Forget the Rule of Thirds, do this instead…

Head to www.squarespace.com/james to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code JAMES.
This week I'm talking about composition in photography, and the rules (rule of thirds etc...) that we perhaps pay a little too much attention to versus other ways of thinking. Hopefully it helps!
New Presets: jamespopsys.com/mypresets
The 2024 Arctic Workshop too: bit.ly/jpopsys
Books: www.jamespopsys.com/store?cat...
Prints: www.jamespopsys.com/store
Newsletter: www.jamespopsys.com/newsletter
---
My Gear: www.jamespopsys.com/gear
---
MUSIC:
Take your films to the next level with music from Musicbed. Sign up for a free account to listen for yourself: fm.pxf.io/c/3154674/1347628/1...

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

My new book is available for pre-order: www.jamespopsys.com/human-nature-book Thanks for your support! 🙂

[@banditalley9592]

"Supporting" subject really emphasises the idea of a photo "about" something rather than "of" something. It adds context and the "about" part of the photo. Great video, straight to the point!

[@MaunoKoivistoOfficial]

Nice way of putting it.

[@chrisfetto9400]

A thought provoking distinction: 'of' vs 'about'!

[@kaihocompany]

​@@chrisfetto9400 seems to be in line with documentation versus interpretation

[@activ8me3]

@@kaihocompany Not exactly IMHO

[@mp7161]

When you photograph just an element, you make a portrait. When you photograph more elements, you start to tell a story, a visual interaction between them, which says something about that moment, that place, those elements, an evolution from the past or into the future. You capture their state or the state of their interaction at a moment in time.

[@jameshoy380]

One of my professors often says: “we don’t point our cameras at things, we point our cameras at relationships.”

[@wesleymarquardt4708]

This was actually probably the most useful composition video I've seen in a while. While I believe other rules are great tools, a lot of composition videos simply define them and call it a day. Photography is so much more than rules and facts, it's about telling a story and your video did a great job with helping guide people to tell stories.

[@Tmanaz480]

Yes. Especially with cameras becoming smarter, photographers are less tied up with the science, and are free to concentrate on the art.

[@0lyge0]

I once had a boss that was so obsessed with the rule of thirds, and would constantly say this or that shot "violates the rule of thirds", that it got to the point where if he was talking about composition of a photo at all I'd just get up and walk away. One day he had a photo book he was showing around the office and was particularly enamored with one specific photo of a baseball player in the dugout, when he showed it to me I looked at it for a few seconds then said it violates the rule of thirds and walked away. Although it did, it was a great shot. I thought the comment would get him off the idea that that was the only way to judge a photo but instead it completely ruined the picture for him. If photography is an art form you can't bind it, or yourself, with rigid rules. I wish more people would talk about these things as guides rather than rules.

[@snonsig2688]

tbh this is exactly where this entire channel shines for me. so many others are exclusively focusing on the act of photography, the workings and technicalities of it without really concerning themselves with the feeling of it, if that makes sense. learning and remembering rules and settings and whatever is nice and great and obviously important to know, especially for a beginnner but restricting yourself to only those things can really hold you back in certain situations i feel.

[@thabstract0ne]

Agreed....I learned more about composition with this video, thanks mate!

[@reinerm9910]

Absolutely! Will last for a lifetime ... The dance of the elements.

[@corykphotography]

If I like it, I shoot it. But I try to capture it in a sense that conveys how I actually view it. Visually and how it makes me feel. It is our job to express how the subject makes us feel.

[@Just_Call_Me_Tim]

You just (3 months ago) said what I've been thinking better than I've been able to bring to words for a long time. That's what I aim to do with my lunar shots and the things I see of The Quiet at the end of my work days (I'm a trucker). There's just something about places that I see that change when everyone leaves for the day.

[@pnda4258]

@@Just_Call_Me_TimYES ! I take pictures of empty spaces in metro stations for that… I love to put that liminal feeling into a photo!

[@washinours]

As an illustrator with poor composition skills this video is a golden nugget, thank you

[@DanielGonzalez-jg5bx]

And THIS is why I follow you. Such a simple yet powerful concept that elevates our photography to another level. Well done James!

[@marciolabio]

I must admit that I've never actively thought of an image composed in such a way that there are different subjects participating in telling a story. This was very inspiring and your pictures, when seen through these lenses, look even more astonishing. Great job, both for the video and for your pictures.

[@TheArtist441]

James, there’s something very special about your photography style. It’s that special sauce beyond what words can explain. I really like it

[@lookeast3047]

"Consulting the rules of composition before taking a photograph, is like consulting the laws of gravity before going for a walk." Edward Weston.

[@eorsjr]

Very insightful video, James! Made me realize how much I focus on isolating single subjects while paying little to no attention to supporting subjects.

