A CRASH COURSE in photographic COMPOSITION in under 10 MINUTES

Most people struggle with composition in one way or another. Do you find yourself envious of other people's images wishing you had seen what they saw? In this video I explain why.
🌟eBooks: expressive.photography/educat...
🌟The EP Community & Forum (14 Days FREE)
expressive.photography/member...
🌍🌎🌏 Connect & Subscribe
Website: expressive.photography/education
Newsletter: expressive.photography/newsle...
Instagram: / alister_benn

[@davelindey8023]

Alister. This precisely is why I enjoy and follow your content. Do I agree or identify personally with everything you say? Of course not. I am an individual with what I think is interpretive ability. Is there anything wrong with that? Of course not. To hell with the haters. They don't matter. Keep on being you. Thanks for this.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you so much, I hugely appreciate the feedback and absolutely your right to be you. Here’s to individuality and unique perspectives 🙏❤️

[@chriscockett106]

Quite so David but l think "haters" might be a rather strong term for those who have expressed, in gentle terms, alternative or additional views. 😊

[@davelindey8023]

@@chriscockett106 Alister used the term "haters". I was referring to commentary directly from the mouth of Alister in the video. I'm an intelligent independent individual and don't feel your reply necessary thank you all the same.

[@chriscockett106]

That's fair enough! I've never been a fan of the word.

[@chriscockett106]

The great thing is, that every comment helps Alister with the KZbin algorithm!😀

[@tjmanou6422]

As I always say. This channel is greatly underrated. 99% of the landscape channels should watch and learn form you. I always wandered HOW you come out with these amazing comps and now I know. mind-blowing info. thank you very much

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you so much - that’s amazing feedback ❤️

[@SloopJohnBee-vq6dw]

Yes, absolutely. To me composition is a feeling. Sometimes my comps will comply with the ‘rules’, that are there also to be broken. And that was true for me in the film days (which I still shoot occasionally). Like anyone, in digital post I might choose a square crop. But yeah, it’s a feeling or vision. Hard to describe. It’s almost zen like to me. Great video man 👍📸

[@AndreasC81]

I am totally with you on this Alister. I think it’s the same with everything. Music, art, photography, everything. If one is going to comply to a set of rules, one can not really be creative. As you say, everything then turns out the same. The most interesting things is the things that come out of creativity and when you don’t concern yourself about what other people think. It’s about expressing yourself and to be happy.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you so very much, the positive feedback is lovely.

[@AndreasC81]

@@Alister_Benn I appreciate it. Thanks. And thank you for a great channel.

[@AndreKirstein]

I have read some of the comments below where people have responded to your presentation, and there is a lot of agree / disagree responses. I started photography about five years ago having put my hobby on hold due to family and life. I picked it up again when the children moved out of home and joined a photographic club to "learn" from others. I however became very discouraged with the feedback because it was very much about the rules. Having left the club and almost putting the camera down again I started watching videos like this to learn more. What I have discovered is that it is good to understand the rules, but they are not what makes a photo, and through this I have started to develop my own style and my passion is growing again. My photos have since been highly praised, and my passion is growing by the day. There is a lot of sense in what you say, and I encourage others to really see what you are trying to get across. Thank you

[@TheAjbarron]

I had exactly the same experience with a photo club which fortunately did not put me off photography, but only photo clubs.

[@MarkFloyd7451]

Love your philosophy on photographic composition so eloquently expressed in this video. You are an inspiration!

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you so much for the very kind comment ❤️🙏

[@shanebroadmore8511]

I always enjoy your input, and love the way you think and encourage people to be true to themselves.

[@Alister_Benn]

I appreciate that!

[@danielspenner3683]

In a one on one Workshop with Simon Baxter he said, that in woodland he would put aside all rules of composition and instead try to include, what he deems important to the composition and to exclude, what he finds distracting or not useful. Following this rule, combined with favorable light brings Up complex, genuine images, that really contain every aspect of what I found beautiful about the scene. It's been a game-changer for my woodland photography.

