The One Trick to Instantly Improve Your Composition

Your environment is the greatest photography tool you have.
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[@FaizalWestcott]

The first 1,000 people to use the link will get a 1 month free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/faizalwestcott12221

[@JokiW]

The photography channel that is actually about photography, something rare on youtube, thank you so much Faizal. This was beautiful and humble. 💙

[@nvrumi]

The YT algorithm picked the Westcott channel for me. This was one time I appreciate the algorithm. The laid back approach to teaching is very good. The images are gorgeous and give me something to think about.

[@colebailey]

I started doing photography about two years ago, I thought that at some point I’ll be far past this chapter and I wanted to document this moment in my life. Now I’m sixteen still shooting and my photos have changed so much but I don’t really know what I changed about my photos they just got way better. From shooting double wides and walks down the train tracks to under highway bridges and lakes we don’t have permission to swim in. My photos have told a story that I’m glad I took the time to take, edit and enjoy. Your work has 100% helped me with my work. You changed the way I approached work thank you for that! Love your channel!

[@siddhantmogaveera]

Keep at it dude! I wish I had discovered photography at your age, I'm 24 and started doing photography about a year ago

[@ChrisJaydenBeats]

Ditto, reaching 30 soon. Wish I started sooner. Keep at it!

[@dannecarlos222]

u subbed to ur channel man good stuff

[@FaizalWestcott]

Loved seeing this. Keep it up Cole!

[@Nitidus]

It's good to reflect on what you're doing. If you feel like you've progressed very much, try to look at channels like Alec Soth's for advice and direction on the highest level of photography. At some point, you need to be aware of what exactly you did to improve further. But you've got more than enough time to deal with that. Also, never stop practicing the basics. After 10 years of playing basketball, I still practiced layups at every single training session.

[@AYDENVESCIO]

Adding foreground elements is one thing I’ve realised I struggle with most in my photography videos. Yet it’s probably the most important rule to create depth and interesting images.

[@fingerprinz]

Not only is your image making impeccable, but your video skills are just top notch. Thank you for taking the time - highly appreciated.

[@jocelynlm]

As a newbie experimenting with street photography, this video is so so helpful! Thank you for sharing different ways of observing and seeing! Will definitely practice using the environment as a foreground.

[@mattfromyvr]

1:28 you can just say intention :)

[@focvl.point19]

🤣

[@RolandKaufmann]

This was super helpful to see how you go about adding layers! I love using elements in a scene to frame subjects. When it works out it’s so rewarding.

[@annieragot3573]

Thank you so much for sharing this tip! It’s something that I unconsciously do, but not always. I sometimes wonder why a good photo will feel like it’s still missing something, and THIS is literally the solution most of the time. So, the past 2 days, I’ve started doing this consciously and it has made an incredible difference in the simplest of images. Thank you!

[@leeraxd]

I love Faizal’s channel because it’s not exactly geared towards professional photographers (there’s tons of those out there it’s saturated on yt) but rather on the creative aspect of an enthusiast. These types of videos may seem basic to a pro, but are fun tips for those who still have fun with a camera and aren’t necessarily just taking stoic pics for money.

[@Nicodeboey]

Thanks

[@ka_sh_iif]

Thanks! Really took a lot away from this one. 🙏🏾

[@FaizalWestcott]

Appreciate it Kashif!

[@adrianxrodrigues]

great video, since you talked about focal length reminds me that I have a camera with apsc sensor and using a 23mm , I love the lens but I am shy to get close in some situations, do you think going to a 35mm would give a bit more room or should just jump to the 50mm?

[@TimmyQuoll]

If you feel shy then use the longest focal length you can get:)

[@delyantimoff]

Hey man - I revived my love for street photography after doing it for so many years, I am getting back into it now. Thank you so much for the idea at 6:21 to incorporate elements into the shot. I used to do a lot of photography back in the day and started my street photography account last week to share my photos and learn from people.

[@grants1736]

This video has become very helpful. I have started photography ever since 5th grade to become very interested in fashion, but currently now, this year i'm starting to taking more street photographs. Composition has always been my favorite tool in this video because it helped me with some brainstorming ideas and refreshing my own thoughts. You are a very good photographer hope to see more photos soon! Thank you!

[@josephlai1078]

I just got the Fuji XF 56mm, F1.2 prime and went out to do some street photography this past weekend. It took me awhile to get used to the focal length. However, I was very pleased on how much "unnecessary elements" were cropped out and I was able to get some pretty clean compositions. In fact, I applied your "foreground technique" and it worked well. I also find that using "bokeh" might be another way of adding layers to a otherwise, pretty flat and compressed composition. Great video as always. Keep up the good work and happy holidays.

