Composition Techniques For Better Images

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  • Опубліковано 6 жов 2020
  • My new 'Medium Format Film Photography Course' on Skillshare (FREE with this link): skl.sh/3r7KLta
    In this video, I'll be doing a breakdown of some of my images, looking at composition choices, and talking about some tips that will help you improve your images.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 427

  • @JohnKrill
    @JohnKrill 3 роки тому +252

    Really nice to have someone talk about pictures and not cameras.

    • @niqvuk
      @niqvuk 2 роки тому +3

      I second this… more please!

    • @solomonobidiegwu3019
      @solomonobidiegwu3019 2 роки тому

      this is the way

    • @malypavel25
      @malypavel25 2 роки тому +5

      Secondly, it’s not some just guy who’s telling you to “use rule of thirds”. This person knows better things to talk about ❤️

  • @kubowich
    @kubowich 3 роки тому +281

    USA is basically a playground for photographers. Awesome cool vintage stuff laying around in every yard

    • @DirectRegister
      @DirectRegister 3 роки тому +43

      We feel the same way about other countries! I guess it’s a reminder to be thankful for what we have

    • @immersgamers9730
      @immersgamers9730 3 роки тому +22

      i live in Hong Kong, the distraction in one scene is almost unbearable, it is impossible to make a narrative out of your photo. everything imaginable basically clusters in your composition.

    • @forevertwentyone2655
      @forevertwentyone2655 3 роки тому +7

      @@immersgamers9730 I live in Hong Kong too and I feel the same way oh my god . Too much distraction

    • @rasmus9311
      @rasmus9311 3 роки тому +17

      @@immersgamers9730 I have wanted to visit and photograph Hong Kong kinda for that reason, it's so different and lively scenes everywhere

    • @MarioVastola
      @MarioVastola 3 роки тому +23

      I don’t agree. I think we are prone to believe that the USA are this big playground for photos just because that is what the mainstream media projects into our memories and conscience. Movies and series built up this image of a playground, with astonishing visuals and places to shoot. Had Hollywood been founded in Europe or Africa we would think otherwise. It’s just a matter of the strongest economy, really. Having said this, nonetheless I think the USA hold a really great scenery in their land.

  • @Larpy1933
    @Larpy1933 Місяць тому

    Whoa! Kyle struck gold here. The engaged comments indicate WE LIKE THIS ONE!
    Thanks Kyle! And good luck from Victoria, BC.

  • @inkaststudio
    @inkaststudio 3 роки тому +48

    Interesting how you approached this subject. Rather than a generic “tips video” you told the story of the picture. Very helpful for someone photographing similar situations! Would definitely love to see this as a new series! 👍🏾

  • @JanneRanta
    @JanneRanta 3 роки тому +46

    5:23 couldn't help but notice how the power lines perfectly match the windows too.

  • @BryanBirks
    @BryanBirks 3 роки тому +100

    I love this. Composition is the easiest but the hardest to master. I’m definitely not even close to mastering. I think there are way too many photographers that just show up to a scene and snap it due to the excitement of finding it. They don’t really study it. All these images you can tell that you didn’t pull up and start snapping away. There’s thought and precision in the placement of things. Probably the number one thing that I see in not only beginners but people that I’ve been photographing awhile.

    • @KyleMcDougall
      @KyleMcDougall  3 роки тому +10

      Yeah man, I agree. I don't think it's something that you really ever master, but can definitely improve skills a lot. I know I have a long way to go still. But the one major thing that I've learned is that there are images everywhere. The longer you spend looking, the more you'll find... same with creative opportunities. It's one of the things that I love about this craft!

    • @maxwellwellmax878
      @maxwellwellmax878 3 роки тому

      LOL Always a lurker :D

  • @tbfreund
    @tbfreund 3 роки тому +59

    This made me feel like a bad photographer in the best way possible 😂

  • @jonathantyler8106
    @jonathantyler8106 3 роки тому +7

    Hi, I stumbled across your video and I would like to thank you for taking the time to interrogate each of the images. I see other photographers talking about composition, and they use similar concepts to illustrate like you do, but you take it to the next level by talking about the intricate thought that you put into the images. I find this very helpful to groom my thinking about composition, not so that I can copy your technique, per se, but so that I can incorporate your technique in my thought processes. I think it will help me to "remember" things to look for in my images to improve my photography.
    I have been "that photographer" that shows up on a scene, and as another commenter said, just snap away due to the excitement of finding the image. I plan to slow down a bit, and explore my local area a bit more through this new lens (see what I did there?) to hopefully improve my composition when I do travel out and time is shorter.