[@Alister_Benn]

Simon knows what he’s talking about

[@QuietLightPhoto]

After ten minutes, I waited for the shepherd's hook to appear and pull you out of the frame. Well said, Alister.

[@Alister_Benn]

I need a side kick, know anyone available? ❤️

[@LeCitadin1960]

This is much more than food for thought, it's a key to unlock ourselves from the box in which society wants us to operate. I was listening to your 10-minute video while day dreaming about my next photo shoot, looking for the elements that catches my eyes and my senses instead of searching for the composition rules that everybody talks about on the internet. We get to a point in our photographic journey where following the herd is simply the easy way, but a boring one. We need to break the mould and let our creativity take soar and I believe your simple, but profound crash course in photographic composition is a perfect place to start. Thank you Alister!

[@billbarraclough9653]

Brilliantly articulate as always, Alister! "Who are you?" ; "Why are you doing this?" ; "What do you like?" are your eternal questions, and your answer always seems to be "Dare to be you and don't be afraid of being you!" Great advice.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you, I appreciate it when someone really gets what I’m trying to say ❤️ appreciate it

[@AdamMatthewsPhotography]

Such a wonderful reminder! I'll admit it's taking me a while to fully absorb this, and it is challenging (since I definitely started with a designer's penchant for "rules"). But it's been a fun ride experimenting with these ideas, playing around with how they might influence my own photography 👍

[@bruce-le-smith]

Great advice as always. Thank you! It's always the experienced photographers who have mastered the rules who tell people the rules are too much of a thoughtless template \ recipes and should be broken. It seems like the experience with the rules helps you thoughtfully bend or abandon them. Not sure who motivated you to put the big timer on the screen, but I'm not sure it helps the majority of the audience's experience... the video player already has a timer built in.

[@CosMosArtistry2016]

I did all of that and took time to compose the scene. Now, I point and shoot. I automatically lock on to what looks and feels right for what I am trying to capture. No thought about rule of thirds or anything else. My eyes 'lead' my brain. It works for me. Cheers, Rich

[@allanmay852]

Thanks Alister, could not agree more!

[@martinoberstein8431]

Thank you ever so much for this one, Alister. Kind regards from Scotland. I have just been to Torridon. The upside: I didn't see any midges. The downside: I didn't see anything else neither. Teribbly cold and drizzling all day, unfortunately. After this weekend I will give Glen Affric a try and hope it will be hiking weather. Cheers, Martin

[@petemellows]

Wow, you're speaking my language! I came in expecting more drivel, with the hope of a nugget of information, but came out with affirmation of my own process. I believe we can get too bogged down in technicalities., so I put together my own video about a single rule of composition: one that I have subscribed to for 30 years.

[@andrewgreen2726]

Wonderful advice, thank you.

[@Alister_Benn]

Glad it was helpful!

[@wendydavis8933]

This was the best advice I've ever heard about composition! Very well said! I love all of your videos! Please keep inspiring us!

[@trishfre2]

Composition rules, in my view, are an attempt to make us comply with agreed requirements. In the end we all become the same, and lack individualism. We are also told we need to learn the rules so we can break them. Yes, it’s good to know the requisites, but I feel it depends completely on the individual, and how they wish to portray an image. Feelings and emotions drive an individual to create. How they create should be entirely up to them. Artists create contemporary or abstract painting the way they wish, as do musicians, so photographers should do likewise. It‘s also time photography clubs/groups and contests stopped insisting members follow certain rules and accept what‘s offered, and gain diverse instead of similar images. Forgot to say ‘great thoughts and video, Alister’!

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you

[@michaelmacmorran8787]

Excellent points Allister. I was given my first camera (a Pentax K1000) when I was 9 years old. I had no idea who Ansel Adams, Galen Rowell or Michael Kenna were, or what rules I should follow to create images that evoke emotion. I simply pointed my camera at things that interested me and took a picture. As I got older I began to "learn" how to "properly compose" images. My photos became more about what I thought other people wanted to see. Your books and channel have helped me reconnect with that 9 year old kid who loved taking photos of things he thought looked cool.

