Introduction to
COmposition

Who is this course designed for?

The introduction to composition short course 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.

Our courses are kept to a maximum of 4 students and a minimum of 1 mentors, allowing us to spend quality time with you, and ensuring you receive the most out of the course.

What is the duration of the course?

The duration for the course is 4 hours generally running from 09:00am to 1:00pm, however this can be tailored to suit times for students.

Please note: Subject to your mentors availability course durations may be extended to ensure you receive the most out of the course.

What can you expect?

The introduction to composition course is comprised of 4 modules of composition topics. In each of these modules you’ll learn different techniques to compose great photos, you’ll learn to see the world around you from a different perspective, and you’ll put your new skills to the test in a series of practice shoots.

Essential Gear

♦ Your camera – DSLR, mirrorless, your iPhone; anything you use to take photos

♦ Charged batteries (if required)

♦ Sensible clothing, good walking shoes, sunscreen (if shooting outdoors)

♦ Water

Course Locations

Our photography short courses are organised casually throughout the year and are held on Saturdays and Sundays in the following locations:

♦ Newcastle, NSW

♦ Taree/Forster, NSW

♦ Port Macquarie, NSW

This gives us great variety to shoot in a range of locations, all of which have been selected for their suitability.

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.

NB: At the discretion of your mentor lunch may be had prior to the final lesson.

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What is included in the course?

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

Photography
Mentor

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

Hands On

You'll have the opportunity to use professional level camera equipment including from the Olympus range of mirrorless cameras.

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$150 per person

Course limited to a maximum of 4 students, and a minimum of 1 mentor. This allows us to ensure you achieve the most out of the course.

Limitations

The Introduction to Composition short course will be held at a public location selected for comfort and suitability. As such the course is contingent on weather conditions. In the event the weather precludes shooting outdoors, the topic exercises will be undertaken indoors.

In the event a course is postponed or cancelled you will be entitled to a full refund.

Food and drinks are not provided in this short course.

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