Composition, Visual Design and Storytelling
Learn photography composition: balance, lines, rule of thirds, framing, viewpoint, color and contrast, cropping, storytelling and when to break the rules.
14 lessons
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Lessons in this course
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1
What Makes a Photograph Visually Effective?
Learn what makes a photograph visually effective: a clear subject, guided attention, good light, the right moment and simplicity, plus the elements of design.
6 min -
2
Visual Balance, Weight, Simplicity and Negative Space
Learn what visual weight is, how symmetrical and asymmetrical balance work, why simple photos are stronger, and how to use negative space with purpose.
6 min -
3
Lines, Curves, Diagonals, Shapes and Patterns
Learn how leading lines, horizontals, verticals, diagonals, curves, shapes and patterns guide the eye and create mood, and how to use them in your photos.
6 min -
4
Rule of Thirds, Centering and Alternative Composition Approaches
Learn what the rule of thirds is and where it came from, when to center your subject instead, and alternatives like the golden ratio, edges and lead room.
7 min -
5
Foreground, Middle Ground and Background
Learn how foreground, middle ground and background create depth in a flat photo, how to choose foreground interest, and how to keep layers working together.
6 min -
6
Framing, Layering and Depth
Learn how to use natural frames like doorways, windows and branches to focus attention, how layering adds depth, and how to avoid frames that distract.
5 min -
7
Perspective and Viewpoint as Composition Tools
Learn how camera angles and viewpoint shape meaning: eye level, high and low angles, bird's-eye, worm's-eye, Dutch angle, distance and point of view.
5 min -
8
Reflections, Repetition and Symmetry
Learn how to find and compose reflections, use repetition and rhythm, and create strong symmetrical photos, plus when to break symmetry on purpose.
6 min -
9
Color, Contrast and Visual Emphasis
Learn how tonal contrast, color contrast, saturation and warm and cool colors pull the eye to your subject, and how to avoid colors that compete with it.
6 min -
10
Cropping and Composition After Capture
Learn when and how to crop photos to improve composition, what cropping costs in resolution, where not to crop people, and why in-camera framing matters.
6 min -
11
Aspect Ratio and Final Framing
Learn how frame shape changes composition and mood, which aspect ratios suit which subjects, and how to frame for prints, screens and social media.
6 min -
12
Visual Storytelling and Sequencing
Learn how a single photo tells a story, the classic shot types of a photo story, and how to order images into a simple sequence with a beginning and an end.
6 min -
13
Breaking Composition Rules Deliberately
Learn why composition rules work, how to break them on purpose for impact, and how to make a broken rule look intentional instead of like a mistake.
6 min -
14
Developing Personal Visual Judgment
Learn how to train your photographic eye: study great photographs, review your own work honestly, practise with focus, seek feedback, and grow your judgment.
6 min