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BY ANJA BURGAR

Day 3

Minful composing

Be playful, be mindful

The good news is that composition can be learned.

By following a few basic principles, The composition is probably one of the hardest things to learn. Just because there are so many options and also so many things to consider.

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you can create beautiful images every time. But don't forget! Rules are here to guide you, your instinct is what breathes air into your photos.

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The composition is careful placement and interaction of elements in the frame. A great composition leads the eye around the frame to the main subject.

In the next few pages, I'm going to show you a few tools that will help you on your way to beautiful compositions.

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The composition is that magical tool, that brings your story together and builds a foundation so your hero dish shines!

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Basic composition concepts to follow 1. Visual balance. When composing an image try to place elements in the frame so they create a balanced feel. Things to consider are the size and shape of the elements and how boldly colored they are.

2. Lines and curves. Lines and curves are some of the most powerful tools you can use to lead the eye to your subject. What you need to be careful though is that the lines and curves look natural. This takes a bit of practice, but once you nail it, it's so strong!

3. Shapes. The most common shapes are probably circle and rectangular, but we have everything from square, oval, triangle, organic... I prefer using one or two shapes in my images and avoid very bold shapes. You can, of course, create beautiful compositions using those. But they require expertise and clear intention.

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Basic composition concepts to follow 4. Framing. By carefully placing elements you can create a 'visual frame' inside your frame. Think about it like a picture frame. A picture frames hugs a photo you hang on the wall and just like that the elements you place around your subject can visually hug it and bring it in the center of attention.

5. Layering. One of my most favorite compositional tools. By placing layers below and on top of your subject and the frame you're not just building a story, but also creating depth and texture.

6. Rule of threes. Odd numbers in general feel more natural. They create balance and harmony. You can use this tip to place three different objects in a triangular shape around the frame or three of the same drinks or foods. You can use the rule of threes everywhere, even styling the dish itself.

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Using the grids Using grids is definitely a very helpful tool for creating great compositions. The most basic grid is the one dividing the image into nine equal parts. This rule is called the rule of thirds.

While I don't always advise to follow any grid too strictly, I think it is very beneficial to start with this grid, so you get an idea of how to place elements in your frame and how they interact with each other.

A few tips for using the grid: Place your main subject on one of the intersection points Place other larger elements on the other intersection points or on the lines near that points Use the 9 rectangles. Fill some with storytelling elements and leave some empty or neutral to create passive and negative space.

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Your assignment for today Create a scene with three or more elements.

Use the rule of thirds to position them.

Pick three of the composition concepts I've mentioned above and add storytelling elements to the frame so they follow these concepts.

Take a shot and post it to Instagram. Tag me in the photo and use the #UYN_photocourse tag so I can see it.

Keep an eye on lesson three, which is coming to your mailbox tomorrow.

Enjoy your day!

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My name is Anja Burgar and I'm a food photographer, food stylist, food photography coach and food blogger based in Slovenia. I provide tools, education, motivation and inspiration to help aspiring food photographers find their style and gain the confidence to start getting those photography clients they've always wanted.

I've started with food photography through my blog and over the years I've grown a successful food photography and coaching business. I've worked with international clients to help them create their vision, build their skills and achieve their goals.

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Copyright © 2020 Anja Burgar | Use Your Noodles

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, write to the author at the email address below.