Anyone with a camera can take photographs. Nowadays, even a phone will do. But taking photographs is not the same as making good photographs. There is often a small carelessness in a photo that is otherwise fine in terms of atmosphere or technique. Just a little more attention to composition can immediately make a photo so much better. Bob Luijks's book Get a grip on composition explores this subject.
Bob is a nature photographer with over twenty years of experience. Drawing on that experience, he has brought together every aspect of creating a successful composition.
A good composition is everything. What do you include, and what do you leave out? What do you want to say with a photo?
The photographer's art lies in translating the scene before them into a two-dimensional image without losing its impact. Consciously dealing with composition helps with this.
This book shows that this goes much further than the well-known rule of thirds. It covers all aspects that determine a successful composition, from how we as humans see the world, constructing a photo to the use of color and light.
Good composition means observing carefully and arranging the frame before pressing the shutter.
Of course, several books have been written about composition. These often get stuck in generalities or barely focus on nature photography, while the natural environment is so extremely challenging. Nature is a beautiful, but also quite chaotic place. The available light is determined by the weather and most subjects cannot be controlled.
Bob Luijks: "Composition starts with seeing and is the art of omission, emphasizing the essence of the subject and accurately arranging all elements within the image according to the photographer's vision, or with a predetermined goal."
Control over composition is the most complete book ever on composition in nature photography, it covers all disciplines of nature photography with hundreds of inspiring photos and diagrams and countless practical photography tips.
Bob Luijks is an all-rounder in nature photography, although he has a preference for landscape photography. With fifteen years of experience, Bob knows better than anyone what is involved in creating a successful composition. The book is therefore peppered with personal tips.
Bob likes to pass on his knowledge and love for nature photography in every possible way. He co-wrote a large number of practical and manual books and was the driving force behind the successful series The most beautiful photo locations in the Netherlands and is editor-in-chief of Natuurfotografie Magazine. Bob also guides photo tours and provides workshops and presentations. He has won several international prizes for his photography.
Language: Dutch. This article refers to the Dutch-language edition.
Control over composition - Bob Luijks
Number of pages: 240
Price: €34.90
Publisher: Pixfactory