[@andrewwillows4333]

Very well said

[@GameLikeYouMeanIt]

I am about 270 days into a daily photo challenge. I have found myself doing a lot of landscape/street because of it. This is incredibly helpful advice

[@alexgimagery]

This is probably one of your most helpful and insightful posts. You've done an excellent job describing the relationships between the main subject and supporting subjects.

[@MSladekPhoto]

Thanks so much for sharing this! I really appreciate the notion of paying attention to what you notice and then taking time to work out how to compose the photo elements. Great reminder!

[@roojanday]

This was actually one of the most useful videos I’ve seen. James it’s like a lightbulb moment. Great explanation, makes total sense and I’ll never look at compositions like I used to. Keep up the great work 👍🏽

[@nabeeldanish4374]

Simple. Easy to follow, straight to the point, and easy enough for even a beginner like me to follow. This was really one of the best videos on composition I have seen, and so for that, you got yourself a subscriber

[@nurulkharisma8096]

I'm a beginner and this is the most useful composition technique I've ever seen. Thanks for the video, James!

[@michaelj.1121]

That’s REALLY useful way of visualizing the approach - excellent advice

[@buildingpickleball]

I’m more involved in videography than photography but found this one fascinating and useful. Thanks for sharing, super easy to watch.

[@thedachmo]

I absolutely love this philosophy/approach. You're dead right about how rules make people take photos of uninteresting subjects! The supporting elements is going to be something I'll definitely be taking out into the field, thank you!

[@EmanuelePanni1983]

This is one of the most eye opening video about photography I've seen. Can't wait to go out and shoot to apply a new fresh way to look at composition!

[@f4.therapy]

Such a brilliant analogy James, love this idea of a main character and their supporting subjects! Great work! 👍

[@Skene_O]

I Loved the comment " If I see something that I think looks nice, I will want to photograph it". That statement is lost on so many new photographers because it is easy to fall in to at the trap of trying to replicate another creators shoot. Keeping it real James, and always love to hear your perspective on how you compose your photos.

[@snoopdoggty1086]

you are a life savior! i was feeling lost and on an all time low and depressing phase of photography as i felt my compositions are not great and here you are!

[@AshleeDenaro]

Stunning work. The explanation of story-telling in these combines an aspect of photojournalism that I love, but in almost a cinematic way-simply lovely

[@washingtonradio]

Thanks James, I like the concept of a "star" and "supporting" elements in a shot. I think this is a more useful concept than the various "rules" as it seems more natural than the rules often are.

[@hoodie3810]

I think it's really interesting that James brought up the photo of Antarctica and I at first thought the hut was the subject. James has spoken of his love for manmade objects in nature and it stands out with a pop of colour, so I figured the penguins are a really nice supporting element to give context to the location. And then he said the penguins are the subject and I looked again and thought, yeah, that makes sense, there's more movement there to draw the eye and that's where he's put the focal plane. But it really goes to show how even such fundamental aspects of photography such as the subject of the image can be open to interpretation and subjective to the viewer.

[@TudorSmithPhotography]

Brilliant. I often enjoy including other elements in a photo when I'm focusing on a subject. I never considered the idea of supporting subjects. This was really helpful. Thank you.

[@Jake-vt4ow]

Top notch advice. Explained in a way I haven’t heard before, and it’s made so much sense. Thank you, so much. I love your work!

[@kirokyo]

The concept of subject and supporting subjects is so powerful and changes the way I think of composing a photo. Putting it in that frame work, it helps understand all of the other composition techniques, which is how to add to the main subject and make it interesting. Thank you for this!

[@nancymatheson8602]

This is the first "fresh" discussion of composition I've encountered in quite a while. Thanks for giving me another tool for organizing my compositions.

[@benw2751]

Been watching you for years. Just wanted to take a moment and say thank you. I learn so much from you (almost) every time and find your approach to topics original and it jives with my mindset. Please keep it up I’ll keep watching.

[@-grey]

Fantastic insight, James. This is the most useful intermediate relevant tidbit I've heard about photography since dynamic symmetry was popular a few years ago. Quality work and photos here. ✌️

[@keeganoconnellphotography]

Informative and entertaining as always! Can’t wait for your next book!

[@perrymckenna2261]

By far one of the best composition video I’ve ever viewed. So insightful and on point. Thanks for sharing!

[@darryljungen8307]

Thank you, James. Great explanation of a complicated process. I really appreciate that you provide information in a clear, concise and slightly humous way.

[@andrewwillows4333]

I watch all your videos, loads of others and read every book on photography I can get my hands on. This is the first time I heard the concept of supporting actors in photography. Fantastic video James.

[@JoseIgnacioCabral1]

this is exactly what i needed. I've been trying to find a video like this for so long. thank you so much!

