Photographic Composition: A Learning Experience

Yesterday I went to the park across the road from LCB to take some photos of autumn leaves. I have not had much experience with photography, and I was in the process of trying to learn more about it. One of my housemates accompanied me to the park. When I had taken a photo of a particular vista, I asked this housemate (who is quite an artistic individual) to do the same. It was my way of getting sets of photos for comparison and analysis. That way I could work out how to better frame a picture. You will understand what I mean when you see the pairs of photos below. All photos labelled (A) were taken by me, and all photos labelled (B) were taken by my housemate (a graphic designer by trade, but who is studying at LCB at the moment).


Photo 1(A)


Photo 1(B)

In Photo 1(B), my housemate was trying to make the picture interesting by framing it with several elements in the background. You have to agree that Photo 1(B) is more interesting.



Photo 2(A)


Photo 2(B)

In photo 2(B), my housemate tilted the camera in order to get a slightly more interesting perspective on the row of trees on the other side of the river, framed by some leaves in the foreground, creating a contrast between fore- and background.


Photo 3(A)


Photo 3(B)

The two photos above are quite similar. However, photo 3(B) included more of the water (and the reflections in the water). Make up your mind about which you think is nicer.


Photo 4(A)


Photo 4(B)

In Photo 4(B), my housemate chose to accentuate the height of the tree by framing it using portrait rather than landscape. I can see it is a better way of presenting the majestic beauty of the tree.

Anyway, it was a nice learning experience for me. I learnt some important basics about photography, and enjoyed a relaxing stroll around the park. What more could you ask for on a lovely Sunday afternoon. (A thank-you to my housemate for the learning experience.)