Mastering Composition

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.

Originally published in 2014. Richard Garvey-Williams’ bestselling book has been updated to include the latest tech and a host of fresh images. Through six illuminating chapters, the author delves deep into the key principles of composition, the success of which he believes lies in a combination of four elements: an impactful subject; dynamic composition; effective use of lighting; and its ability to evoke an emotional response in the viewer. Garvey-Williams explores the psychological processes that inform how we view the world around us and explains principles such as the rule of thirds and the golden ratio. He reveals how we can harness design elements such as line, shape, form and texture to achieve arresting images and looks at the role of tone and colour. 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.

• Preface & Acknowledgments 6Introduction 8Chapter 1Visual Perception 16Related Principles 22Gestalt Theory 24Associated Phenomena 36Perception in Practice 38Chapter 2Principles, Rules & Guidelines 40Visual Weight 48Picture Formats & Proportions 60Framing the Picture 70Dynamic Tension 74Chapter 3Elements of Design 76The Power of Lines 78The Impact of Shape 90Scale, Form, Pattern & Texture 96Perspective & Depth 102Chapter 4The Role of Tone & Color 106Chapter 5Applying the Theory 118Intent Mindset 120Using the Principles & Guidelines 130Further Tips & Tools 148Aerial Composition 156Tips for Increasing Salience 158Backgrounds 160Using Filters 162A Final Checklist 164Image Processing 166Chapter 6Photography as Art 168Conclusion 177Glossary 178Useful Web Sites 180Index 181