  • @reubenbharucha225
    @reubenbharucha225 2 місяці тому +1

    Great video, really helpful tips and great to see you talk through specific examples and give insight into your process. Thanks!

  • @matthewsantomarco2211
    @matthewsantomarco2211 3 роки тому +121

    Dang. This was a master class in composition. I have so much to learn. Exceptional video Kyle!

  • @thelilcanadiankid
    @thelilcanadiankid 2 роки тому +2

    Bro ur talking about all these tips and I'm just staring at these pics in awe... you are an amazing photographer

  • @thisisnotdom
    @thisisnotdom 3 роки тому +1

    Great video! Like that you talk through your thoughts rather than saying "Rule 1:..., Rule 2:...". Very useful!

  • @joshjacobson9846
    @joshjacobson9846 2 роки тому +1

    I respect that you waited for the cloud on the motel sign rather than just photoshopping the sky

  • @vikdaddy
    @vikdaddy 3 роки тому +2

    Great video - I like your quote, "taming the chaos that's in the real world". I have aspergers so organising the "chaos in the real world" is something I am doing all the time, on autopilot!

  • @teocrawford
    @teocrawford 3 роки тому +6

    Perfectly overlapping the "i" of the financing lettering is geeenius - love it! :D

  • @billdeng8558
    @billdeng8558 Рік тому +1

    super inspirational, best composition sharing video I've ever seen on UA-cam - part 2 part 2 part 2!!!

  • @berndvandecruys
    @berndvandecruys 3 роки тому +7

    Really like these type of videos, where photographers explain their thinking and methodology. Definitely gives me motivation to re-explore subjects in my surrounding and closely examine them, revisit them during different times of day.

  • @RonnyKohlmann
    @RonnyKohlmann 3 роки тому +2

    Cream of the crop, you are a surgeon and the camera is your knife. You compose so very balanced and meticulous. It's a joy to look at you images. Well done Thank you Kyle

  • @NeilBruder
    @NeilBruder 3 роки тому +65

    I’m not familiar with the other photographer’s work that you mentioned but I think for a second video (or third vid) it would be great to look at images that differ stylistically as much as possible from yours just to get as much contrast in compositional approaches. Your images tend to be quite geometric and rectilinear so it might be interesting to look at compositions that are more chaotic or fluid or amorphous. Something like that!

  • @elevenseventeen6293
    @elevenseventeen6293 3 роки тому +3

    Composition master, you must have a real itch for being this precisely!!! It’s beautiful to say the least

  • @hurleygreen927
    @hurleygreen927 3 роки тому +1

    GREAT Tutorial! Makes us photographers look at the world in a different light and from a different perspective..THANKS!

  • @mrhockey2443
    @mrhockey2443 3 роки тому +22

    Your obvious passion for photography and your knowledge are inspiring!

  • @Guairenito
    @Guairenito Рік тому +1

    Nice to see you again Kyle. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

  • @fabiosantucci6054
    @fabiosantucci6054 Рік тому +1

    You also have “leading lines” working really well in the composition of the 2nd example.👏🏻👏🏻 the road on the right and the roof from the left leading both to the sign. Just amazing in the overall!! 🫶🏻🫶🏻
    I’m devouring all your videos! Thanks very much for the work you putting into this educational material. 🙏🏻

  • @trashfuzzaudio
    @trashfuzzaudio 2 роки тому +1

    Third image, stop sign. The power lines are coinciding perfectly within the windows. That was my favorite part of that shot!

  • @AndyDay
    @AndyDay 3 роки тому

    That laundromat photo is killer. Love it.

  • @DevonChristopherAdams
    @DevonChristopherAdams 3 роки тому +4

    I found there’s a quiet reflection with what you do. You have purpose in your art and to articulate not only your creativity and purpose but also your technicality is refreshing. I wait for your videos. Thank you again.

    • @KyleMcDougall
      @KyleMcDougall  3 роки тому +1

      Thanks so much, Devon. Really appreciate that!

  • @eltinjones4542
    @eltinjones4542 Рік тому +1

    One of the best videos that I've seen on composition
    Done by example and not prescription 📷👍

  • @retiredguyadventures6211
    @retiredguyadventures6211 3 роки тому +2

    I liked how the road in the first picture leads your eye to the nearest grain elevator and then continues on to the second one that is framed. Good work!

  • @terrywyse
    @terrywyse 3 роки тому +3

    Love..love..love this video. I really love listening to other artists/photographers talk about their process. The takeaway for me was simply slowing down, calming my brain and really thinking about what I’m doing when composing a scene. It’s got me inspired to take a road trip next spring, something I’ve been thinking about doing the past couple of years, leaving my digital Pentax at home....and bringing out the analog boys to play (Pentax 645 Nii and 6x7 MLU). Thanks for the inspiration Kyle.

