Create Stronger Photo Composition Anywhere - The NEW Way
Are you feeling a little underwhelmed with your photography lately or limited to the same basic photography composition techniques?
This book is the EXACT process of planning, capturing and editing composition to create more compelling photos you will be proud to print, post and share
Imagine this
- Feel less frustrated and underwhelmed with your compositions
- Intuitively find and create an interesting composition in any situation
- Be empowered to 'stack' techniques to create stronger photos
- Critique your own work and model your favourite photographer's photos
- Creatively shooting with intention, seeing the world as more abstract
- Attract, hold and guide the viewer attention in your storytelling photo
Quick 13-second look inside video >>
Very helpful even for mobile users
"This book has so many ideas and tips I know I'll need to read it more than once! There is a lot of information here, including techniques, discussions of photographic principles and design, and examples, thankfully, with lots of photos to help explain the ideas. I found this book useful even for beginners using mobile phones (like me). I particularly liked the technique lists at the end of each section and the practice activities at the end of the book. I'll be referring to this often as I try to improve my skills, it's a great resource."
- K. Palmer
An exceptional addition to the world of photographic thought and technique
"Mike offers his readers, in a most accessible way, an outstanding approach to composition, as he combines all of his learning from the last 20 years of photography to help everyone else take amazing photos. His warm manner of reading and engaging personal style makes his book very easy and enjoyable to read. Being a photographer myself, I am excited to let you know that I have personally gained so much from his wisdom and experience. I know you too will benefit."
- Ralph Mayhew Photography
A very comprehensive look at composition
"Mike James has put so much thought into this book. If you've ever wanted to know anything about composition, one of the most important fundamentals of photography, look no further. I've been practising photography for decades and Mike's book has introduced me to a lot of new ideas regarding composition, so many that it makes me want to get out and shoot even more to try new things. Mike James is brilliant and this book is a must-have for any photography enthusiast. A superb learning tool."
- Greg McMillan - The iPhoneography Podcast
Content rich - exceeds any other book or YouTube
"I never thought someone could provide so much detail on photo composition. I truly do not believe there is another book that covers composition to the depth that is taken in this book.
I've found that I go back to re-read much of the content to make sure I'm able to put into practice all that is contained in this book. The detail goes well beyond framing a subject and using grid lines to make sure you place your subject properly. I have taken classes and read books that cover photo composition but no one has ever spent this much time to cover the topic to make sure you get it right."
I've found that I go back to re-read much of the content to make sure I'm able to put into practice all that is contained in this book. The detail goes well beyond framing a subject and using grid lines to make sure you place your subject properly. I have taken classes and read books that cover photo composition but no one has ever spent this much time to cover the topic to make sure you get it right."
- Tod W
30% Discount Expires In
Book synopsis
Transform your photography with this comprehensive guide to over 100 photography composition techniques and tools.
Whether you're a beginner mobile photographer or a professional using a dedicated camera, this jargon-free, basic to advanced guide will show you how to attract, hold and guide the attention of your viewer. With a focus on photographic intention and composition, you'll discover new ideas and inspiration in every genre, from macro to landscape, nature to travel, family to product, and black and white to color photography.
The secret to impactful and engaging photos is creating them from the perspective of the viewer. This 'composition stacking' system, involves including techniques and tools from each of the four steps to creating a compounded composition. From beautiful aesthetics to dramatic visual tension, this four-step system will empower you to intuitively create your next favorite photo.
This book groups over 100 composition techniques and tools into four categories, creating a chronological process to follow. The stages cover where to position the camera (smartphone or dedicated camera), where to place the main visual anchor (subject) in the frame, how to position all the contextual elements in the scene. The final step in the system is editing, where you'll discover several tools and techniques to enhance the composition and visual hierarchy, using mobile photo editing apps.
