Fingerprint Photography and Media

Who is this course for?

Capturing an image is much more than pointing your camera at a subject and pressing the shutter, that is if you want to create great images. Composition is about taking photos that convey more than just a snapshot in time. True composition is about story-telling. 

The Introduction to Composition workshop is designed for anyone who loves taking photos, and who wants to develop an intuitive understanding of composition. Whether you’re shooting on a pro-series camera, or your iPhone, composition is what will set your photos apart from everyone else.

Please note: Courses are held subject to a minimum number of attendees.

What can I expect?

The Introduction to Composition workshop covers the basic fundamentals of composition. Taking a photo is one thing, but understanding why some photos are more appealing to the eye is another. 

In the course we’ll be looking at composition theory and putting these into practice to give you a working understanding of how to take great photos.

You’ll develop an understanding of observing your environment, subjects and being able to bring these together to create great images.

What do I need to bring?

What is the duration of the course?

The Introduction to Composition workshop runs for 5 hours over one day.

The course commences at 9:00am and finishes at 2:00pm, with an hour off for lunch and to recharge.

The Introduction to Composition is held in Gloucester, NSW.

Topics and Practice Exercises

Meet and greet

You get to know your mentor, and they’ll get to know you!

Basic Principles of Composition

In this first topic you will be introduced to the basic principles of composition. These will cover principles such as leading lines, horizon lines, contrast in shape, and contrast in light to name a few. We will also discuss angles of shooting and horizontal and vertical perspectives.This topic will provide an overview of composition.

Leading Your Viewer On

In the second topic on composition you will be introduced to common visual themes and foundations that define well composed photos. These will include:

Leading lines

The Rule of Thirds

Horizon Lines

Exercise: This topic will conclude with an exercise taking a series of photos utilising the 3 foundations discussed. Together we’ll review the images you take and discuss how each of the themes benefits your compositions.

Standing Out From the Rest

In our third topic we will discuss the value of contrast in great photos. Contrast will be introduced to you as three general themes:

Contrast of light – highlights and shadows

Contrast of shape

Contrast of colour

Exercise: The topic on contrast includes an exercise to take a range of photos that each incorporate one or more of the themes on contrast. At the end of the exercise we’ll review your photos together and discuss how contrast aids in composition.

Framing and Points of Interest

The fourth topic of composition covers the element of framing, as well as introducing you to foreground and background subject matter.

You will learn how framing adds or detracts from composition, and different ways that a subject can be framed. Further to this you will learn how foreground and background subject matter can be used to relate to one another and draw the viewer into the image.

Exercise: The topic will include an exercise to find a subject and frame that subject, a person in a doorway, a person between two other people etc. You will also take a series of photos that include both foreground and background subject matter.

Together we will review your photos and discuss how framing affects composition, and whether you were able to create a relationship between foreground and background subject matter.

Get on the Level

In the final topic of our course you will be encouraged to see the world from different perspectives; literally. In this topic you will be guided to shoot from above, from below and on the same horizontal plane as your subject matter. We will discuss how different angles frame your subject, and how angles change the perception of the subject.

Exercise: Our final topic will conclude with an extensive shooting session where, together, we will shoot subjects from a range of different angles. You will have the option to shoot your mentor (be gentle with us) from different angles.

Together we will review your photos and discuss how angles change the perspective of the subject matter, what works for one subject may not have worked for another.

In the Field

It’s time to get hands-on and take what we’ve learned and put it into practice.

This component of the course will take us through public and outdoor environments where you’ll be encouraged to not only take photos, but to explain why.

There’s no wrong or right answer. Rather, explaining why you took a particular photograph helps to tell the story of that image, and reinforce the usage of compositional elements.

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What is included in the course?

The cost for the introduction to composition course includes the following:

Photography
Mentor

5 hours with a photography mentor guiding you through activity specific topics on composition.

Hands On Tutition

You'll have the opportunity to use professional level camera equipment including Olympus and Panasonic cameras and lenses - subject to availability.

$229

The Introduction to Composition workshop is limited to a maximum of 4 attendees.

In this way your mentor is able to guide you personally, and the group is able to discuss compositional elements together.

Please note: Courses are held subject to a minimum number of attendees.

Get in touch with us to tailor a course to suit you.
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