[@yashshah6508]

Your video randomly popped up on my feed and I’m so glad it did. I feel motivated to get back to pursuing photography as a hobby and learning more about its techniques. Thanks James!

[@alexsaint1652]

Your videos always give me so much to think about! Thank you so much

[@michelv714]

One of the best composition video ever, James ! As simple as it can be, but full of useful information .

[@leechappelow2757]

This one is getting saved to my “killer photography videos” playlist. Thank you for giving us this fresh perspective. Can’t wait to try it.

[@HollySzczypka]

Absolutely loved this video, explained in such a clear and compelling way. I can’t wait to start implementing it more in my work.

[@cameroholic67]

Wonderful video!!! Knowing all of the rules for perspective and composition are good, but more often than not I feel like they trap me and limit what I feel like I can create, often leaving me feeling frustrated or discouraged. This concept of supporting subjects is incredibly freeing and honestly inspires more creativity and excitement. Thank you, thank you for this video and for sharing your work, which is incredible and inspiring.

[@manuelheckmann6681]

James, just can confirm what already has been said. One of the best and most insightful videos on composition. I really like your personal take on it and your nonchalance approach to photography. Thanks you.

[@DonaldDork]

Your photos are absolutely wonderful. They are like a warm, comforting treat for my eyes. Thank you for sharing your insights. This is the first time that I'm learning of this concept of Supporting Subjects & the Compositing techniques that you use. I feel inspired. 🙏

[@JonDiPietro]

Great analogy. This is probably the most impactful and easy-to-implement composition advice I've heard.

[@joetag5429]

Bravo mate. A difficult subject expertly explained in a creative, succinct and entertaining manner. Multiple thumbs up.

[@TheKewllewk]

This might just be the most useful video about taking pictures i've seen so far. The idea definitely clicked with me and i'll try to use these insights next opportunity. Thank you!

[@jensbertholhansen3435]

Good advice, thanks. Simply explained and just one theme, main subject/supporting subject. And the most important, you encourage reflection on what the photographer is trying to tell with the photo. You don’t tell us how, but you ask us to think. That’s why I subscribe.

[@bobfolsom5908]

I think this is the most thoughtful discussion on composition I have ever come across! Excellent!

[@katherinec6031]

I like how your approach produces photos that are actually telling the viewer the subject(s), not just using what’s in the photo as a prop to go through the motions!

[@ivanbarrientos7106]

I have being doing this since long time ago, but in a purely intuitive way. This video has greatly helped me to understand my own way of doing things and refine my perception of my own photography (mental ?) work flow in order to simplify it , in direct benefit of my getting meaningful images. This has been the most important video I have had the opportunity to watch in a longtime. Thanks !

[@NikHem343]

This is a very valuable video. Never thought about it like that. Thanks!

[@GriffinPurse]

This was really helpful for me, thank you!

[@harrykitch9239]

Very helpful way to crystalize composition - other rules help once you have the subject & supporting subject firmly in place. Thanks

[@Davidkiania]

This is absolutely invaluable and will definitely use this in my next project especially when it comes to sports and concerts ... Thank you

[@jacobmunkhammar3775]

Best advice I've heard in a long while. And very inspiring. Thank you!

[@DanaPushie]

Thanks James. I find it really instructive to hear a photographer, whose work I enjoy, describe their approach to composition. Creativity is, in my opinion, the greater skill than just knowing how to use ones gear. Great channel James.

[@haileyjennelle]

This video was so incredibly helpful. thank you! I have been trying to figure out how to make my photography more interesting and I think this will definitely help me.

[@StuddMuffin99]

I’m really impressed by your videos! So well thought out and well explained 👏🏻 Keep ‘em coming 😊

[@BenjaminSexton]

I think you did an excellent job at providing some personal insight on how you approach the more challenging and subjective aspects of composition. I really like the concept of main and supporting subjects. I hadn't considered it before, but I can certainly see it at work in some of my photos I've taken recently - ones that I knew were somehow more compelling than what I usually shoot but couldn't quite explain why. It will be fun to see what comes out of playing around with the ideas you offered next time I go out. Thanks!

[@oakmountain2788]

This was excellent, first time I have heard of this idea and I've been shooting for years. Thanks!

[@ammarkhan3945]

Great perspective to view the world of images. Excited to implement this thought process more cognizantly! Thanks.

[@gregdarroch1946]

I really like the way you expressed this method of setting up a shot. I will be attempting to do exactly that when I next venture out. Just have to wait a week for my cataract surgery to settle down before I get back into it.

[@FerdiGaleon]

Such a simple breakdown, thank you for the insight. Love to get perspectives from other photographers with compelling images that have strong compositions.

