Composition is the one thing in photography education that you can continue to learn more about and improve upon, no matter what your experience level.
However, many photographers figure out the basics of outdoor photography composition and stop there. There is more to learn about mastering outdoor compositions than just the essential core techniques. If you truly want to dominate the composition game, you need to learn the next level compositions.
In this class, led by your instructor David Johnston, you’ll learn:
How to use lines in compositions
How to use rectangles in compositions
How to use triangles in compositions
How to use circles in compositions
How to use multiple shapes together
All about repetition
Shooting through natural windows
Perspectives and shapes
Working a landscape
Split-Screens
SEEING THE UNSEEN
When you are first starting out in photography, you may notice that you can see a great composition but you don’t know why it’s great. That’s because you’re seeing the shapes in the frame but not recognizing the spaces they cover. After learning about shapes, you’ll be able to notice them in an outdoor scene and piece them together.
REPETITION
Repetition is so important to outdoor photography because it is a naturally pleasing visual effect. In this class, you’ll learn techniques of using repetition properly to create stunning compositions.
In addition to the detailed video instruction you’ll receive, this class provides you with a downloadable class guide that was designed to complement the topics you’ll explore so you can take notes as we examine next level compositions.
EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Intermediate
Circles and lines can be a great way to frame your entire photograph and they can be very simple to stack in a photograph. You’ll discover the uses of circles and lines and how to see them in your frame.
In this session, you’ll learn all about the uses of rectangles and triangles in a composition. You’ll also learn how to combine multiple shapes in a composition to reveal a multi-shape image.
After you are able to notice your shapes in a composition, you can start to get really creative with them. Stacking shapes with repetition, shooting through shapes, and using split-screens take creativity higher. In this session you’ll learn how to use them.
In this final session, we’ll go in the field, to Ozone Falls, and work our way around the waterfall to see different uses of shapes and next level techniques.
David Johnston
David Johnston is a professional outdoor photographer located in the beautiful state of Tennessee. He is most familiar with photographing older mountain landscapes of the Appalachian Mountains, and occasionally ventures into other locations around the world to capture amazing outdoor scenes. David began his passion of photography in high school where he learned to photograph with film cameras and develop his own prints in the darkroom. However, after college he switched to digital photography and began his business photographing the outdoors as well as teaching people how to improve their skills in outdoor photography. When David isn’t traveling and taking photos, he’s just like you! He enjoys lounging on the couch, watching sports, and spending time with his wife and friends.
Class Supplement PDF
Download this Class Guide to complement the information you’ll see in the class.
Video: Meet Your Instructor
Download this short video to meet your Instructor, David Johnston.
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
Do I have to be a Member of Outdoor Photography Guide to purchase a Class?
No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on OPG Academy content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great photography videos and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
How do I purchase a Class?
First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
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Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of Outdoor Photography Guide. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.
Do I have to take the Class right away?
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Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
No. Your access never expires. You can view any Class you purchase as many times as you want, whenever you want.
Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?
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How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?
Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.
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Once you purchase any Class, within the Class viewing page, you’ll have access to post a question, comment or tip in the Class Discussions. This is not a “live chat,” but your Class Instructor and OPG contributors will answer posted questions and provide tips regularly. You can also view other Class participants’ questions and input to take part in this virtual dialogue among others who have taken the Class and are willing to share tips, answers, or ideas.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?
Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
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Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?
Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.
How do I contact OPG Academy?
If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at OPGsubscription@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-855-231-0652. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
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