Composition in photography isn’t just about following rules; it’s about creating images that connect with emotions. Understanding how to make your compositions feel natural and meaningful can take your photography from technically correct to truly impactful. This balance between technique and intuition is essential for making images that resonate.
Coming to you from Alex Kilbee with The Photographic Eye, this insightful video dives into the idea that good composition should feel as effortless as breathing. Kilbee emphasizes that while rules like the rule of thirds or leading lines can be helpful, they shouldn't dominate your approach. Instead, he argues for using composition as a tool to evoke emotion. The video explores examples of mechanical compositions, where adherence to rules results in images that are technically correct but lack feeling. Kilbee points out that such images often fail to capture the mood of a scene.
Kilbee takes viewers to Felixstowe, a seaside town during the off-season, to illustrate his approach. He describes the muted, static atmosphere of the location and how it informed his choices. By focusing on central compositions and minimizing visual energy, he mirrors the quiet, gray mood of the environment. He shares examples of how shifting perspective or centering elements can help convey a sense of stillness or limbo. The video critiques photographs that, despite following compositional rules, don’t align with the mood of the scene.
This method isn’t about rejecting rules entirely. Kilbee explains that these guidelines can work when applied naturally, rather than forcing them into a scene. He suggests trusting your intuition to create compositions that feel authentic. For instance, he discusses how a central composition can evoke stability and balance, especially in a setting that feels lifeless or subdued. Adjustments, like lowering the angle of a shot to remove distractions, can subtly shift the narrative of an image without drawing attention to the photographer’s technique. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Kilbee.
