the trios, horizontally and vertically, really works. And the surprise surfers? Lovely photograph 😮❤

@TSIMPSFILMS 6 ай бұрын

Solid video! It’s cool to watch someone articulate (very well I would add) how I approach composition. Thanks for posting!

@Skene_O 10 ай бұрын

I Loved the comment " If I see something that I think looks nice, I will want to photograph it". That statement is lost on so many new photographers because it is easy to fall in to at the trap of trying to replicate another creators shoot. Keeping it real James, and always love to hear your perspective on how you compose your photos.

@john-wiggains 9 ай бұрын

James, thank you for this video!!! You’ve given me a new frame work for evaluating how to take photos. Main actor and supporting actors. I love this! I’m going to try using this during my next few trips. Also thank you for including the scene of you moving around taking several shots. I appreciate knowing you don’t just walk up and one and done your shots 😂 That scene reminded me that I have permission to try again and again for a scene.