[@Adrian-wd4rn]

28-50 is great for "in the moment" photography. (or 18-35 for crop sensor homies). 75-105 is great for "particular" scenes, where you want tight crop. Sometimes I'll throw on a 56 on my xpro 3 and get some super tight shots. Or I'll go to some outdoor event with my flash and 35mm equiv and get some "in the moment shots"... Good on you for exploring outside of your "standard" comfort zone.

[@markmuller3086]

@@Adrian-wd4rn I like your characterizations of different focal lengths. It helps! I’m just starting street photography and getting a feel for the 40mm lens. I’ll soon be ready to try longer lengths for some “particular” images. Thanks.

[@sketchwithmich]

just found out your channel yesterday i think(?) and i just enjoy watching your videos so much and they are really helpful, so thank you!

[@curt300s]

ABSOLUTELY brilliant. You have take your work to a higher level, and you share your process so humbly and thoughtfully. Well done. WELL DONE!

[@JJSanvictores]

I really appreciate the tone and how calm your voice is when explaining things ! Deserved a sub!

[@rob.youtube]

I came across your street photography videos randomly. I gotta say, I am very intrigued about street photography now. I am a portrait & event photographer. Watching your videos has given me an interest to just go on a photo walk. Thank you so much! This video in particular really helps since I cannot control the subjects like I am used to doing. Thank you for doing what you do.

[@User-jekqocofowowowpeoro]

Using the foreground to create depth is an amazing tip. I’ll definitely try it in my next photo walk! Thanks for sharing great tips👍🏻

[@김현호-r2j]

두둥탁

[@K7.2023]

good job! ❤

[@slowcyclist4324]

Watching this makes me wish I had done so sooner; there were so many shots during an event that I could have approached differently when I was struggling with composing the shots.

[@JanPBtest]

One rather (admittedly) technical trick that has been used by film directors world over for decades is that little filter you see hanging around their necks on a string. It's usually a dark green filter, sometimes dark sepia, depending on preference, with a narrow spectrum. What that filter does is it _draws almost all colour away_ from the scene. So it becomes almost monochromatic. This _vastly_ improves one's sense of composition. I noticed it myself when in the 1990s I switched to a colour viewfinder in my video camera. The quality of my footage suffered immediately and hugely, much to my surprise. Some digital cameras today have a B&W viewfinder mode, I recommend using it.

[@DennisVrolijk]

Do you mean a directors viewfinder?

[@JanPBtest]

@@DennisVrolijk No, it's just a filter. Of course it can be put on the viewfinder too.

[@aquilifergroup]

Interesting.

[@smigglesmiggles614]

Which directors do this? I’ve never seen it and I’m really curious!

[@JanPBtest]

@@smigglesmiggles614 From the top of my head I've seen Fellini and Tarkovsky with those little things (just to make clear: they are _not_ director's viewfinders, like the Alan Gordon). For still photography I sometimes use the Tiffen #58 filter (green).

[@horse_dog]

a focal length that i like to use is 50mm, it’s tight but not too tight, and the FOV feels similar to the focal point of the human eye, so i have a better idea of what i’m gonna see in the viewfinder before i even bring it to my eye, which i think makes me more efficient in composing.

[@grjlynch]

This has given me a lot to think about, thank you. I am looking forward to my X100V arriving tomorrow. I wanted something to be a totally different experiance than my ‘big’ camera (and R5) and your video has helped me to imagine how I can do that.

[@philoography8233]

Goddammit Faizal, in the recent time you seem to have such an amazing streak with your creative output. The photographs really have your handwriting and in the last weeks I have just been watching your content, gazing at the excellence of your work. Us artists all know there are highs and lows when it comes to creativity and you definitely outdo yourself at the moment. Those times are the ones lighting up our passion. They should be enjoyed and appreciated.

[@gdbriggs4]

This is a great explanation of a technique Saul Leiter used in much of his work (apologies if that’s already been mentioned). Very informative, thank you.

[@aramdavid]

these photos are really great. And its mind blowing to me how effortlessly you can blend theory and artistic practice. Sadly, for so many, these are mutually exclusive. They are too focused on the theory to be loose enough to take the photo. Or, the opposite. They are so in the flow, they dont consider theory. But you blend both so well.

[@Adrian-wd4rn]

Those into theory make technically perfect images. Those into the flow make great emotional photographs. Seeing a guy framed by a light post, clear across the street with his hand in his pocket and talking on the phone is really neither of the two.