  • @RetroPhotoPro
    @RetroPhotoPro 4 місяці тому +1

    Dang it! I sat there in that spot parked trying to decide how to line it up, and eventually gave up because I hated the sky. Very nice!!!! For love the of the panhandle of Texas and the grain elevators making the landscape interesting!

  • @narason
    @narason 9 місяців тому +1

    Thank you for sharing your experience, skills, and thought process. I learned a lot. I never thought about "breathing room" and "create opportunity" in my photos. Thanks again!!

  • @creativevit5961
    @creativevit5961 3 роки тому +3

    Wow. These photos look so simple and so powerful at the same time!!! Well timed and composed making me stare at them forever without being bored. Just amazing!!!

  • @rayvaughn5546
    @rayvaughn5546 3 роки тому +1

    I like your selections. They are pure uncomplicated photography glad to see someone making photos that make sense to me. These are old school thinking. Refreshing. Your explanations are so down to earth. Thanks!

  • @mskogly
    @mskogly 3 роки тому

    I like the overall light and colors in your shots.

  • @jameskeane487
    @jameskeane487 3 роки тому +2

    I have to say, this video was so satisfying to watch. It is just so pleasing to see how meticulous and clean the composition is within your images. Looking forward to the next part!

  • @crystalanokam
    @crystalanokam 3 роки тому +2

    I am in awe at the level of attention to detail you have in your image making process, wow... I am inspired 🌟

    • @KyleMcDougall
      @KyleMcDougall  3 роки тому +1

      Thank you! Glad you enjoyed this one!

  • @EricPost9
    @EricPost9 Рік тому +1

    Super helpful video! Love your work! Thanks!

  • @partlydave2
    @partlydave2 3 роки тому +2

    For the photo of the Roy’s sign through the window, I also like how the triangular shape of the light at the bottom of the frame mimics the triangular shape of the sign.

  • @elevenseventeen6293
    @elevenseventeen6293 3 роки тому +2

    Colors are fire

  • @photofools307
    @photofools307 3 роки тому +3

    Hey man LOVE this so much. I really appreciate how you take into account detail, compositional awareness, and convention into consideration when you shoot. I feel that I sometimes dance on similar lines of thought, and hearing you discuss it made me reflect on my own process. Thank you for such a great video, and such great art.

  • @rioszeke
    @rioszeke 3 роки тому +2

    Great video! I’ve been needing to learn something like this to continue improving. Your videos and your podcast have all been a great resource for me and my photography, thanks!

  • @skullheart12
    @skullheart12 3 роки тому +3

    One of the first things I noticed at 14:12 was the airplane trail almost perfectly completing the triangle of the MidPoint cafe sign, hahah love it! Incredible video as always Kyle, these compositions are so pleasing to the eye! Feeling v inspired right now

    • @TwangThang57
      @TwangThang57 3 роки тому +2

      Me too, surprised he didn't mention it. Might have been a gimme, but it sure worked!

    • @KyleMcDougall
      @KyleMcDougall  3 роки тому

      Thank you, Joe! And good eye. 🙂

  • @paulsylvia241
    @paulsylvia241 3 роки тому +1

    Wonderful class in composition and insightful photography. I was amazed with the image of the garage in the light segment on how the cast shadow of the garage signs falls in the telephone pole.

  • @terryolsen4244
    @terryolsen4244 3 роки тому +1

    Excellent video, Kyle. I really enjoy (and learn) seeing and listening to the compositional choices you made in your images. Looking forward to Part 2.

  • @matthewphillips5950
    @matthewphillips5950 3 роки тому +3

    10:50 the framing looks like a 16:9 cine frame. Great!

  • @nateeames6826
    @nateeames6826 3 роки тому +1

    This is just excellent top tier content. I love how a lot of your videos are much more like photography classes or workshops than the usual personal vlog on location style like most photography channels. Please keep making videos like this that break down the technique and approach. Also really excited to see you talk to other photographers about these types of topics. Just subscribed.
    Also side note, your style of photography and your thought process is exactly how I photograph (or at least how I try to photograph). Love your work and love hearing about how you make it.

    • @KyleMcDougall
      @KyleMcDougall  3 роки тому +1

      Thanks for the comment Nate. Really appreciate that. Glad you’ve been enjoying the content!

  • @Dmzfotografie
    @Dmzfotografie Рік тому

    Dude, your photos are amazing! Really great work!

