Composition Techniques For Better Images

My new 'Medium Format Film Photography Course' on Skillshare (FREE with this link): skl.sh/3r7KLta
In this video, I'll be doing a breakdown of some of my images, looking at composition choices, and talking about some tips that will help you improve your images.
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Some of the links below are affiliate links, where I earn a small commission if you click on the link and purchase an item. The money I earn helps me make this type of content consistently.
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The BEST medium format travel camera: ebay.us/FVcfWk
The film scanner that I use for my work: ebay.us/RwKM4c
Best entry-level film scanner: ebay.us/Qp3ZEz
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DISCLAIMER
Some of the links above are affiliate links, where I earn a small commission if you click on the link and purchase an item. The money I earn helps me make this type of content consistently.

[@JohnKrill]

Really nice to have someone talk about pictures and not cameras.

[@niqvuk]

I second this… more please!

[@solomonobidiegwu3019]

this is the way

[@malypavel25]

Secondly, it’s not some just guy who’s telling you to “use rule of thirds”. This person knows better things to talk about ❤️

[@kubowich]

USA is basically a playground for photographers. Awesome cool vintage stuff laying around in every yard

[@DirectRegister]

We feel the same way about other countries! I guess it’s a reminder to be thankful for what we have

[@immersgamers9730]

i live in Hong Kong, the distraction in one scene is almost unbearable, it is impossible to make a narrative out of your photo. everything imaginable basically clusters in your composition.

[@forevertwentyone2655]

@@immersgamers9730 I live in Hong Kong too and I feel the same way oh my god . Too much distraction

[@rasmus9311]

@@immersgamers9730 I have wanted to visit and photograph Hong Kong kinda for that reason, it's so different and lively scenes everywhere

[@MarioVastola]

I don’t agree. I think we are prone to believe that the USA are this big playground for photos just because that is what the mainstream media projects into our memories and conscience. Movies and series built up this image of a playground, with astonishing visuals and places to shoot. Had Hollywood been founded in Europe or Africa we would think otherwise. It’s just a matter of the strongest economy, really. Having said this, nonetheless I think the USA hold a really great scenery in their land.

[@BryanBirks]

I love this. Composition is the easiest but the hardest to master. I’m definitely not even close to mastering. I think there are way too many photographers that just show up to a scene and snap it due to the excitement of finding it. They don’t really study it. All these images you can tell that you didn’t pull up and start snapping away. There’s thought and precision in the placement of things. Probably the number one thing that I see in not only beginners but people that I’ve been photographing awhile.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Yeah man, I agree. I don't think it's something that you really ever master, but can definitely improve skills a lot. I know I have a long way to go still. But the one major thing that I've learned is that there are images everywhere. The longer you spend looking, the more you'll find... same with creative opportunities. It's one of the things that I love about this craft!

[@maxwellwellmax878]

LOL Always a lurker :D

[@inkaststudio]

Interesting how you approached this subject. Rather than a generic “tips video” you told the story of the picture. Very helpful for someone photographing similar situations! Would definitely love to see this as a new series! 👍🏾

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@JanneRanta]

5:23 couldn't help but notice how the power lines perfectly match the windows too.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Good catch. :)

[@joshjacobson9846]

I respect that you waited for the cloud on the motel sign rather than just photoshopping the sky

[@trashfuzzaudio]

Third image, stop sign. The power lines are coinciding perfectly within the windows. That was my favorite part of that shot!

[@Larpy1933]

Whoa! Kyle struck gold here. The engaged comments indicate WE LIKE THIS ONE! Thanks Kyle! And good luck from Victoria, BC.

[@NeilBruder]

I’m not familiar with the other photographer’s work that you mentioned but I think for a second video (or third vid) it would be great to look at images that differ stylistically as much as possible from yours just to get as much contrast in compositional approaches. Your images tend to be quite geometric and rectilinear so it might be interesting to look at compositions that are more chaotic or fluid or amorphous. Something like that!

[@KyleMcDougall]

For sure, that’s a great idea!

[@vikdaddy]

Great video - I like your quote, "taming the chaos that's in the real world". I have aspergers so organising the "chaos in the real world" is something I am doing all the time, on autopilot!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed, Vik.

[@thelilcanadiankid]

Bro ur talking about all these tips and I'm just staring at these pics in awe... you are an amazing photographer

[@tbfreund]

This made me feel like a bad photographer in the best way possible 😂

[@matthewsantomarco2211]

Dang. This was a master class in composition. I have so much to learn. Exceptional video Kyle!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Matthew!

[@Anewevisual]

truth

[@CGK404]

@@Anewevisual !!

[@eltinjones4542]

One of the best videos that I've seen on composition Done by example and not prescription 📷👍

[@narason]

Thank you for sharing your experience, skills, and thought process. I learned a lot. I never thought about "breathing room" and "create opportunity" in my photos. Thanks again!!

