One of the most basic and most important things you can do to improve your photography is to understand the essentials of outdoor photography composition.
This is the part of photography many people skip because they would rather hurry up and hit the trails. However, spending time to learn outdoor photography composition essentials pays huge dividends to the quality of your photograph construction in the long run. Often times, the success of a photograph hinges on the success of the organization of subjects within the frame.
To help you with composition, this class will demonstrate:
Subject placement using specific framing grids
Horizon lines and where to place them
How perspectives change a photograph
Framing and telling a story
Complimentary color composition
Leading lines
Foregrounds, midgrounds, and backgrounds
Hyperfocal distances
When to break the rules
TRAINING YOUR EYES
Constructing compelling outdoor photograph compositions has a lot to do with the long-term process of training your eyes to see things that would make a great photograph. After learning all about compositions, you’ll be able to see and even envision different composition options before you take your camera out of the bag.
IMPROVED PHOTOGRAPHS
Improving your compositions improves your photographs. It can even lead to a quicker path to developing your own personal style of photography. You’ll learn if you like leading lines more than foreground subjects, or when to use specific colors together.
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 composition essentials together.
EXPERIENCE LEVEL: Basic Skills – Intermediate
Class Sessions
Session 1: Subject Placement
23:51
In this first session, you’ll discover how to determine what your photograph subject is and then where to frame it. You’ll also discover where to place your horizon lines in specific outdoor situations.
Session 2: Perspectives
16:28
How can different heights impact a photograph? Quite tremendously actually. After this session, you’ll know when to shoot different perspectives. We will also explore the amazing impact of complimentary colors.
Session 3: Leading Lines
7:34
With an entire session designated to one topic, you can guess leading lines are important to compositions. You’ll experience different ideas and options of what leading lines can be and how to use them properly.
Session 4: Foregrounds, Midgrounds, and Backgrounds
21:51
In this final session, you’ll learn how to use the three layers of photographs that go into building a high quality composition.
Your Instructor
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.
Bonus Material
Class Supplement PDF
Download this Class Guide to complement the information you’ll see in the class.
Video: Meet Your Instruction
Download this short video to meet your Instruction, David Johnston.
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
FAQs
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.
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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.
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Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
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How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?
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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?
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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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