[@Alister_Benn]

That’s great to hear, thank you so very much

[@geetarplayer19]

This is exactly where I'm at right now! Getting back to breaking those rules and shooting for myself! Hopefully you can make it back to Lightchasers next year! Thanks for the videos and info!

[@Alister_Benn]

That’s great thanks, it’s so easy to get stuck in a rut where we know everything we should be doing and can’t break away from just conforming. Yeah, Adam and I will be at pincher creek in 25 ❤️

[@geetarplayer19]

@@Alister_Benn I regularly remember you saying "shoot what you think is cool" and that's definitely helped get out of that rut!

[@Alister_Benn]

Excellent, it certainly works for me, at least I like them 😅

[@simonstevens1631]

Hello Alistair. It's been a while since I last commented on one of your videos. Yup you in your usual upbeat way hit the nail on the head with regards to composition. There are no rules. There's only an appreciation of the image. 100 people will have a bunch of different points of view about an image. Some will like it and some not. That said the thing I found that works best for me is luminosity. A bright area or a dark even black area can have very drastic effect on the viewer. Now people fall into two distinct camps. I love it or I hate it. There seems to be no middle ground in this type of image. Your book for instance. I really love some images and others I flip past without a care. I still love the book as a body of work but not every image is a winner. So my advise is to others. Don't care about what they think. Care about what you think. These are your images, your moments, your passion. Treat every image as an experience in learning. Great to see you settled into the new island home. Don't get to close to the lawnmower. She bites😂

[@Alister_Benn]

Haha, thank you so much man, great to see you back here and commenting. Yes, I agree 💯 and even in my own book, some of the images have aged well, others less so, they were a product of a time, and maybe I’ve moved forward. Thank you again, I appreciate it

[@bonniehoskin9212]

I have the day off, camera is in the car.....nothing to hold me back. Thanks for the inspiration to go find something cool! (or not, as long as I am outdoors feeling day to day activities slip away)

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks Bonnie, you get it ❤️

[@Ed-davies]

I couldnt agree more Alister. Be an agent of chaos in a world filled with rules!

[@bergis65]

This is high level photography education. Can’t be said often enough; your ‘style’ of education is unique. It is so inspirational, can’t wait to get out with my camera. Kjell B

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you so much 🙏

[@ASMPHOTO]

Observing and reacting is what you have taught me - Thank You!

[@johngrant5448]

In my youth, it was called "The theory of the intersection of thirds". Nobody bothered about it though, this was the 1970s when I was in my twenties.

[@derricksansome236]

Excellent presentation, great to hear some sense on the subject. Probably the best description of composition I have ever heard, thank you.

[@Alister_Benn]

Wow, thank you!

[@georgemason2472]

Season to taste is a great way of saying it.

[@jrmccartyphotogallery]

Hi Alister, I agree with you that the rules were just a guide and not to be followed all the time. Photography (art) is about expressing how you see the scene and the creativity from that expression. I do enjoy and follow your content. Take care from Texas!

[@dougheizenrader2280]

Well said, Alister. Well said! There is nothing creative about following the rules. Creativity is all about creating in a way that nobody else does. The result may turn out good, or it may turn out bad, either way it is creative.

[@ClintonFerrara]

Great one. From your heart and right on.

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you kindly

[@lisarobertson7011]

thank you for this, another great Alister video.

[@Alister_Benn]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@andrewscott743]

Amen, Amen, AMEN! Well said Genius!!

[@Alister_Benn]

Haha, let’s not got that far 😂😂😂

[@kapurar]

Excellent video and it is great to see a departure from the standards that everyone else on KZbin pedals as the key to a good photograph.

[@Alister_Benn]

Much appreciated!

[@dronepilotcontractors4094]

Rules of composition are more of a guide. Teaching creativity to me is difficult so you fall back on the guide as a base. The base can be limiting. Creativity has more to do with the way the brain sees things than a guide. Whether it be music, drawn art, photography, creativity is at the heart of the greats!

