Learning how to use composition is the one way you are guaranteed to improve your outdoor photography. Composition is the arrangement of the subjects that make up your photograph.
Artists, like famous painters, have used composition essentials for centuries. Photographers today can do the same! Knowing how and where to place the objects in your photographs leads to an organized image that makes sense to your viewers.
In this video class, you’ll learn how to use composition essentials in outdoor photography so you can start taking better photos.
We will go into the field to look at composition basics that you can use as guidelines in your outdoor photography. Not only that, but we will also discover when you can break those rules to develop your own creative vision.
In addition to the detailed video instruction you will receive, this class will provide you with some free downloadable PDF resources including a class guide that you can use to follow along and better visualize the composition principles we will be discussing. You’ll also receive a resource to better visualize some of the composition basics for outdoor photography.
After the class, you will be confident in creating organized photos using your new composition knowledge for grand scenes, small detail photography, and wildlife photography.
NOTE: You’ll receive this Class video instruction in two forms: As on-demand streaming video (in your WWGOA Account); and as a physical DVD, mailed to you.
Class Sessions
Session 1: Composition Basics
15:10
Composition is the arrangement of subjects within your image. How you arrange the things that construct your photograph has a lot to do with how well the photo turns out. Composition basics are designed to be guidelines to assist you in the organization of your framing. After watching this session, you’ll be able to construct quality images based on your knowledge of the composition guidelines.
Session 2: Break the Rules
10:40
While composition rules and guidelines are helpful, it’s also important to be able to express yourself creatively as a photography. Remember, compositional rules aren’t set in stone. This session will show you when to break the rules and how to see good compositions that go beyond the standard guidelines.
Session 3: Long Lens Compositions
14:47
Did you know that your lens selection has everything to do with how your composition will look? It’s true. This session will teach you what a telephoto lens will do to the elements that are within your frame as well as how a telephoto lens will impact your outdoor photography compositions.
Session 4: Wide-Angle Lens Compositions
14:44
Just like a telephoto lens will impact how your photos look, a wide-angle lens will also distort the frame to give a specific look. Based on the technology of a wide-angle lens, your compositions will be adjusted significantly. After watching this session, you’ll be able to know what the composition benefits are of using a wide-angle lens.
Session 5: Framing Wildlife
6:53
Wildlife photography needs proper composition as well. The only challenge with wildlife photography is that your subjects are unpredictable and constantly moving. This session will show you how to adapt to your subjects while framing them properly in your wildlife photography.
Session 6: Advanced Compositions
4:35
It’s always interesting to see where composition will lead you. For some, they like to stay within the guidelines. Others are more rebellious and like to break the rules of compositions. No matter where you go, you will start seeing more advanced lines and shapes throughout the frame. This session will take you through advanced ideas to get you started.
Session 7: Lightroom Tips for Better Compositions
11:48
Compositions don’t stop in the field. You can actually fine-tune your outdoor photography compositions in post-processing. Lightroom is probably the most popular post-processing software for outdoor photographers. This session will show you how to finalize your professional compositions to take them to the next level.
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 Guide PDF
Download and print this detailed supplement and keep as a reference for the key elements of great composition
Class Resource PDF
Print this handy reference sheet for help using a few of the standard “rules” of composition
Video: Meet Your Instructor
Download this short video to meet your class instructor, 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.
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?
No. Any Class you buy will be accessible to you always. You can view your Class whenever you want, and you can view individual Sessions in whatever order you like.
Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
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Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?
No problem. Most newer-model smartphones or other mobile/tablet devices with an internet connection are able to play the Class videos. Simply Log In on Outdoor Photography, and you can view any Class you’ve bought through the MY ACCOUNT section. Or, you can click on the “View Class” link within the email confirmation you’ll receive upon your purchase.
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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We need it to acknowledge your purchase of a Class, and send you a confirmation of your transaction. Also, in order to maintain your permanent access to the Class videos, you’ll need to Log In to outdoorphotographyguide.com. We guarantee that we will not share your email with any third parties. You may receive email updates from OPG from time to time, with details of new Classes and updates. You can easily unsubscribe when you receive any email.
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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