Step-By-Step Composition Techniques for Digital Photographers

by Ernst Wildi

This thorough composition guide details the various components involved in composing a professional-looking, artistically arranged photograph. Basic elements of photography, different image formats and backgrounds, and the importance of color and image balance are discussed along with tips on subject placement, such as using attention-grabbing elements and naturally existing lines to help a scene or subject look its best. How to keep the image simple and improve backgrounds post-capture are also reviewed.

96 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2005

Reviews

[Steve Heglin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this title may seem a little dated, I actually found it a great resource for brushing up on compositional techniques without opening up a more detailed textbook. It was a light read that went in-depth into various composition techniques and rules, and directly applied them in various sample photos. Many times when you're discussing composition, the examples given will be in reference to art or design, but this book consistently used actual photographs to illustrate topics related to composition. The chapter on posing subjects was especially helpful and gave such nice tips. I definitely recommend picking this up if you just want to improve your photography in some way but don't know where to start. The author does a nice job of revisiting basic composition topics in new ways that more intermediate photographers can apply.

[Allyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a quick, not overwhelmingly in-depth book on photography. Lots of pics to illustrate the points being discussed. Quick- it would be a geat reference to own.