[@RonnyKohlmann]

Cream of the crop, you are a surgeon and the camera is your knife. You compose so very balanced and meticulous. It's a joy to look at you images. Well done Thank you Kyle

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you. 🙏

[@jonathantyler8106]

Hi, I stumbled across your video and I would like to thank you for taking the time to interrogate each of the images. I see other photographers talking about composition, and they use similar concepts to illustrate like you do, but you take it to the next level by talking about the intricate thought that you put into the images. I find this very helpful to groom my thinking about composition, not so that I can copy your technique, per se, but so that I can incorporate your technique in my thought processes. I think it will help me to "remember" things to look for in my images to improve my photography. I have been "that photographer" that shows up on a scene, and as another commenter said, just snap away due to the excitement of finding the image. I plan to slow down a bit, and explore my local area a bit more through this new lens (see what I did there?) to hopefully improve my composition when I do travel out and time is shorter.

[@berndvandecruys]

Really like these type of videos, where photographers explain their thinking and methodology. Definitely gives me motivation to re-explore subjects in my surrounding and closely examine them, revisit them during different times of day.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed this one. 🙂

[@mrhockey2443]

Your obvious passion for photography and your knowledge are inspiring!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you.

[@elevenseventeen6293]

Composition master, you must have a real itch for being this precisely!!! It’s beautiful to say the least

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you. I appreciate that.

[@teocrawford]

Perfectly overlapping the "i" of the financing lettering is geeenius - love it! :D

[@KyleMcDougall]

🙌

[@Fabzsoundmedia]

You also have “leading lines” working really well in the composition of the 2nd example.👏🏻👏🏻 the road on the right and the roof from the left leading both to the sign. Just amazing in the overall!! 🫶🏻🫶🏻 I’m devouring all your videos! Thanks very much for the work you putting into this educational material. 🙏🏻

[@DevonChristopherAdams]

I found there’s a quiet reflection with what you do. You have purpose in your art and to articulate not only your creativity and purpose but also your technicality is refreshing. I wait for your videos. Thank you again.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks so much, Devon. Really appreciate that!

[@retiredguyadventures6211]

I liked how the road in the first picture leads your eye to the nearest grain elevator and then continues on to the second one that is framed. Good work!

[@terrywyse]

Love..love..love this video. I really love listening to other artists/photographers talk about their process. The takeaway for me was simply slowing down, calming my brain and really thinking about what I’m doing when composing a scene. It’s got me inspired to take a road trip next spring, something I’ve been thinking about doing the past couple of years, leaving my digital Pentax at home....and bringing out the analog boys to play (Pentax 645 Nii and 6x7 MLU). Thanks for the inspiration Kyle.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Terry! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@creativevit5961]

Wow. These photos look so simple and so powerful at the same time!!! Well timed and composed making me stare at them forever without being bored. Just amazing!!!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you.

[@rayvaughn5546]

I like your selections. They are pure uncomplicated photography glad to see someone making photos that make sense to me. These are old school thinking. Refreshing. Your explanations are so down to earth. Thanks!

[@paulsylvia241]

Wonderful class in composition and insightful photography. I was amazed with the image of the garage in the light segment on how the cast shadow of the garage signs falls in the telephone pole.

[@photofools307]

Hey man LOVE this so much. I really appreciate how you take into account detail, compositional awareness, and convention into consideration when you shoot. I feel that I sometimes dance on similar lines of thought, and hearing you discuss it made me reflect on my own process. Thank you for such a great video, and such great art.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks so much! 🙏

[@RetroPhotoPro]

Dang it! I sat there in that spot parked trying to decide how to line it up, and eventually gave up because I hated the sky. Very nice!!!! For love the of the panhandle of Texas and the grain elevators making the landscape interesting!

[@CornishMotorcycleDiaries]

The more I take pictures, the more I realise that composition comes first, light and subject second. I played the game with myself of 'spot the edits' and was fairly close in most cases, which is gratifying. Of course I might make different decisions to you on composition even using the same rules, but that is OK. The rules are open to interpretation as you showed several times in this tutorial.

[@Guairenito]

Nice to see you again Kyle. Thank you for sharing your experience with us.

[@thisisnotdom]

Great video! Like that you talk through your thoughts rather than saying "Rule 1:..., Rule 2:...". Very useful!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed. Cheers.

[@terryolsen4244]

Excellent video, Kyle. I really enjoy (and learn) seeing and listening to the compositional choices you made in your images. Looking forward to Part 2.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Terry!

[@rioszeke]

Great video! I’ve been needing to learn something like this to continue improving. Your videos and your podcast have all been a great resource for me and my photography, thanks!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you’ve enjoyed!

