Mastering Composition: The Definitive Guide for Photographers

by Richard Garvey-Williams

Overview

Mastering Composition is a comprehensive guide to the secrets behind great photographic composition.

Fully updated to include the latest technologies and software, Mastering Composition is the definitive guide for taking great photos, considering visual weight, balance, negative space, and depth. Author and professional photographer Richard Garvey-Williams argues that success lies in a combination of four elements: an impactful subject; dynamic composition; effective use of lighting; and, perhaps the most crucial, an ability to invoke an emotional response in the viewer.

Citing examples gleaned from a study of history (the Ancient Greeks' Golden Rule, Fibonacci's mathematical ratio, and the principles known as Gestalt theory) the author analyses the concepts, rules and guidelines that define successful composition in photography and offers practical guidance to achieving great results. In clear, concise and jargon-free text he also considers the role of tone and color in good composition and offers invaluable tips and the tools to help the photographer take control of the creative process. The book is illustrated with examples of the author's own beautiful nature photography, along with diagrams and notation to explain techniques most clearly. A final chapter in this definitive guide for all serious photographers discusses photography and its relationship to art before offering a considered conclusion to the exploration of this fascinating topic.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781781454930
Publisher:	Ammonite Press
Publication date:	03/11/2025
Edition description:	Revised ed.
Pages:	184
Product dimensions:	9.80(w) x 9.60(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Richard Garvey-Williams spent his childhood years in East Africa and was deeply influenced by encounters with the remarkable wildlife of that continent. His passion for photography and the natural world continued to develop through his adult life, especially during many years spent in Devon in the UK. Images from occasional trips abroad, including safaris in Africa, form a large part of his portfolio. He and his wife, Lisa, are now based in the southern Peloponnese of Greece, which has dramatic landscapes and plenty else to draw his 'photographer's eye'. He has a number of written books and magazine articles over the years and, with a leaning towards fine art photography, he also enjoys exhibiting his work.

Table of Contents

Preface & Acknowledgments 6
Introduction 8

Chapter 1
Visual Perception 16
Related Principles 22
Gestalt Theory 24
Associated Phenomena 36
Perception in Practice 38

Chapter 2
Principles, Rules & Guidelines 40
Visual Weight 48
Picture Formats & Proportions 60
Framing the Picture 70
Dynamic Tension 74

Chapter 3
Elements of Design 76
The Power of Lines 78
The Impact of Shape 90
Scale, Form, Pattern & Texture 96
Perspective & Depth 102

Chapter 4
The Role of Tone & Color 106

Chapter 5
Applying the Theory 118
Intent Mindset 120
Using the Principles & Guidelines 130
Further Tips & Tools 148
Aerial Composition 156
Tips for Increasing Salience 158
Backgrounds 160
Using Filters 162
A Final Checklist 164
Image Processing 166

Chapter 6
Photography as Art 168
Conclusion 177
Glossary 178
Useful Web Sites 180
Index 181

Editorial Reviews

"Originally published in 2014. Richard Garvey-Williams' bestselling book has been updated to include the latest tech and a host of fresh images...Using photographs from his vast image archive, which covers landscapes and wildlife as well as travel, portraiture and more, he shares his ideas on how we can put our knowledge into practice in the field. Whether you're an experienced photographer or just starting out, Mastering Composition is certain to be an indispensable guide."—Outdoor Photography

From the Publisher