Discover your creative eye and develop your photographic style with this fun and practical guide. Learn to critique an existing photo to identify what appeals to you and apply the same techniques in your own photography. Whether you're looking to create more balance, movement, flow, depth, or juxtaposition, this book is the key to transforming your photography.
Spoiler alert!
Here are the four steps covered in depth in the book
STEP 1: Prepare and position the camera
- Capture height
- Subject to lens distortion
- Perspective distortion
- Forced perspective - depth
- Symmetry - vertical, horizontal, spiral & radial
- & 26 more!
The simplest control you have in the composition is the position of you and the camera. Even the slightest of tweaks can dramatic improvements to perspective, orientation and use of light direction.
STEP 2: Position of the subject in the frame
- Off-centre
- Isolation
- Fill the frame
- Focal point
- Left to right
- & 16 more!
Step two is intended to have you thinking about the photography intention and narrative. Where do you position the visual anchor - emphasis or dominant element for the viewer's attention to settle.
STEP 3: Position the supporting elements
- Foreground interest
- Juxtaposition
- Minimalism
- Scale
- Layering
- & 29 more!
The addition, subtraction, or placement of visual elements and how they interact impact the attraction and direction of the viewer's eye. This is a fundamental part of constructing a photo more purposefully.
STEP 4: Composition mobile editing tools
- Spot colour
- Differential focus
- Depth - diminished clarity & tone
- Frame edges - border patrol
- Closure - filling in the blank
- & 20 more!
This is the fun part of the composition. You have the basic structure that has the biggest impact all sorted. Now you get to add the finer visual cues to elevate composition to the next level.
Easy to read/follow. Great tips!
"Well done Mike, a thoroughly comprehensive book that's easy to read and follow. One that I'll keep returning to as I strive to improve my photographic knowledge and practice. It's totally relatable whether you're a beginner or an experienced photographer and the principles work if you have the basic Phone Cam or the latest DSLR!"
- Caroline
Over the top comprehensive
"The book is jam-packed with everything you will ever need to know about photo composition. There are photos to show you what works best and the written content tells you why it works. It will become my "go-to" reference book for composition"
- James Della Volpe
Brilliant book
"Just like Mike's online courses, this book is very well written, to the point and with minimal technical jargon.
Applying these techniques will enhance your photos. You feel encouraged to try different angles and take meaningful, more thoughtful pics."
- PM Benbassat
Only photography book you'll need!
"Easy to read, easy to apply relevant advice that makes sense no matter what level of photographer you are. If you're like me and just take photos on your mobile phone, this is all you need to make them amazing."
- Jane. B
Very accessible. Helped me a lot
"This book is so well structured and easy to follow. I found it very useful and it has helped me a lot. I can see the results. I certainly recommend it"
- Amazon Customer
The go to book for photo composition.
"This an absolute must buy for anyone interested in photography who would like some help with composing better photos. This book is a comprehensive guide on all aspects of composition. Although primarily aimed at mobile phone photographers this would also benefit any photographers wishing to improve their composition. I cannot recommend this book highly enough, it is superb, in clear, precise language and with some great photos for illustration. Don't hesitate just buy it, you won't regret it. Thanks, Mike for this wonderful aid to improving my photos."
- Mark Johnson
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What happens after you hit the red button?
- Click/tap the button to proceed to the safe and secure order page
- The checkout page has an optional one-click upgrade to the below 1 hour one-on-one Zoom call with Mike
- On the thank you page, you get immediate download links for the eBook version
- Your book will be ordered through a partner printer in your region and posted direct
Optional purchase upgrade: 1 hour one-on-one Zoom call with Mike
At checkout, you have the option to upgrade to a Zoom call with Mike.
This is a great opportunity to get direct personalised support in finding strong compositions, mobile editing or any other topic that will help accelerate your learning.
We all learn differently. You may prefer hands-on with a quality and trusted trainer that does not use jargon and speaks in a language we understand!
Check out an example of a session I held with Marion.
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