[@photomorti]

These videos are allways so calming. The photos , the music , the B-roll footage it just works so well. Great tips aswell , ive learned a lot from this channel.

[@rudyvelez1741]

…you have grown so fast as a KZbinr,,,the way you talk is so impressive, very articulate, very descriptive,,,& the way you take pictures is simply phenomenal,,I really enjoy watching your videos,,,keep it up!!

[@maurocarrannante4397]

Very true, and very solid recommendation ‘bout how to build layers in a shot. I also try to do it anytime I can. Three masters of photography using this as a milestone of their photographic language: Sergio Larrain, Ernst Haas and Saul Leiter. Thx for sharing, and good light!!!!

[@TimKeh]

YES. Started doing this recently and it makes a huge difference to the look and feel of a photo, even a casual iPhone snap.

[@JKEYSONVINYL]

So I shoot videos to go along side my music mostly just me playing but along side some other content as well and a typical framing and compositional aspect I use is I have plants in my studio and I put the camera in them to use a couple stray leaves to peak in the edges of the frame on me and I never realized the reason I liked it is because of the depth you talked about as well as framing as they help draw attention to me and remove distracting elements

[@robertmeyerson1618]

I enjoy your work. The first thing I do is set my screen on my Lumix zs100 to set to preview in B&W. It helps me see my composition better. Thanks !!

[@nvrumi]

I just picked up my X100V and turned off the half-shutter press focus and turned on back button focus. This is going to require a retrain of muscle memory because I've used the former since I bought my first digital camera. Wowzer! But I think you're right about being intentional with focus. I also use a Sony A7Sii for legacy glass and that's strictly manual focus. I don't seem to have a problem remembering to do that. Ha! Or I could just use manual focus with the X100V. I'll have to think on that. It's a good video too, Faizal. I posted a response to a comment below that I'll partially repeat here -- the laid back teaching approach works. Thank you. I picked up my cameras after setting them aside for a few years. But I recently picked them up again as a part of being intentional and present when outside with my dog. I found myself spending too much of that precious time up in my head and use the camera as an aid to being present in the moment outdoors. It helps.

[@spvidz]

This is something I've never knowingly thought of but I will absolutely be mindful of in future! 100% will be using this technique. Great vid!

[@robertbreining]

Thank you for sharing Faizal. I really love the work you create. Not much of a street photographer myself, but your tips can surely be used also in other situations than street! Will see if I can elevate my images with such techniques. Cheers!

[@Maktheblade]

2:24 Love the Saul Leiter vibes xx

[@WoodenChickenHead]

5:41 VOYDER sticker. A super prolific sticker slapper and extremely talented artist who is well worth checking out. It’s only tangentially related to this video (it’s an environmental element I guess) but things like this unlock scenes and subcultures which is a fun part of street photography. So I present VOYDER of London.

[@julian_heritage]

After a really frustrating day of street photography where I totally felt any creativity was lacking, this video has given me a boost and fresh ideas, thanks 🙏

[@xcx8646]

This is a nice technique. One question - in the first (lamp post) example, are you changing any depth of field or focus decisions? Doing this with a full-frame camera could leave a very close foreground element extremely out of focus if not careful.

[@hvegel]

or as they say in film, ‘dirtying the frame’ - they look amazing, per usual. london is a very inspiring place, still in boston?

[@Ttjam1]

Great tip! I don’t normally like or do street photography but your pics are really pleasant to look at, so I might have to give it another go. I took a photo today, placing the subject, a car, high in the frame, rather than in the centre. I thought it worked out well because of a gravel path leading the eye up to the object. But after watching this I realise an out of focus shrub that formed part of the foreground is what also contributed to its quality. I feel like a foreground really brings the awareness of there being a photographer (or viewer) taking the picture. It gives it a voyeuristic feel, but in a good way. Kind of makes the image more introverted. Which probably explains why it works well with 35mm or longer focal lengths (in APS-C). Take your first lamp post example - the one without the lamp post makes it look like everyone is looking at the man; with the lamp post it feels like it’s just you, the viewer.

[@13MoonsOverMayhem]

Thanks, these are great ideas! Basically, photograph like you're a private investigator, lol. I really like your reflection photos, that's something I hadn't even thought of doing on purpose. I do have one really great photo through a storefront window, but I was just trying to photograph a display inside the shop, from outside. I do usually try to incorporate foreground elements, usually because street photography makes me very self conscious and nervous and its a way to somewhat disguise that I'm taking photos of people. Mostly I get to photograph out in nature right now. Its just what I have the most access to. I use foreground elements there too, they're just usually fern leaves, rotting stumps, and hanging lichens instead of lamp posts and cool sculptures.

