Photo Composition Tips - Practise With A Phone

[@markdayphotography7948]

"Composition is not a camera function, it is a you function" - that quote is now embedded into my brilliant brain. Great video Mike.

[@MikeBrowne]

thank you Mark Day :) - Melissa pp Mike

[@stevestrickland446]

Perfect! Mike has gone on and on about "kit doesn't matter." I agree. I have watched this channel for quite some time and to summarize what Mike says, the camera does not take great pictures, you do. I am a pilot, not a professional photographer. Many times the shot is there and the only camera is your phone. Embrace the times we live in and take the shot! I have saved more money by watching these videos and purchasing his course rather than buying gimmick equipment. Keep it up, Mike!

[@MikeBrowne]

Oh thank you for that heart warming comment! - Melissa pp Mike :)

[@rajithfernando6200]

I just want to appreciate how simple and smooth the editing was, how crisp the presentation was, and how fluid the explanation of his thought process was. Brilliant stuff

[@patsave]

Composition is the most critical aspect of photography and you are the best teacher for that!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you - MIKE

[@jakeroxas4686]

Mike Browne, the simpliest but detailed tutorials about photography on youtube...diehard follower here in Ireland. Keep up the good work Sir!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Jake. Please keep sharing 'em around so I can keep 'em coming... MIKE :-)

[@patrickmccormick]

This is one of the best videos I've found for teaching composition. You walk us through your search and your thoughts as you discover options. Lecturing is good, but there's nothing more valuable than a great example. Thanks!!!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Patrick- Melissa pp Mike

[@luis10soares]

That's true.We have to stop worrying about expensive cameras and high end gear if we don´t master the basics. Another great video by mister Mike Browne. Thank you very much for, once again, sharing your knowledge with us. Cheers!

[@ameron20]

im a novice and everytime i look at youtube for tips and advice im always drawn to your channel, your more down to earth approach makes it so easy to follow..thanks for giving your time to help others.

[@MikeBrowne]

glad you like our vids :) please do share so we can make more - :) - Melissa pp Mike

[@atshappy]

Brilliant! You drive home the point that photography is a human art, a creative endeavour. The camera is just a tool, a machine. Thanks for your wonderful effort to teach us these simple but often forgotten ideas.

[@MikeBrowne]

You're very welcom @C K Lau - Thanks...🙂

[@Digital.Done.Right.]

"Composition is not a camera function, it is a you function" very well said and lots of great tips in this vid. I should visit your course in Pfäfferikersee!

[@MikeBrowne]

Please do Andrew Maher be great to have you along... MIKE www.photographycourses.biz/zurich

[@peterjackhandy]

Although I don't consciously think in terms of the technicalities of composition, I generally arrive at what works by a similar process to that which you describe. This often means I don't give a toss what any other 'togs around me are doing 😈: In fact, I'll usually wander off a bit & have a look-see 'over there'. For me, you hit the impact-operated friction fastener on the non-sharp end with that pearl of wisdom toward the end of the video - Your Settings/My settings. Facebook photography groups & forums (forii?) seem to be largely populated by people with no individuality whatsoever: All they can think of asking is 'Where, exactly, did you take that?' and 'What settings did you use?' Presumably because they want to take the exact same photo, from the exact same perspective - WHY? - It's already been done!

[@DickyTracy]

3:50 - There's a pretty good composition to be found in that window on the right with the reflections in it.

[@MikeBrowne]

good catch! Melissa pp Mike

[@S.tebban]

"Composition is a you-function". I love it. Thx again for the great video and the great advice Mike.

[@MikeBrowne]

you're welcome :) - Melissa pp Mike :)

[@MiaHessMusic]

I love that you did this with a cell phone! Bravo Mike

[@MikeBrowne]

thank you! :) - Melissa pp Mike

[@axelbier8155]

Surprising seeing you walking around with a mobile phone, but one of your best videos, as you said: it is not the gear but you, finding the spot and doing the composition. Thanks !

[@cato451]

Great lesson. Composition is truly the most difficult part of photography.

[@stevepegleg]

true that

[@malachiviloria9145]

This is how I started doing photography. I went out every day with my phone and practiced composition. I had to become accustomed to the limitations of my creative ability. so eventually I went out and got myself a camera. Now you can still take amazing photos on a phone just as much as a camera because essentially you are the photographer. However I was seeking more to photography other than just going out and taking loads of photos with my phone to stopping and thinking about what I am looking for. Am I an world renowned best ever photographer? No, because I am still learning. Likewise, my composition has gotten better since moving on to a camera. I already had practiced composition with my phone, I just now have a couple more things to become creative with.