  • @JazWho-hg2zh
    @JazWho-hg2zh Рік тому

    It's all in the details. Love it

  • @BryanDorr
    @BryanDorr 3 роки тому +1

    Gotta love the "T" and "U" forming in the last abandoned kitchen photo. The birds on the streetlamp in the "Trails West" sign photo is a nice added element. Lots of inspiration from this video. Thanks for sharing.

  • @HaughtyBagman
    @HaughtyBagman Рік тому +1

    Really nice video. Appreciate this. So many composition videos just go over the basic rules, which are obviously important, but I appreciate this more detailed discussion

  • @youngminyune8171
    @youngminyune8171 3 роки тому +1

    This lesson is really helpful.
    That ‘s why it is so pleasing to see your photos. Just great, Kyle.

  • @championthewonderhorse9733
    @championthewonderhorse9733 3 роки тому +1

    I love your images and this video is fantastic and deserves to be appreciated far more broadly. Good work!

  • @samaeltheimpaler
    @samaeltheimpaler 3 роки тому +3

    This is helping me a lot to better understand Stephen Shore's photography. Illuminating, thanks!

  • @timma8221
    @timma8221 3 роки тому +1

    This is a really great video about composition, informative and very straightforward with incredible examples shown! Love it so much.

  • @davistripp
    @davistripp 2 роки тому +1

    Thanks Kyle! This is great.

  • @themuzzuk
    @themuzzuk 3 роки тому

    Really enjoyed this video. Photos are superb and explained really well. Thanks

  • @jaredgotcher
    @jaredgotcher 3 роки тому +1

    This was excellent, Kyle! Thank you! It was really helpful to hear and see how you thought through those compositions. Definitely motivates me to be more conscious of the elements in my scene.

  • @AndreaLivieriPhoto
    @AndreaLivieriPhoto 3 роки тому +2

    Really great video as always, Kyle! The creative vision and the composition process are always super interesting. Cheers

  • @mattl347
    @mattl347 3 роки тому +1

    Great video Kyle. Very interesting to listen to your preferences for composing these images, as well as your thought processes behind the images. Thanks a lot for sharing 👍

  • @Nat.ImagesLarge.F.Photographer
    @Nat.ImagesLarge.F.Photographer 3 роки тому +1

    Master,excellent work ,very inspiring!
    Thanks

  • @willdabobalore2132
    @willdabobalore2132 3 роки тому +2

    The photo at 12:05 was just phenomenal and a really great example for your compositional process. Great stuff

  • @jamiebennett3745
    @jamiebennett3745 3 роки тому +2

    I've been struggling with how to compose busier scenes, this was so helpful! Looking forward to a part two!

  • @staplercut
    @staplercut 3 роки тому +1

    Beautiful images and very helpful tips!

  • @MKL_D
    @MKL_D 3 роки тому +1

    I love your work, beautiful colour, simple approach. I have run out of words.

  • @kylekisling1
    @kylekisling1 3 роки тому +1

    Really enjoyed this! Always interested to hear the thoughts/intent behind the captures. Looking forward to the next installment.

  • @stefanoarena7502
    @stefanoarena7502 3 роки тому +1

    Your videos are immensely inspiring! Thank you so much for all the knowledge you share 😃

    • @KyleMcDougall
      @KyleMcDougall  3 роки тому +1

      Thank you, Stefano. Appreciate you watching.

  • @I-Have-Many
    @I-Have-Many 6 місяців тому

    Great stuff! This is the type content that that’s really helpful for leaning how to analyze a potential shot.
    👍😎

  • @cameronwilson8561
    @cameronwilson8561 2 роки тому +1

    This is brilliant, thanks so much

  • @pixelcatcherStuttgart
    @pixelcatcherStuttgart 2 роки тому

    loved it! thanks for sharing your images and thoughts

  • @alexflynn8753
    @alexflynn8753 3 роки тому +1

    Great tips here. I'm definitely going to try to be more conscious when shooting after watching this video.

  • @allhope21
    @allhope21 3 роки тому +1

    Great video. Very informative. This is my first time watching one of your videos and I learned a lot. Your explanations were concise and easy to understand. Looking forward to more.

