Forget the Rule of Thirds, do this instead…

Summary

In this video, the host explores the art of composition in photography, focusing on the balance between main and supporting subjects. They emphasize the importance of identifying what to shoot and how to shoot it, rather than just adhering to traditional rules. Through various examples, they demonstrate how to enhance a scene with supporting elements without distracting from the main subject, aiming to create impactful images that tell a story.

Takeaways

• 📷 The video emphasizes the importance of composition in photography, suggesting that it is often the most frequently asked about topic.
• 🎨 Composition techniques like the rule of thirds, rule of odds, and leading lines are useful but should not overshadow the subject matter.
• 🤔 The speaker suggests that having a compelling subject is crucial, as even perfect composition cannot save a boring subject.
• 🌲 The concept of 'main subject' and 'supporting subjects' in photography is introduced, akin to lead and supporting actors in a film.
• 🔍 Supporting subjects should enhance the main subject, possibly by emphasizing its size, texture, mood, or beauty.
• 📐 The video discusses the balance between including enough of a supporting subject without distracting from the main subject.
• 🖼️ The speaker shares personal examples of photographs to illustrate the interplay between main and supporting subjects.
• 🤷‍♂️ It is acknowledged that determining what adds to or distracts from a scene is subjective and depends on personal opinion.
• 🕊️ The video mentions the use of spacing and timing to manage multiple elements within a photograph.
• 🏞️ The importance of being deliberate with the inclusion or exclusion of supporting subjects to avoid a cluttered look is highlighted.
• 🌟 The speaker concludes by advocating for a thoughtful approach to composition that maximizes the impact of the main subject within its surroundings.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video script?

The main topic discussed in the video script is photography composition, focusing on the concept of main subjects and supporting subjects, and how they interact to create impactful images.

What is the importance of having a supporting subject in a photograph according to the script?

Supporting subjects are important in a photograph because they help to accentuate the main subject, potentially enhancing its beauty, size, texture, or mood, and contribute to the overall story of the image.

What does the script suggest about the relationship between the main subject and supporting subjects in photography?

The script suggests that the relationship between the main subject and supporting subjects should be carefully balanced. The supporting subjects should complement the main subject without distracting from it or diluting its impact.

How does the script describe the process of deciding what to include in a photograph?

The script describes the process as a 'dance' between the supporting elements and the main subject, where the photographer must decide how much of each element to include to support the main subject without becoming distracting.

What is the significance of the 'rule of thirds' mentioned in the script?

The 'rule of thirds' is a well-known compositional technique in photography that suggests an image should be imagined as divided into nine equal parts by two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines, with the theory that aligning the subject along these lines or at their intersections creates a more balanced and interesting composition.

How does the script relate the concept of supporting actors in films to supporting subjects in photography?

The script relates the concept by stating that just as supporting actors in films help to make the lead actor stand out and contribute to the story, supporting subjects in photography should help to accentuate the main subject and add to the overall narrative of the image.

What is the script's stance on the use of compositional rules in photography?

The script acknowledges the value of compositional rules like the rule of thirds but emphasizes that these rules should not be the only guide. It suggests that understanding the relationship between the main subject and supporting subjects is equally important for creating impactful photographs.

What does the script suggest is the key to good photography composition?

The script suggests that the key to good photography composition is being deliberate about what adds to the story and what distracts from it, and understanding how to use supporting subjects to maximize the prominence and impact of the main subject.

How does the script discuss the role of personal preference in photography composition?

The script discusses the role of personal preference by stating that what one photographer considers distracting, another might find adds to the story. It emphasizes that the decision of what to include or exclude in a photograph is often down to the individual's artistic judgment.

What advice does the script give on how to approach a scene with multiple potential subjects?

The script advises that when there are multiple potential subjects in a scene, spacing and waiting are key. It suggests considering the placement of each subject and being deliberate about including or excluding the entirety of a supporting subject to avoid clutter and maintain a compelling composition.

What is the role of the sponsor, Squarespace, mentioned in the script?

Squarespace is the sponsor of the video, and the script mentions it as a platform for creating websites, which the speaker uses to curate and display their photography portfolio. It also provides a discount code for viewers to try Squarespace for their own websites.