[@MikeBrowne]

Perfectly expressed Malachi Viloria. The settings in a camera give us more creative control to fulfill what we visualize. And we are all of us learning till the day we are in a hole in the ground - MIKE :-)

[@avs4365]

Top topical tips as the summer evenings lengthen - thank you Mike

[@fyfelee978]

Amen to everything you said at the end! Practice! Practice! Practice! Shoot! Shoot! Shoot! Thank you for this amazing video Sir!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Fyfe Lee ... MIKE

[@ruggieromanente4855]

What a truly gifted teacher you are, Mike. You manage to make such complex thinking so simple, so inspiring, and that is your brilliant mind at work. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us! All the best.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you for the kind words! : ) - Melissa pp Mike

[@papun17]

Great instructor. Thank you for this valuable tips.

[@RaudiA4]

Another great video Mike, such simple and intuitive instructions, people just need to listen and take on board what you are saying! I always say this but you cannot believe how much your videos have improved my photography and I'm grateful for every video make, keep it up 👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@MikeBrowne]

we are so happy that we somehow is a part of your journey to be a better photographer :) - Melissa pp Mike

[@nobitaadidas]

Those settings are gold LOL

[@ilya.b]

He forgot the legs though(

[@TheGururamesh]

Thanks for sharing great tips on composition.

[@zalkadridani]

Well..when I see you do it with your phone, my finger press subscribe automatically. I love it. Thanks.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you and welcome on board Dani Yar . ... MIKE

[@TheBiggervern]

Cheers Mike. Powerful demonstration of the point using your phone.

[@MikeBrowne]

Ha ha, Thanks Vernon. Remember the 'Shoe' exercise? Petersfield CC still hold the trophy for most inventive pics ... MIKE :-)

[@TheBiggervern]

Mike Browne I remember it well. It was good fun but of course made us think. 👍

[@larrytam2869]

Thanks Mike, I attended a very good lesson today. Phone + brain = unlimited creativity !

[@MikeBrowne]

that's the spirit! - Melissa pp Mike

[@westyavro]

Thank you for sharing yourself and your knowledge with all of us. You are so helpful and generous with what you know and allowing us to learn from that. Big hugs brother.

[@Ajajambo]

Another brilliant video Mike, a good reminder that there is no excuse for not practicing if a phone is on hand. My last trip to Madagascar saw all my pic taken with an iPhone 7

[@MikeBrowne]

wow Madagascar - sounds really nice ! Melissa PP Mike :)

[@stevepegleg]

again Mr Browne! super video, so simple to just go around with your phone and practice the composition with the phone. It has to be one of the hardest things in photography to get right, practice practice is the order of the day.

[@MikeBrowne]

Ha ha. Hello again Mr Bray. It is indeed. Hope you're well buddy - MIKE :-)

[@riboid]

As ever, very informative and when I am out with my camera, I am always looking and learning to see what composition is out there. Cheers.

[@MikeBrowne]

Cheers! scott!

[@AnVoPhotography]

THANK YOU, Mike. I really enjoyed that one. I would love to watch more just like it. That would be awesome.

[@puddy007]

Excellent tutorial on practicing composition with only your camera phone. This will definitely help in improving my compositional awareness.

[@MikeBrowne]

happy to help! -Melissa pp Mike

[@ajantasengupta7452]

That was so full of common sense! Thank you Mike for such a great video. I learn so much from you every time I see your videos .

[@v2kanv]

awesome, Mike. thank you so much.

[@petergood2000]

Yet another great video. I always have my phone with me (and my camera) but never think of using it (I'm sure I'm not alone!) I will use it from now on. Thanks Mike

[@MikeBrowne]

yes you are not alone :) keep it up! - Melissa pp Mike

[@wh3l4n26]

This is an excellent video Mike, I have seen many videos about composition but they don’t go into as much detail as you. Well-done and keep up the good work.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Paul for continuously watching! keep rocking! - Melissa pp MIke

[@sharonleibel]

Brilliant Mike. Love your videos and your courses. Especially the 7-Blocks. It's extremely helpful!

[@johnnycincocero]

And this is why I subscribed to and watch your channel. Excellent lesson.

[@MikeBrowne]

thank you for being with us :) - Melissa pp Mike

[@garym3407]

Nice video Mike enjoyed your tips on composition you got me thinking now.