[@Alister_Benn]

I don’t really this the rules of composition have much to do with creativity at all, at best they teach how to please most people, like making pop music to a pre designed framework that works for radio etc. creativity is the way to be free, explore our true selves, perspectives and aesthetics. Thanks for the comment and input

[@Damien9367]

Thanks Alister, this was great. Not sure on the timer though.

[@Alister_Benn]

I know, it didn’t quite work!

[@cditfurth]

Great! Thank you!

[@Alister_Benn]

You are very welcome

[@davidhuth5659]

I'm with you Allister! We keep pushing the same old "rules" for composition and, while these might be great when you are getting started, a more experienced photographer/artist should be looking for something unique and different from what is considered "good composition". Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this.

[@Mark-qn9xl]

I read one of your replies to a comment that many people on workshops etc follow established compositional practices religiously so I can understand why you felt compelled to make this video. I don't see "rule of thirds", "leading lines" etc as rules per se but as aspects of a composition that over time has proved to produce a more dynamic image. They are mentioned because they can and have produced a pleasing image. Should they be sought out at all costs, obviously no, should they be avoided at all times just so your photo can be "different" no, not at all. I have been into photography since the early 70's and have always taken images of subjects that interest me and not to please anyone else. Even during the last 25 years when I have occasionally entered competitions, or made images available for sale or shared online, none have been formulaic, just photos that I like. When I go out to create photographs I try and find compositions that interest me, what to include and what to leave out so I feel in this aspect we are similar. What I don't do is change my aspect ratio. I usually have a crop in mind so will make sure I include those elements but as I find post processing just as creative I don't limit myself in the field. Like your reply from below any similarity to a "rule" is merely coincidence. I found it interesting that you still have a list of compositional triggers and attributes. I guess after all this time I know what I like or what I might like to experiment with rather than have a list of attributes. I probably have not just given it enough thought to distill it down into a list. Thanks for the video and highlighting your philosophy.

[@piyalchatterjee3168]

At last you said what we like to... Thanks Ben ❤

[@Alister_Benn]

My pleasure!

[@rosssayer6524]

Thank you Alister.

[@Alister_Benn]

You're very welcome

[@chesslover8829]

While I'm not a photographer, let alone an artist, the general rules of composition have helped me elevate my snapshots from awful to just plain mediocre. Truthfully, I'm glad whenever my photos turn out.

[@Alister_Benn]

That’s valid, but there are other ways of teaching that which are more open and more accepting of non standard aesthetics

[@robertthomas9043]

"Season to taste" is priceless!

[@davidluery477]

When I started my hobby of photography, back in the '80s, it was primarily to take pictures of trains and the railroad scene. I didn't know about composition or rules of composition, I just took pictures that interested me. Of course, as I look back, perhaps it helped that trains move along tracks, hence instant leading lines even though I didn't what a leading line was. And trains climb mountains, hence diagonals, go around curves, and so 'automatically' conform to many of the rules of composition. But not all railroad photography involves trains moving along the tracks, as there are stations, yards and other aspects of the railroad environment. But the important point is that compared to the photography I do now, primarily landscape photography, when I look at my best railroad images I am much, much more likely to feel the emotion I felt when I was trackside than I am when I look at my best contemporary landscape photography. So without any conscious thought of composition or the rules thereof, I was better able to express myself, to capture the emotions of the moment, than I am now as a more experienced, aka indoctrinated, photographer.

[@juanitakelly3082]

I think most everyone agrees these days that "rules" always was a terrible misnomer for teaching elements of an artistic activity that involves creative expression and not just hard and fast technical components that have to fall in place exactly in order to be successful. At the same time, I found it useful, when learning photography, to understand how the language and thoughts about composition evolved, and what things work or don't, while listening to various opinions as to why. I was also immediately aware that "breaking" the rules was perfectly acceptable and didn't feel a "society" pressure at all. It's subjective art after all, not law in this case. While I certainly agree with your critiques of what makes images work beyond just these elements, I think all those "rules" have some valid reasons/history that play into the process. More historical understanding helps augment our critical thinking don't you think?. Upon re-reading this, I guess I had a knee-jerk reaction to your more harsh opinions on this one Alister!! I love how you always challenge us to be more creative, truly.

