Driving through town I saw this little brightly painted beach cottage. I couldn't resist trying to make an image of it. The problem is that it is very close to the curb on a busy street, with cars parked along the curb in front. The bushes and building on either side are remarkably unattractive. So, my composition choices were very limited. I had to get too close and shoot my 28mm to get any kind of shot.
Still, I like the colors, and graphic nature of the image, even if the composition is a bit unbalanced. I will keep my eye open whenever I pass by for a chance at a better balanced composition.
Enjoy
Leica M10-P, Voigtlander 28mm f/2 Ultron II, f/8, 1/250 sec, ISO 200, AWB
1bwana1 wrote:
even if the composition is a bit unbalanced.
Not unbalanced at all ... it is asymmetrically balanced.
(vs. symmetrically balanced).
Think about a mobile of the solar system hanging. Different sizes, shapes and positions, yet the right amount of size, shape, tug & pull keeps things in balance (and still affords movement) ... even if everything isn't evenly distributed with equal or symmetrical components.
RustyBug wrote:
Not unbalanced at all ... it is asymmetrically balanced.
(vs. symmetrically balanced).
Think about a mobile of the solar system hanging. Different sizes, shapes and positions, yet the right amount of size, shape, tug & pull keeps things in balance (and still affords movement) ... even if everything isn't evenly distributed with equal or symmetrical components.
Thanks for the comments. I was intending for an asymmetrical balance from the begining. I just would have preferred to have the red door on the third line instead of in the third section as it is now. Maybe that is just my landscape esthetic and I should be a bit more flexible.
Driving through town I saw this little brightly painted beach cottage. I couldn't resist trying to make an image of it. The problem is that it is very close to the curb on a busy street, with cars parked along the curb in front. The bushes and building on either side are remarkably unattractive. So, my composition choices were very limited. I had to get too close and shoot my 28mm to get any kind of shot.
Still, I like the colors, and graphic nature of the image, even if the composition is a bit unbalanced. I will keep my eye open whenever I pass by for a chance at a better balanced composition.
This is wonderful Steve. In all ways. Love the primary colors (red, yellow and Blue)
Composition isn't and shouldn't be a formula. A few words by some of the greatest to evert push a shutter and something to think about when talking about composition.
A little video by one of the greats.
It's short and really worth a watch.
And some words by some of the greats.
"When subject matter is forced to fit into preconceived patterns, there can be no freshness of vision. Following rules of composition can only lead to a tedious repetition of pictorial cliches." - Edward Weston
"There are no rules and regulations for perfect composition. If there were we would be able to put all the information into a computer and would come out with a masterpiece. We know that's impossible. You have to compose by the seat of your pants." - Arnold Newman
"There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs." - Ansel Adams
"And in not learning the rules, I was free. I always say, you're either defined by the medium or you redefine the medium in terms of your needs." - Duane Michals
"There are no shortcuts, no rules." - Paul Strand
"Photography is not a sport. It has no rules. Everything must be dared and tried!" - Bill Brandt
"I came from the outside, the rules of photography didn't interest me... "-William Klein
"...... a photograph can look any way. Or, there's no way a photograph has to look (beyond being an illusion of a literal description). Or, there are no external or abstract or preconceived rules of design that can apply to still photographs. "-Garry Winogrand
and maybe my favorite " ......so called “composition” becomes a personal thing, to be developed along with technique, as a personal way of seeing." - Edward Weston
airfrogusmc wrote:
This is wonderful Steve. In all ways. Love the primary colors (red, yellow and Blue)
Composition isn't and shouldn't be a formula. A few words by some of the greatest to evert push a shutter and something to think about when talking about composition.
And some words by some of the greats.
"When subject matter is forced to fit into preconceived patterns, there can be no freshness of vision. Following rules of composition can only lead to a tedious repetition of pictorial cliches." - Edward Weston
"There are no rules and regulations for perfect composition. If there were we would be able to put all the information into a computer and would come out with a masterpiece. We know that's impossible. You have to compose by the seat of your pants." - Arnold Newman
"There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographs." - Ansel Adams
"And in not learning the rules, I was free. I always say, you're either defined by the medium or you redefine the medium in terms of your needs." - Duane Michals
"There are no shortcuts, no rules." - Paul Strand
"Photography is not a sport. It has no rules. Everything must be dared and tried!" - Bill Brandt
"I came from the outside, the rules of photography didn't interest me... "-William Klein
"...... a photograph can look any way. Or, there's no way a photograph has to look (beyond being an illusion of a literal description). Or, there are no external or abstract or preconceived rules of design that can apply to still photographs. "-Garry Winogrand
and maybe my favorite " ......so called “composition” becomes a personal thing, to be developed along with technique, as a personal way of seeing." - Edward Weston
Once again thanks for the supportive words and the links to relevant learnings. I have learned a great deal from yuo during my Leica explorations. I continue to take the camera with me every day and run into images that intrigue me. This was one such encounter. I must remember to be more open, and not be constrained by artificial rules. I saw an opportunity, and took advantage as best I could. I liked the result. That should be enough.