[@derekwillson2538]

Excellent video Mike, that's a great way to illustrate composition skills without camera settings becoming a distraction. Thanks Derek

[@billbaker1406]

Mike you can make things clear and simple good job.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Bill! - Melissa pp Mike

[@mikeparks3154]

Another great video. Thanks Mike, for all the advice you share.

[@PeterMarcaurelle]

Another great video, thanks for sharing your expertise.

[@ilesmic]

Great Video Mike-- A little tip for phone photography the volume buttons can be used to take the shot. That way you can keep the phone secure and a little steadier.

[@MikeBrowne]

oh this is an brilliant tip! will keep it in mind - Melissa pp Mike :)

[@liambluck3837]

its nice to see someone encouraging the art of photographic practice rather than photoshop editing. great video mike and its really brought me back to basics, after getting myself lost in the techy side of it all, and I find I'm enjoying my photography more now.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Liam. I hate the techy side - as you probably noticed... MIKE ;-)

[@allegrononstoppo]

Finally. This is the channel I've been searching for. Really really helpful guidance. Thank you!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you allegrononstoppo - I’m delighted they are helping. Please help me make more videos by sharing them with other photographers on forums etc... MIKE

[@dimcheivanoski7294]

Aplause¡ perfect lesson. thank you man. I simply love your videos.

[@lisalabrecque6735]

Enjoyed the video as always. You're a great teacher and you're blessed with the ability to relate to others. You make things so simple and easy to understand. Very friendly. Thank you for all of the videos you've done and continue to do. We can learn a lot from your experiences and wisdom. Giving ya a shout out from South Carolina, US. Keep up the great work. :-)

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Lisa, your comment just makes our heart so full - Melissa pp Mike

[@lisalabrecque6735]

Mike Browne :-)

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Lisa, and Hey There South Carolina... MIKE :-)

[@CharlitosWG]

Your tips are so useful , thanks !! Greetings from Chile !

[@AbhirupSen20]

Best channel (I know) for practical composition techniques 👍🏽

[@bansheerider619]

Probably one of the better comp videos Ive seen. Good job.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you bansheerider619 Please share it around and help me make more like it... MIKE :-)

[@donsmith2833]

Well done, as always.

[@shivkumarpabba4089]

These videos you have been putting out, Mike, are of great practical value. I have created a separate playlist of these to be able to access them readily to watch again (and again) later. Very imaginatively done. Thanks.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Shiv. I’m delighted they are helping. Please help me make more videos by sharing them with other photographers on forums, Facebook, ClickASnap, Flickr etc... MIKE :-)

[@SniperPhotography]

Great presentation.Thank you.

[@jennyyipcy]

Thanks Mike, Thumps up to you. Excellent teacher!

[@PostColorGear]

1. congrats on 200k subscribers. 2. Love the premise of this video! Even if people are confident in their shooting, always practice, as you said. In my view, it's a matter of being able to shoot a scene instinctively - instead of thinking "well, let me move over a little....ok, now let me do this, and then now....back up a little bit" - which is great for practice, but practice helps with confidence and speed :)

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you, we are growing each day :) - Melissa pp Mike

[@robcoates4394]

Was the video useful? Well yes, and as usual it was inspirational! Words of wisdom from a pro with a smidgin of humour. Thanks Mike

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Rob! Melissa pp Mike

[@profdody8942]

Great video Mike! Composition before camera setting is something challenging me everytime I grab my camera, a simple Nikon d5000. What your video made me clear is that composition is a state of the mind. You see it before the shot. In doing so everything looks different when you watch them with your creativity even the most insignificant element means a lot to the photographer's eye. You see the beauty where people don't see nothing. Just a great lesson from you, Mike. Thanks.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks dodi difa. "Composition is a state of mind" - I love that - MIKE :-)

[@kamysmith79]

Wow Mike .. That was really made so simple... God Bless

[@pintatedecolor]

Thanks for the tips! I love visual composition and it's nice to see some detailed explaining. And.. Is it me or... Are you the sweetest man?

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks pintatedecolor . And erm - yes I am... MIKE :-)

[@pintatedecolor]

Mike Browne, Ha! I knew it!! (...my name is Sharon.... Of course is not "Paint yourself in colors"... Although.. It would be quite nice and hippie)

[@NightLinks]

Good video. Thank you!

[@nicholasmiles1194]

Great video Mike. People can always depend on you to give focus to photography and simplify the process to those (like me) who always seem to over-complicate matters when taking pictures.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Nicholas Miles - MIKE

[@carlseddon2392]

alright mike, yeah I take a lot of shots on my phone camera I have a professional DSLR but having your phone there is well easy. I have just got back from ozz and I took my pro kit but used my phone camera most of the time. it's very good for composition because as you said you need to move around. skills

[@elzbietaarno2181]

Thank you Mike, I enjoyed that immensely. I am moving forward in my photography and i am starting to see things differently to how I used to. Every little tip helps, and as human beings we tend to learn from each other, or other peoples experiences.

