Taking great photos doesn't need to be overly complicated. The key to better images lies in mastering just two foundational aspects—understanding light and thoughtful composition.
Coming to you from Pat Kay, this practical video simplifies photography into these two core areas, stripping away the distractions of overly technical details that often sidetrack beginners. Kay emphasizes the importance of observing and manipulating light as the foundation of any good photo. He illustrates how subtle shifts in the angle of your lighting can dramatically change the mood and impact of an image. For instance, placing a light source directly above an object will evenly illuminate it, clearly presenting every detail. Move that same light source to the side, however, and shadows appear, creating drama and depth, immediately altering the viewer's emotional response.
Kay also tackles the concept of contrast at both micro and macro levels. At the micro level, he demonstrates how contrast in lighting can highlight specific features or obscure them, thus affecting visual emphasis. On a macro scale, Kay describes how backlighting, such as photographing an object silhouetted by a setting sun, directs attention toward the surrounding highlights rather than the details of the object itself. This lesson in managing contrast is crucial because it helps you control exactly what viewers notice first, shaping their perception of your image.
Composition, the second foundational skill, involves deliberately arranging elements within your photo to best convey your intended message. Kay suggests that composition is fully within your control—you can crop tighter, reposition yourself, or eliminate distracting elements to strengthen your image. He stresses the importance of identifying a single clear subject for every photo, guiding your audience's eyes exactly where you intend. He illustrates this clearly with a practical example: rather than including an unappealing foreground of dried grass when photographing a cherry blossom tree, Kay shows how repositioning or zooming can dramatically enhance the image. He advises experimenting extensively, capturing the same subject from many angles, to develop a strong intuitive understanding of what works visually.
Another critical component Kay addresses is visual patterns and their inherent meanings. Techniques such as leading lines, shapes, and strategic use of color become visual vocabulary that enables you to communicate clearly with your audience. Recognizing and mastering these patterns can significantly elevate your photography, making it intuitive for viewers to grasp the emotional tone or narrative you aim to portray. Learning these patterns expands your expressive range, moving you beyond simply capturing images toward telling compelling visual stories.
After mastering these basics of light and composition, Kay outlines additional essential skills worth learning next. Visual hierarchy, color theory, and editing techniques are among his top recommendations. Editing, while seemingly technical, offers valuable insights through repetition and self-feedback, improving your judgment about what makes an image impactful. Finally, he briefly mentions diving deeper into camera specifics and understanding the technical details behind photography gear, setting a solid foundation before tackling abstract topics like style and artistic voice. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Kay.