[@jameskeane487]

I have to say, this video was so satisfying to watch. It is just so pleasing to see how meticulous and clean the composition is within your images. Looking forward to the next part!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, James. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@samaeltheimpaler]

This is helping me a lot to better understand Stephen Shore's photography. Illuminating, thanks!

[@crystalanokam]

I am in awe at the level of attention to detail you have in your image making process, wow... I am inspired 🌟

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed this one!

[@nateeames6826]

This is just excellent top tier content. I love how a lot of your videos are much more like photography classes or workshops than the usual personal vlog on location style like most photography channels. Please keep making videos like this that break down the technique and approach. Also really excited to see you talk to other photographers about these types of topics. Just subscribed. Also side note, your style of photography and your thought process is exactly how I photograph (or at least how I try to photograph). Love your work and love hearing about how you make it.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks for the comment Nate. Really appreciate that. Glad you’ve been enjoying the content!

[@youngminyune8171]

This lesson is really helpful. That ‘s why it is so pleasing to see your photos. Just great, Kyle.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@staplercut]

Beautiful images and very helpful tips!

[@jaredgotcher]

This was excellent, Kyle! Thank you! It was really helpful to hear and see how you thought through those compositions. Definitely motivates me to be more conscious of the elements in my scene.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks Jared!

[@HaughtyBagman]

Really nice video. Appreciate this. So many composition videos just go over the basic rules, which are obviously important, but I appreciate this more detailed discussion

[@jamiebennett3745]

I've been struggling with how to compose busier scenes, this was so helpful! Looking forward to a part two!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Jamie.

[@theblackandwhitefilmproject]

Great video. One of the most informative. Very stimulating. Thanks. Look forward to more.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Bernard!

[@AndreaLivieriPhoto]

Really great video as always, Kyle! The creative vision and the composition process are always super interesting. Cheers

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Andrea!

[@hurleygreen927]

GREAT Tutorial! Makes us photographers look at the world in a different light and from a different perspective..THANKS!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@kylekisling1]

Really enjoyed this! Always interested to hear the thoughts/intent behind the captures. Looking forward to the next installment.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Kyle. More to come.

[@alexflynn8753]

Great tips here. I'm definitely going to try to be more conscious when shooting after watching this video.

[@partlydave2]

For the photo of the Roy’s sign through the window, I also like how the triangular shape of the light at the bottom of the frame mimics the triangular shape of the sign.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Good eye. :)

[@seppireda7351]

This was awesome! Loved this video. Great stuff! Looking forward to the next one.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@championthewonderhorse9733]

I love your images and this video is fantastic and deserves to be appreciated far more broadly. Good work!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Appreciate that. Thanks.

[@reubenbharucha225]

Great video, really helpful tips and great to see you talk through specific examples and give insight into your process. Thanks!

[@timma8221]

This is a really great video about composition, informative and very straightforward with incredible examples shown! Love it so much.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks so much!

[@willdabobalore2132]

The photo at 12:05 was just phenomenal and a really great example for your compositional process. Great stuff

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Will.

[@BryanDorr]

Gotta love the "T" and "U" forming in the last abandoned kitchen photo. The birds on the streetlamp in the "Trails West" sign photo is a nice added element. Lots of inspiration from this video. Thanks for sharing.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Bryan!

[@eddie_g]

Definitely going to be putting a lot of this in practice. Thank Kyle!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you!

[@Nat.ImagesLarge.F.Photographer]

Master,excellent work ,very inspiring! Thanks

[@eddiebachalani5136]

Great masterclass - got lots out of it. Thanks

[@BIMLounge]

Love the subjects and the composition choices. Although I knew most of the principles, I enjoyed seeing the thought process around your shots. I appreciate videos that actually teach you a skill. Thanks!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@mattl347]

Great video Kyle. Very interesting to listen to your preferences for composing these images, as well as your thought processes behind the images. Thanks a lot for sharing 👍

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Matt!

[@peterolijve9040]

Thanks Kyle! Really interesting stuff and educational. Nice shots for sure.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Peter.

[@jaymathews356]

Great tutorial! In the first image, I also like how the arrows in the road are mirroring the yield sign, as well as the awning on the building on the right side of the image.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Jay.

[@richardrizzo_photography]

Very helpful Kyle, looking forward to the next part. oh and I love your style of photography.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Rich. Glad you enjoyed.

[@billdeng8558]

super inspirational, best composition sharing video I've ever seen on KZbin - part 2 part 2 part 2!!!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheZachMendez]

Love your channel & your podcast! Thank you for sharing your passion & knowledge. It is such a valuable perspective. 👍

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Zach. I appreciate that.

[@rjndca]

Had no absolute idea abt photography but definitely wanted to learn more even though the gear costs much. This made me realize that tiny details matter when choosing to compose your images. This is an absolute delight. Your work is awesome!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you! Really appreciate it.