[@MikeBrowne]

No worries Elzbieta Arno - we never stop learning and as you said, it's all about seeing (not settings) - MIKE

[@indiananupam5715]

beautiful video sir..this is the 1st time I saw ur current video.I found ur KZbin channel only 5days ago.to me u r the best sir.u made photography so easy..u r awesome sir.i'm new in photography..Thank u so much for ur all beautiful videos...God bless u sir..greetings from India

[@MikeBrowne]

aaww bless your heart Anupam - melissa pp Mike

[@blainekaiser5052]

interesting practice ideas

[@OneCameraOneLens]

More and more photographers like myself actually use a lot of photos taken on our phones. Great video!

[@MikeBrowne]

You're welcome :) -Melissa pp Mike

[@anthonyhedger4301]

Another brilliant video Mike, thank you

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Anthony - Melissa pp Mike

[@tectorama]

Another great video Mike. I often forget I have a camera in my phone

[@MikeBrowne]

Happy to remind you, that you have :) - Melissa pp Mike

[@northof50now]

Some of my best composed images came from my old Rollei film camera. Waist level viewfinders are wonderful to help see what your camera sees. 25 years as a photographer and I can still suffer from tunnel vision through a viewfinder more often than I like.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks northof50now. We can all get tunnel vision from time to time. Depends on if the 'Muses' are upon us. - MIKE :-)

[@peterjackson8179]

Allways keen to watch your videos mike must have watch them all more than once thanks for the great info mike, this will make me think a bit harder for a better composition.

[@MikeBrowne]

that's good! if you think you are ready on the next level - please check our www.photographycourses.biz/courses/7-building-blocks-of-photography - Melissa pp Mike

[@asry27]

Great and so informative video, thanks Mike.👍

[@BlackVype]

I like the way you record your videos, sir! You always leave a hint for a viewer to get an idea of the future shot composition

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you ... MIKE🙏😊

[@pete6604]

Keep up the great work, Mike! This video is fantastic. Your down to earth style of explaining and demonstrating ideas through tangible examples is truly one of a kind. I really love the use of video recently to show the shot you're lining up and playing around with. It's extremely helpful to see that. I also love the lesson at the end about using your phone particularly because of its lack of settings. It's not about the settings, it's about you putting in the effort and moving around to make a great composition. I recently went to Europe and took a whole lot of pictures. Most of my favorite ones are from my phone, not my Nikon DSLR.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Pete MacLellan Please keep helping me make more by sharing them around... Best wishes - MIKE

[@scarface1961]

As always, nice job Mike.

[@pmcguire604]

Mike, thanks for another great video. They've made a real difference in my life and no doubt many others'. Please keep them coming.

[@MikeBrowne]

Hey thanks Patrick McGuire. Please keep up the good work when you share them around... Best wishes.- MIKE

[@elisabethm.lafontaine4835]

Love your photography Mike. This video was very simple and most educational. Many thanks!

[@martinstokes5596]

Thanks Mike..as always very useful and motivating stuff..cheers

[@MikeBrowne]

Cheers! - Melissa pp Mike

[@Amy59C]

Merci. Workshop in Johannesburg anytime soon ?

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Amy. I'm sorry but I'm not setting up any new workshops for the next year or so. Got a megga project going on back here... MIKE

[@latitudebsl]

Though I saw it late, but worth watching it. Your teaching skill are so simple but very powerful. Thanks for sharing your wisdom in such a simple and easy way.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you - much more knowledge on my website if you every fancy a browse www.photographycourses.biz/

[@DiscoverRajivVlogs]

You are just amazing, putting some great info for us. Thanks for these videos really helpful .

[@haydnx1]

you explained it very well I have to come on one of course

[@dieselc68]

Do the setting apply to left handed people as well?? Another cracking video. Love the humour. Always an inspiration to grab my camera and get out more. Thanks Mike!

[@MikeBrowne]

That's a VERY powerful question dieselc68 I'll do some research... MIKE ;-)

[@nightfury4756]

Amazing video, as always!

[@glennsmith2762]

Thanks Mike, another AWESOME video, Been struggling with composition a little, and you answered a few of the questions I have been asking. I also use my cell phone to help me find the shot, before setting up my camera kit, I love the fact that you used your phone's camera for the pictures in this video. Have a great day, Cheers.