[@cahmzhere7963]

not gonna lie, as I am watching your video, I pulled out my digicam fujifilm xp90 and tried what you said about framing using the environment and using it as foreground, and using some reflection.... because you said in the beginning, it's WHAT YOU MAKE OF IT. and you said you can use any focal length and you just have to challenge yourself in making the photo, so yeah... I tried it in my room right away and it does make a difference. It really "isolates" the subject. thanks for the info! I guess I will be pushing myelf more using the gear that I have especially my digicam and instax that needs a different approach as well. I just love taking photos using a camera, reminds me of year late 90's - 2000s. when we are using the films and we don't even know what we captured in the film until we develop it and we don't edit it. we just capture the moments not "posing" for it. when we used to take "selfies" with our digicam and not "seeing" what you at the time of taking it. 😁😆 I miss those times. 🤭so thank you for the tips. 😄

[@abinavonfilm]

Thank you for this video Faisal! I think I have been using this trick for some time and I think your explanation & examples has opened many more possibilities for me. Now I will be using it with more thought and intention. Thank you for these amazing videos. Love your work 🔥

[@puebloblau]

I really recommend looking at the work of Saul Leiter. His way of using focus, reflection and surroundings in his composition ls is just amazing. And for the play with light I recommend looking into Trent parks work

[@christianmuller2031]

Totally agree with the longer focal length! I’m Shooting for years with a 85mm.

[@zagika]

0:22 love this shot.

[@MovingMinds.]

actually one of the best videos on photography I've watched in a while, really got me excited to go out there and make new photos

[@fariyalajrad5505]

i usually skip parts of videos or speed em up because of my dwindling attention span but faizal, ur videos are just one of the few ones that i love to savour, examining each bit and detail - u own my atttention thru out the entirety of the duration. appreciate the effort u put in to ur videos and photography

[@Bleachedexistence]

I absolutely love street photography, it’s what got me into photography, but I do find it the most stuck up out of all the niches. So many people telling me that if there’s not a face In the photo it’s not telling a story etc. This video proves how you can make interesting subject without being in peoples faces and be clever and frame the image in a clever way.

[@Crosado777]

I’ve watched many videos on composition and this was the most helpful & inspirational!

[@RazeTheWeak]

First 2 images reminded me so much of Saul Leiter. 3rd image was all Fan Ho. It’s been wonderful to watch you grow as a photographer. Thanks for all your time and dedication to the craft. You continue to inspire me to go out and shoot.

[@edusk8pwr]

Dude, you are so inspirational, the way you feel and express photography is amazing.

[@cowjuh]

wow i love the way you phrased it, using the environment as the foreground.

[@yassinesobh4165]

Unrelated but u have such a comforting and reassuring voice. Puts me in the right mindset to actually absorb the techniques ur talking about

[@lookintok]

Dude your video production as went from a normal KZbin standard to great quality cinematography. Love it keep it up!

at first i thought why you just didn’t crop the photo (first one), but now i get it. thanks for inspiration.

[@Chazyfizzlez]

Love the video. The lamp post is an interesting photo for me. For me, it gives a feeling of claustrophobia or uneasiness. Especially when you add more of it to the frame. Awesome how photos can make you feel things.

[@martinxpanelo]

Loved this video man.. you are, by far, my most inspiration to get into this world. Cant wait to start! Hope we can talk some day a little bit, when you come to South America and share works.

[@movedmindpoRUSZonyUMYS]

Love your videos! They are EXTREMELY well made and always emanate this very welcoming feel to them which make each new vid from you a must-see. They also inspire the hell out of me when it comes to training my photography skills so thank you for that 💛💜 Oh, and merry Christmas, obviously :)

[@lmauro]

another great plus of watching you is that additionally to the advice, we get a chance of watching your ‘street cinematography’! great post faizal really love your latest pics and videos!

[@ryanxxx5738]

This is such a powerful trick! Thank you for making this video! Perhaps a slightly irrelevant question though, how do you deal with the privacy concerns when shooting photos of pedestrians, especially the angle is more from their front? I always find myself struggling to do by thinking that people might get mad with unsolicited photos of them.

[@carvera9496]

Thank you for your true & insightful advice. Extremely helpful. Thank you.