[@chriscockett106]

Very true! It's a case of being quietly aware of all of the possibilities but not being compelled to follow or dismiss any. I really appreciate Alister's views but he has a tendency to polarise things! Sometimes to prod the dog!😂

[@photografiq_presents]

It seems to me that people are getting hung up on compositional rules, not because they're wrong or bad, but because theyre taking the word "rule" literally. It's never occured to me that these items have to be checked off for an image to be good. To me, they're suggestions. A compilation of things that people who study art have noticed that aesthetically pleasing images contain. Compositional rules might have come from a well intentioned effort to try to quantify and make the artisitic process more accessable to people who struggle with creativity. I struggle, I'll often realise as I'm taking a photograph that there's something missing or not quite right, but as a lot of people do, I know what I don't like, but not sure of what I do like. Having compositional suggestions to work through to improve an image is helpful. Having said that, my pet hate is a girl in a bikini standing on train tracks going nowhere. It's such a literal interpretation of leading lines and I guess you could also claim juxtaposition, but the only question raised in mind is how did the photographer convince the poor unfortunate creature to do this? Anyway, suggestions, not rules. 😊

[@keithraaum9559]

I watched this video last night and by this morning have watched it 3 times. I feel anyone who is even remotely interested in taking better photographs needs to watch this video. What we need to do is to stop calling them "Rules of Composition" and more accurately call them "guidelines".

[@Alister_Benn]

Thank you, I really appreciate that.

[@jasonlight8813]

This was really refreshing. To me composition is a little like music theory. Someone can learn theory and practice to sound like Steve Vai but they'll never be him. In any journey of self discovery, its about breaking rules and conventions and enjoying yourself along the way.

[@Alister_Benn]

You’re right (I’m a huge Steve Vai fan) and it’s his creativity is what I admire. I listen to his interviews and he speaks so eloquently with regards to what creativity really means. Thanks for the great comment

[@bobplatzkow]

the difference between looking and seeing thats composition. some time you have to see with your mind not your eyes

[@kerrygrim7934]

Absolutely loved this video. I recall using my Nikon F3 back in the 1980s and buying a focusing screen so it had horizontal lines because of wanting to follow the “rule of thirds.” Although I don’t think it had those markings. I think my photos improved at least to my liking) in recent years by rules when composing in addition to exclude elements not contributing to the photo.

[@Alister_Benn]

Happy to hear that. I appreciate the great comment

[@wollborn]

So true! 🙏

[@Alister_Benn]

Awesome thanks

[@philrob57]

Excellent, I’ve tried to explain this to other photographers but failed I shall now point them to this video the “rules” were created from the study of old master artists who created engaging art without rules 👍

[@Alister_Benn]

Glad it was helpful!

[@daviddyephotography]

exactly when I capture an image the composition is an unconscious process of what "feels" right never an active use of "rules" of composition as they usually don't work. Later when reviewing my images I may be able to say, "oh this one fits the rule of thirds or what not" but I alway compose by "gut feeling" what feels right in the moment

[@esanford]

Bravo! from a True Believer

[@Alister_Benn]

Amen brother 🙏❤️

[@swissheartydogs]

Human intelligence. Yours, theirs, mine. Each photographic composition is unique, especially with a prime lens with my feet, my hands, my heart, my brain, my mood, for this specific Day & Light… Alive Insight (my AI).