[@ThiagoFerreira-jn4td]

Hello James, it made a lot of sense. It was one of the most didactic explanations I've ever seen about composition, a simple but powerful explanation. I will try to apply it to my photography.

[@studio.biankicks]

I love this so much! I think this thought process is something that should be taught first rather than the technicalities of rule of thirds etc.. Because in hindsight those things will come in handy when, as you’ve said, identified your subject and it’s supporting “actors”. I love how you said that we have to be deliberate! I always thought it was intention, and while it is, I think being deliberate is a more apt word to use.

[@ronboe6325]

Have not thought of it this way and find this is an excellent way to, conscientiously, frame up a shot.

[@Bjuiful]

Gear videos are entertaining and fun, but this was so helpful. thank you.

[@lukemerrill1272]

Seriously brilliant video, great examples, so much to learn... and of course well presented. Thanks James!

[@rexbenny1553]

Oh my. That picture you showed at 2:38? Amazing. Just amazing. The intention, the pull, the magnificence and the feeling of, being this small tiny existence all rolled into one amazing picture. Wow. In awe sir, in awe.

[@jeffML3926]

I love the inclusion of your photos throughout these 'concepts of photography' vids... so useful, and cool to see some of your great shots!!

[@rosalieb7909]

As someone previously commented, this video helps me understand how to get my images to be about something rather than of something! Thank You!

[@JohnSmith-ov7iz]

This was actually the most useful discussion about composition that I have ever heard. Thank you.

[@christinasmith9032]

As you say, it boils down to taste. I really like the shots that have a few things going on, or ones where there is more context (so not *just* penguins) but penguins with a hut and some mountains. I also like the photos where there's good balance of colours and shapes. I really like the last example of adding the road in front of the grey house. Really helps to eliminate some of the distracting things like power lines and such.

[@AndG463]

This is a great way of looking at composition. It really made me think and reflect on how I take photos. Thanks for sharing your approach.

[@willgraves1258]

Best James Popsys video. this is really helpful stuff

[@safegourd]

I'm a painter and this is one of the best ways i've seen to frame (ha) good composition. Definitely applies to all visual art, not just photography. Even in non-representational art, there is still a focal point and supporting "actors" - it's just the subjects are now shapes, colors, patterns instead of objects

[@TheAntimon13]

Thank you so much for this video. This was really such an eye-opener. Such a simple and powerfull concept.

[@user-ri5eo5tn2s]

One of the best videos on composition. Thanks James.

[@heyolly]

This was an excellent episode James, thank you! Very helpful. The pictures you show are wonderful too.

[@JamesHanks]

as someone with a bit of knowledge of the technical this has really helped me think around things i’ve always felt very stuck with, thanks mate!

[@evanistics]

Fantastic. What a way to organize the process when putting together a shot. Thank you for this.

[@martinlemke4440]

Thanks, nice video and a good approach to take photos. I' ll try it out... 👍

[@alangrist9259]

Thank you James, this has been a very helpful video

[@jshariff786]

Fantastic video as always, James. Thank you!

[@john-wiggains]

James, thank you for this video!!! You’ve given me a new frame work for evaluating how to take photos. Main actor and supporting actors. I love this! I’m going to try using this during my next few trips. Also thank you for including the scene of you moving around taking several shots. I appreciate knowing you don’t just walk up and one and done your shots 😂 That scene reminded me that I have permission to try again and again for a scene.

[@EthanMunsterman]

This helped me so much, I never thought of creating compositions like this. Thank you :)

[@jonwelsh3203]

Expertly delivered, Inspiring and absolutely great work.Having become a fan of your channel over the last few months I find each post really insightful. Your humbleness is so refreshing.. Top notch Sir.....

[@evam7431]

so rare to come across this kind of content and the photos are actually great. thanks for this!

[@gregnielsen7924]

Excellent. The movie analogy really holds the whole lesson together. The lead and supporting actors helps grasp the method for “telling the story”.

[@mpearce888]

Great video. Love seeing the shots and hearing the thinking behind them

[@charlotteice5704]

That was very impactful, thanks! My approach to composition has previously been "turn the grid on and get things to line up, and try to frame things" but my photos have been hit or miss thus far. Now I know why that is and what I can improve.

[@kqschwarz]

Fabulous video. I have watched it 3 times and saved it to my list of very informative content. THANK YOU.

[@skylerp.1319]

Fantastic take on some compositional strategies you use, thank you!

[@AaronGayah]

Enjoyed this perspective, thank you.

[@cheychc]

very interesting!! thanks for taking us through your process!!

[@SanTM]

This is great advice. I'm doing film photography so don't have the ability to see my images immediately, but at least this will be useful to use my own guide in framing things better. Thanks James!

[@kurenable]

this is so insightful and really helped me think about composition in a new way.