[@jordanjoestar8839]

Started with a 2016 Mirrorless Sony. Added a 1982 Olympus OM-2... Added another 1962 Olympus Auto Eye II. I seem to be going backwards time wise, but forward skill wise. Now photos from my Mirrorless seem almost too perfect, nearly soulless, granted they are gorgeous. They lack the notes of variation and randomness film gives. It's a great journey and shooting film on a 60s camera makes me Agent 007 with a modern mirrorless!

[@Yourhighnessnona]

Hi babe, do you think a 18-55 lens (the FX 18-55mm Fujifilm kit lens) is good for street photography?

[@mariemclaughlan5404]

Very informative thank you.🎉

[@alejandroricoveri]

Great video!. Very inspirational, I must say. I'm currently looking for more ideas on how many options can I use when doing street photography!. Keep it up!.

I really love the way you've shared and the photos you took. fascinating!!!

[@marleykimmitt202]

Thank you for this reminder to look at the world in a different fresh way today 🙏

[@kdjvideo6281]

Thanks for this video,it has inspired me to go out and try including some of your ideas into my next day out shooting

[@tylerhenson2505]

Ive followed your photography for a while, and ive seen it change alot and grow. How do you think youve come to shooting this way? and thinking about using the environment?

[@shamsshaikh2887]

check out Saul Leiter Photography

[@tylerhenson2505]

@Shams Shaikh yea I'm familiar with his photography very interesting eye

[@petratihelkova1276]

I loved your video and your images are amazing ❤ You inspires me to go out again and take some photos

[@antoniomcluis]

At minute 7:56 there’s a BW picture, was it Portugal?

[@Kenaroni]

This video makes me think of a high school English teacher I had in the 1970’s. Sometimes he would have you write something and speak it out loud. If he felt you weren’t making a point or explaining yourself well enough, he would say “So what?” He was tough but he was trying to make you think about what you were saying and hopefully have you write better. I still think about this today when it comes to taking a photo. I’m not saying every photo has to have a specific point, but we can ask ourselves “So what?” and maybe make it more interesting by suggesting a story, asking a question, or just contrasting subjects. Thanks Mr. S.

[@collincourtois8587]

This video is absolutely remarquable. Your work is simply superb. Thanks for the inspiration.

[@gvnrchmnd]

Many of your reflection shots remind me of the great work from the late Saul Leiter. Saul was the OG of abstract reflections.

[@gharrop1]

Simple and succinct…excellent advice and good food for thought….definitely some great Saul Leiter like shots in there too.

[@MrPhotographerDude]

I like the first shot better and flat isn't always bad, but yes use foreground elements compositionally and to create depth. Nice video and I find this information much more helpful than most vids who obsess over gear all the time.

[@atandon6003]

Faizal, loved everything about this video. The images and production quality of the video were tremendous. Love all the tips u have given in this video. Moving forward I am going to quickly skim through this video before I head out to shoot

[@HunneyChan]

thank you ♥

[@thientrieu91291]

Fantastic images!!! And awesome tips! I need to get out and try these. Learned something today. Thank you so much!

[@Raggsy_The_Wire]

Thank you

[@syanshih1268]

haven't watched your stuff in awhile. You've improved so much since!!

[@robertobreve8623]

Love seeing your videos because you actually are a good photographer.

[@NaveenVenkataraman]

Faizal, I'm a new follower and really enjoyed this lesson in composition. Clear concept and easy to apply.

[@loco46m]

If you're ever in New Jersey, I'd love to grab a meal with you and hear your stories and experiences! I want to learn how to be better at this stuff.

[@دانیالمرادی-و3ق]

I think it is a Repetitive question but Can i do street photography with my phone? At least to begin to do it so

[@Ploing]

Absolutely, it's just a tool you choose.

[@thomasclark631]

Including a foreground element also aids in bringing the viewer into the image. Excellent video.

[@adventurecoalition3690]

Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge, much appreciated

[@baharam98]

This is one of the best videos, helping me with my photography composition. Thank you.

[@Angrygoldstar682]

love your channel 😅

[@he1mdall1]

Great video, I think this is one of your best! Really makes you want to go out and shoot right now to get more creative with composition.

[@unox234]

The composition at 1:05 is insane!

[@mylifeswork101]

Very inspiring and very well taught! Thank you for sharing your talent!

[@romantea3506]

Love your videos. Very helpful. Thank you so much. 🙏🏼

[@DebiSenGupta]

Really loved the tip to use foreground elements to improve composition. Thanks a lot

[@grayscale31]

Thanks for valuable suggestions. Any chance you are using Dehancer in filming part of this video? looks great with subtle use.