[@MikeBrowne]

thank you Glenn! happy to help if you think you are ready on the next step and think like a photographer please check our course www.photographycourses.biz/courses/7-building-blocks-of-photography - Melissa pp Mike

[@xanderbrooks8017]

Mike, you can capture a photo while your phone is taking video (there's a shutter button right next to the stop button). This should help, as you don't have to constantly be switching between photo and video mode on your phone.

[@beaucarnea215]

Hello Mike, One of the rules of photo composition which is almost always consigned to oblivion is extraspace. If we frame the photo in the camera viewer as we would like it to be printed and framed, then the mount will crop it or the wooden frame that we fancied won't have the good size for the photo... And let's face it, hanging up our photos in nice frames is a great pleasure. Regards.

[@MikeBrowne]

true indeed! prints are like trophies :) Melissa pp Mike

[@rogersrego]

Great tips! From Sao Paulo - Brazil.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Roger from Sao Paulo. Please share it (and any others you like) around. It helps me make more of them... MIKE

[@witcheater]

Much of the humor has been already said. Such is it for being late to the party. However, it is so much a matter of the tools that you have at hand, and understanding those tools, and then using those tools to the better of your abilities. It so often is not about anything more than getting over failing. Take the damn shot and look over it in post, and if you still like it, then work it to even posting it.

[@MikeBrowne]

"It so often is not about anything more than getting over failing" Couldn't agree more Gerard Kuzawa - MIKE

[@ross560]

Always enjoy the your videos

[@chriskennedy1612]

Brilliant! - As ever Mike another great video, and a fantastic lesson! It takes a special talent to be able to get the message across first time, and with such ease. You make it look effortless. Thank you so much once again for all your free training videos, and also your commercial courses. You have definitely made an impact on my life, and helped send me in a much better direction. Cheers!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Chris - MIKE :-)

[@mjcz5853]

Hi Mike thanks for another excellent video. I just picked up on your channel a couple weeks ago and watch a few each night. The D300 is a great camera. What full frame do you use. Peace.

[@MikeBrowne]

thanks for the kind words! you're fab! Mike has Nikon D600 - Melissa pp Mike

[@Shka_maru]

I don't know about other phones but if you have an iphone, you can take a picture while recording a video. There is a separate button. FYI :). Great video per usual!

[@michaelsillars365]

Another brilliant video

[@bigedkc0179]

binge watching your vids lol great teacher I have a few good images thanx to you

[@schwunsch]

Great explanation as always and a very valuable point of practicing to see the right composition!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you schwunsch. Please continue helping me make more like it by sharing them with other photographers on forums, Facebook, ClickASnap, Flickr etc. - MIKE :-)

[@schwunsch]

I will do my best! :) I think there are many videos explaining what to do when taking a picture, but you showed the whole procedure, which is very unique and much more informative then just showing the final image. It would be great to have a video-series of "tasks" that show one composition technique and also the whole procedure of finding the shot like you did.

[@monicaochse9645]

That was great, thanks

[@cjmartin69]

I love lovedloved this video I'd love to see more of this type of video I actually have a playlist dedicated to these type of composition videos. There are hardly any creatives on KZbin doing this sort of explaining for composition. Sure there are lots showing the Rule of Thirds or Leading Lines....but no one else is actually walking you through the thought process behind the composition. You described me at the beginning of the video and this helps so much. Great work Mike I look forward to the next one!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Chris, if you think you are ready to have the big leap and think like a photographer - please do check www.photographycourses.biz/courses/7-building-blocks-of-photography - Melissa pp Mike

[@cjmartin69]

Thanks Melissa I'm way ahead of you I've already bought this one and I love it!!!

[@MikeBrowne]

Super Like! - Melissa pp Mike :)

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Christopher - MIKE :-)

[@markbulmer320]

brilliant video mike. I have often thought of making videos myself using cheap cameras as most people have a point and shoot. It's a good idea to help people who do not want to spend a fortune on professional or even expensive amerture equipment. I so much like this video of you using just your phone. I just wish I had the nerve and your talent to do KZbin videos.

[@MikeBrowne]

Everyone can be a rockstar! - Melissa pp Mike :)

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Mark. Trust me, it scared the hell out of me the first time a video went out on YT. And some of them I still cringe at. Luckily the content's accurate and no one else seems to have seen (or commented on) the things about me that I don't like. As my friend Thor in Iceland say. Fu** it - just do it... MIKE