[@Alister_Benn]

Given your Swiss should we be talking tonight? 😅 I suppose a draw was a fair result . ❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@swissheartydogs]

Draw ⚽️ 1-1 … Bridge between our sister countries (Mountains, culture, governance,…). Two heavens for Landscape photography; yours for Seascape as well, but we have many awesome Lakes to discover for expressive photography 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇨🇭

[@andrewsimpson5436]

4.17 you softie I'm going to be 3.58, mind you the forecast is cloud but you've got to be there just in case! hey ho 🤣 As for what you said I'll have to watch again in slow-mo, were you on a sugar high!?

[@Alister_Benn]

Haha, you got me

[@hassanscottodierno9284]

Not sure I agree. I feel people should learn the rules first and then experiment with breaking the rules

[@chriscockett106]

I aim to frame a photo so that it is pleasing to me. Sometimes key elements will coincide with the division of thirds. No worries! I don't want to make another rule saying I can't do this or that and the lines dividing the image into thirds take up a lot of the frame. The important thing is not to be constrained by any rules I would hate to go out, thinking l must do this or l can't do that. It would take away the joy and spontaneity and l would feel hemmed in. I could pick out many of Alister's photos and make a strong case for the use of leading lines and rule of thirds....but we know that this is just coincidence and not a conscious decision!😉

[@Alister_Benn]

Any compliance with a rule is purely coincidental 😎 I just go out and shoot, I don’t go out thinking what I can or can’t do, should or shouldn’t do. I give it no thought whatsoever, the only reason I make this video is after seeing hundreds of people on workshops and thousands more online openly admitting to going out and making images ONLY because the conform to the rules.

[@chriscockett106]

It would be a pity if people viewed this video and went away thinking that they have to avoid the rule of thirds and leading lines! To take a photo and dismiss it, thinking it's not cool because it might comply with too many rules. Many great photos have been taken that do comply with the rules. You say "Any compliance with a rule is purely coincidental" but in doing so you have acknowledged that the rules have worked in that situation, even though it hasn't been intentional....but who knows how the subliminal process might be working! I fully agree that to teach the rules as the only way would be ridiculous and l reiterate "The important thing is not to be constrained by any rules".

[@emanuelbief7088]

So, if I go to school and they teach me composition, I didn't learn composition?

[@Alister_Benn]

I guess that’s for you to decide. Did what you were taught help you to find and create unique and meaningful compositions that express something personal to you?

[@chriscockett106]

I would say they taught you a view on composition but possibilities are infinite.

[@daveemery12]

You are articulate and obviously have some fans, but in a “crash course” I expected to hear and learn something useful. I did not. Unfortunately a philosophy lecture is not a course.

[@Alister_Benn]

Valid ❤️

[@jarsok245]

However, I do not agree with this approach, because it is as if you know the notes and arrange them however you want, and the sound you want will come out... it may sound bad to music experts, but it will be the sound. So my question is: why teach photography when all you can say is... turn on your camera and do whatever you want and you will be an individual. However, thank you for a different perspective, it is worth getting to know other views. Greetings from Poland, Jarek

[@Alister_Benn]

Thanks for the comment, I am all for the development or craft, and care, and understanding, I teach that all the time

[@jarsok245]

@@Alister_Benn You are a great teacher, but I don't necessarily agree with all your theses :-) Regards, Jarek

[@SimonWillig]

Im afraid I'm disturbing the party a bit. Although Alister is very true and right about this subject, he's speaking to the wrong audience imho. The people to whom this story resonates shouldn't need it. If you are relatively new to photography or still on a basic level you need to learn on how to look or interpret a view or an image, and these 'rules' can help to develop the skills. Ofcourse these are not rules but guidelines, and should be considered as such. But creativity always follows skills imo.

[@Alister_Benn]

Agreed ❤️

[@germanassimonson1671]

Sooo.... I spent 11 minutes waiting for proof of these brave, against-the-conventional-wisdom and groundbreaking statements, and got none? Alister, it is not enough to say rules are for fools etc., you have to prove it! I dare you - in the next video show us at least five of your successful photos, where you didn't follow any/some rules, explain what rules were broken, and why these photos are still good. Otherwise your money is approx. one kilometer away from your mouth.