[@JazWho-hg2zh]

It's all in the details. Love it

[@SimoneBelloni]

Thanks for sharing Kyle, I personally wouldn’t have noticed those kind of details in the composition. But while you were walking through the pictures they made so much sense!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Simone!

[@EricPost9]

Super helpful video! Love your work! Thanks!

[@stefanoarena7502]

Your videos are immensely inspiring! Thank you so much for all the knowledge you share 😃

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Stefano. Appreciate you watching.

[@stevebikes995]

Wonderful images. Great job.

[@Vincent.Morreale]

Man do I love this channel. LKeep up the good work Kyle

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Vincent!

[@pixelcatcherStuttgart]

loved it! thanks for sharing your images and thoughts

[@Giles29]

Great video, fantastic composition tips. I often shoot with intent to crop in an effort to get the composition right.

[@ColinRobertson_LLAP]

These are some great compositional techniques! I'll reference it next time I go shooting to remind myself of ways to think about a scene. Thanks Kyle.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Colin.

[@jruizzz17]

This is one of the most helpful videos I’ve ever seen!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Jose. :)

[@DanielJamesBird]

I definitely need to learn to really slow down and take in all possible angles before deciding which one I think is the best. I agree I'm not sure that it's something that you can ever master, but it's exciting knowing that it's something you can always learn! Loved the video Kyle, and absolutely LOVED the Finance Furniture scene!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks, Daniel!

[@aramb]

OK, you totally had me with the telephone handset. This was really helpful - thank you!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers.

[@mskogly]

I like the overall light and colors in your shots.

[@matthewphillips5950]

10:50 the framing looks like a 16:9 cine frame. Great!

[@rgarciamainou]

Kyle, great video. Love your style and the care you use in every frame. When you were talking about the Roy photo I also saw a very interesting echo between the sign shape and the triangle of light below. A less evident one also between the broken window and the shaped light on the right. Beautiful pics. Congratulations.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you. And good eye!

[@tonyb2760]

Always interesting to see how others view a scene and the thought process. Thanks for sharing

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Tony.

[@skullheart12]

One of the first things I noticed at 14:12 was the airplane trail almost perfectly completing the triangle of the MidPoint cafe sign, hahah love it! Incredible video as always Kyle, these compositions are so pleasing to the eye! Feeling v inspired right now

[@TwangThang57]

Me too, surprised he didn't mention it. Might have been a gimme, but it sure worked!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you, Joe! And good eye. 🙂

[@satoshimilk]

This was great Kyle, thank you for sharing!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers, Jordan.

[@niccoloparodi]

dude, thanks a lot for the video, this is so inspirational! the "roy's" one is insane and shows how much you're advanced in composition. I still have a lot to learn, that's a bit harder for me as my area it's so busy and populated, and negative space it's an actual dream here. But that means I have to "create" the negative space, it's challenging and sometimes I get it working, sometimes I don't. again, thanks for the Inspo!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you. Glad you found it helpful. And yes, absolutely, sounds like your are will be a great place to work on your skills.

[@Upstart800]

You made some great compositions, I appreciate the tutorial.

[@Digzthis]

love it man, the goat!

[@gregsg01]

Enjoyed your interpretation and application of the various rules and your design perspectives. Learnt a bit more from the video. Thank you.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thanks!

[@MKL_D]

I love your work, beautiful colour, simple approach. I have run out of words.

[@KyleMcDougall]

I appreciate that. Thank you.

[@allhope21]

Great video. Very informative. This is my first time watching one of your videos and I learned a lot. Your explanations were concise and easy to understand. Looking forward to more.

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you found it helpful!

[@themuzzuk]

Really enjoyed this video. Photos are superb and explained really well. Thanks

[@Dmzfotografie]

Dude, your photos are amazing! Really great work!

[@manostroulinos1726]

Excellent, very interesting and inspiring, please include more videos like that, discussing composition, light, and all the decisions you can take during the capturing process. Many thanks!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it. More to come. :)

[@sergiomiranda8857]

the image at 10:43 is spectacular. Love the composition and your breakdown of it. Thank you!

[@KyleMcDougall]

Cheers!

[@jdebultra]

Thank you sir. Excellent instruction.

[@cameronwilson8561]

This is brilliant, thanks so much

[@davistripp]

Thanks Kyle! This is great.

[@hondabois1495]

excellent video thank you! This is the knowledge that truly helps

[@KyleMcDougall]

Glad you found it helpful.

[@angelmoldez3512]

When it comes to composition, people will only enumerate stuff... yeah they show multiple examples but they never fully explain it. This video does not only tackle compositions but it is a visual exercise as well. What I learned in this video is that even the slightest detail, it can make or break a photo and also, always take time to find creative opportunities. Love your photos... it makes me feel calm. You earned a new subscriber right here :)