  • @eddiebachalani5136
    @eddiebachalani5136 3 роки тому +1

    Great masterclass - got lots out of it. Thanks

  • @angelmoldez3512
    @angelmoldez3512 3 роки тому

    When it comes to composition, people will only enumerate stuff... yeah they show multiple examples but they never fully explain it. This video does not only tackle compositions but it is a visual exercise as well. What I learned in this video is that even the slightest detail, it can make or break a photo and also, always take time to find creative opportunities. Love your photos... it makes me feel calm. You earned a new subscriber right here :)

  • @TheZachMendez
    @TheZachMendez 3 роки тому +1

    Love your channel & your podcast! Thank you for sharing your passion & knowledge. It is such a valuable perspective. 👍

  • @michaelholtmann5609
    @michaelholtmann5609 3 роки тому +1

    Awesome video. Learned a lot and really like your attention to small details.

  • @jdebultra
    @jdebultra 3 роки тому +1

    Thank you sir. Excellent instruction.

  • @Giles29
    @Giles29 2 роки тому

    Great video, fantastic composition tips. I often shoot with intent to crop in an effort to get the composition right.

  • @stevebikes995
    @stevebikes995 3 роки тому +2

    Wonderful images. Great job.

  • @CornishMotorcycleDiaries
    @CornishMotorcycleDiaries 3 роки тому +4

    The more I take pictures, the more I realise that composition comes first, light and subject second. I played the game with myself of 'spot the edits' and was fairly close in most cases, which is gratifying. Of course I might make different decisions to you on composition even using the same rules, but that is OK. The rules are open to interpretation as you showed several times in this tutorial.

  • @jaymathews356
    @jaymathews356 3 роки тому +1

    Great tutorial! In the first image, I also like how the arrows in the road are mirroring the yield sign, as well as the awning on the building on the right side of the image.

  • @BIMLounge
    @BIMLounge 3 роки тому +1

    Love the subjects and the composition choices. Although I knew most of the principles, I enjoyed seeing the thought process around your shots. I appreciate videos that actually teach you a skill. Thanks!

  • @richardrizzo_photography
    @richardrizzo_photography 3 роки тому +1

    Very helpful Kyle, looking forward to the next part.
    oh and I love your style of photography.

  • @jruizzz17
    @jruizzz17 3 роки тому +1

    This is one of the most helpful videos I’ve ever seen!

  • @gregsg01
    @gregsg01 3 роки тому +1

    Enjoyed your interpretation and application of the various rules and your design perspectives. Learnt a bit more from the video. Thank you.

  • @SimoneBelloni
    @SimoneBelloni 3 роки тому +1

    Thanks for sharing Kyle, I personally wouldn’t have noticed those kind of details in the composition. But while you were walking through the pictures they made so much sense!

  • @seppireda7351
    @seppireda7351 3 роки тому +1

    This was awesome! Loved this video. Great stuff! Looking forward to the next one.

  • @howspeechless
    @howspeechless 3 роки тому +1

    thank you for sharing!

  • @rjndca
    @rjndca 3 роки тому +1

    Had no absolute idea abt photography but definitely wanted to learn more even though the gear costs much. This made me realize that tiny details matter when choosing to compose your images. This is an absolute delight. Your work is awesome!

  • @UlyssesAokiPhoto
    @UlyssesAokiPhoto 3 роки тому

    Great educational video Kyle!

  • @theblackandwhitefilmproject
    @theblackandwhitefilmproject 3 роки тому +1

    Great video. One of the most informative. Very stimulating. Thanks. Look forward to more.

  • @joeiscoffee
    @joeiscoffee 3 роки тому +1

    This is the best!!! Thanks for sharing

  • @rgarciamainou
    @rgarciamainou 3 роки тому +1

    Kyle, great video. Love your style and the care you use in every frame. When you were talking about the Roy photo I also saw a very interesting echo between the sign shape and the triangle of light below. A less evident one also between the broken window and the shaped light on the right. Beautiful pics. Congratulations.

  • @peterolijve9040
    @peterolijve9040 3 роки тому +1

    Thanks Kyle! Really interesting stuff and educational. Nice shots for sure.

  • @ParallaxPete
    @ParallaxPete 3 роки тому +1

    Please do more of these types of videos!!

  • @Edge-ir8tb
    @Edge-ir8tb 3 роки тому +1

    Thank you Kyle that was great!

  • @Upstart800
    @Upstart800 3 роки тому

    You made some great compositions, I appreciate the tutorial.

  • @MikeGrayFilm
    @MikeGrayFilm 3 роки тому +2

    I've got to get way better at this. Thanks for the master class OG!

    • @KyleMcDougall
      @KyleMcDougall  3 роки тому +1

      Thank you! Practice, practice, practice. We all have things to get better at. :)

  • @63nuke
    @63nuke 3 роки тому +1

    Very helpful vid with some great tips. Thanks for sharing.

  • @aramb
    @aramb 3 роки тому +1

    OK, you totally had me with the telephone handset. This was really helpful - thank you!