Learning about composition and post-processing?

MikeHunt79 · 5 Nov 2009 at 02:10

After going from compact to DSLR, I now know about the more technical aspects of photography, things like ISO, aperature and DOF I now understand.

I have no problems getting photo's in focus with good exposure, but I'd like to improve on my composition somehow. I guess I'm ok with the technical things, but I seem to struggle with the more creative side.

Any tips or recommended things to try? Or is this something you just tend to pick up with experience?

I'm also in a similar situation with post-processing, I'm pretty good with photoshop but I'm never sure which filters and setting to use, even tho I know how to get certain effects. Again, what sort of things are worth trying here?

Mr Jones · 5 Nov 2009 at 08:24

I find Photography MasterClass by Tom Ang to be VERY useful on these areas. Can be had for around £6 hardback. It also have lessons to try out too. Otherwise, there are plenty of classes free online - I use to visit one but have lost the link, someone might post it up later

ScarySquirrel · 5 Nov 2009 at 09:13

Whilst composition is something you can learn, I do find that some people have a natural eye for a decent photo. Could you possibly post a few examples of some of your shots and then maybe people can give some hints on things to think about before you next press the shutter button?

Post processing is something you learn with time I think. There are plenty of tutorials online which will teach you all kinds of new processing techniques, but in my experience it's just a case of playing around until you get something you like.

I use Lightroom, so I keep a catalogue of Presets which I have created. Everytime I create a new look, I save the preset so that I can apply it to future photographs, and tweak if necessary. I have found Lightroom has improved my processing as it just seems more natural to me.

I do always now export to Photoshop to finish off the shot, noise reduction, dodging and burning, sharpening etc. But I would recommend looking into Lightroom.

Phoen1x · 5 Nov 2009 at 10:43

I would highly recommend GIMP if photoshop is outside your budget (as it is for a lot of people, me included!)

Raymond Lin · 5 Nov 2009 at 14:01

ScarySquirrel said:
Whilst composition is something you can learn, I do find that some people have a natural eye for a decent photo. Could you possibly post a few examples of some of your shots and then maybe people can give some hints on things to think about before you next press the shutter button?

Post processing is something you learn with time I think. There are plenty of tutorials online which will teach you all kinds of new processing techniques, but in my experience it's just a case of playing around until you get something you like.

I use Lightroom, so I keep a catalogue of Presets which I have created. Everytime I create a new look, I save the preset so that I can apply it to future photographs, and tweak if necessary. I have found Lightroom has improved my processing as it just seems more natural to me.

I do always now export to Photoshop to finish off the shot, noise reduction, dodging and burning, sharpening etc. But I would recommend looking into Lightroom.

Some people do just have the eye, but it is something you can learn as the more you practice. Processing wise its a mix of knowing the program and knowing what you want from a photo. Don't do it because the effect is cool, do it because it works.

I need to start doing the latter....takes me ages to process lol

dannyjo22 · 5 Nov 2009 at 14:22

My local college does evening Photoshop courses which I'm thinking of doing as they are reasonably priced and I think I can get a learning expense from work to pay for them.

Begineer, Medium and advanced courses. Trying to weigh up whether it's work it or just play around with the software and see how I get on.

Andy90 · 5 Nov 2009 at 16:31

Take a look at this website - loads of articles about Composition

http://photoinf.com/

DB_SamX · 5 Nov 2009 at 22:20

Mr Jones said:
I find Photography MasterClass by Tom Ang to be VERY useful on these areas. Can be had for around £6 hardback. It also have lessons to try out too. Otherwise, there are plenty of classes free online - I use to visit one but have lost the link, someone might post it up later

Checked this out on A...n. You can click through the pages. Seems good as I was also wanting to learn a bit more about post processing (last thread I asked didn't get many responses). It's more than £6 but looks worthwhile. Much prefer leisurely readinf than looking at stuff online.

Finding myself reading more than shooting these days - I blame the weather.

Mr Jones · 5 Nov 2009 at 22:50

DB_SamX said:
Checked this out on A...n. You can click through the pages. Seems good as I was also wanting to learn a bit more about post processing (last thread I asked didn't get many responses). It's more than £6 but looks worthwhile. Much prefer leisurely readinf than looking at stuff online.

Finding myself reading more than shooting these days - I blame the weather.

Try The Book People