Photography Tips: Composition and Breaking Symmetry

[@petersagi275]

The only youtube videos that actually make you a better photographer.

[@MikeBrowne]

Ahh thanks +Péter Sági - very kind of you - MIKE

[@clipper530]

This man has gotten me into photography 📸 thank you

[@k1hasard]

The twigs give a sense of life to the picture. Without the twigs, it is a more serious and in a way mysterious shot. I actually like both with and without the same amount, but for different reasons. Great video as always Mike, thank you.

[@bhanuprathappv]

LIKE Really wonderful Sir the way you teach. Learning through your videos I'm always motivated to try new things😇 Thank you Sir

[@kreygscott]

Love the twigs Mike. Not only are they a uniquely pleasant disruptive feature but it also shows how you creativity enhance an already perfect composition without overdoing it. Btw love to see your reference to the histogram. I'd love you to also turn your highlight alerts. Ideally both features go hand in hand to ensure we get the type of exposure we want for the shot. -Kreyg Scott Photography

[@sandeepvk]

By the way I am big fan of yours - Your Voice, your mannerisms, and your "BRITISH" accent - I would love be born again to acquire it :) You have also lost weight, which is awesome ! BIG FAN !

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Sandy - MIKE :-)

[@joelmana]

Always a pleasure to see a new video from your channel, Mike! Thank you!

[@kimatyt]

I'd like a little more twigs.

[@adolphmalatji8017]

Mike i love you and your team. After watching your videos, after sometime procrastinating today i bought my first DSLR camera i.e Nikon D7100 and AF Nikkor 50mm 1.8D. I Feel so Blessed to have came across your Channel, i was just browsing ooops there is Mike and i fell in love with the way you explain things. I'm gonna start practising and win. Thank you so much, not forgetting the team you are working with. You saved me from spending unnecessarily, You have Really Encouraged me to take the Step. Much love. Adolph from South Africa currently studying Soils at UWA in Perth, Australia

[@MikeBrowne]

Wow thanks Adolph. Go for it... We're delighted to help, though the 'team' is only Melissa in Phillipines (link below) and me here in UK. Though that's about to change as someone new is coming on board too... MIKE www.photographycourses.biz/videos/tips-and-features/features/meet-melissa-fox

[@adolphmalatji8017]

You and Melissa are Genius. I would like to meet both of you in person one day. You are too great.

[@MsJACable]

Like.

[@avpjon]

Like. I felt that I liked them, but, when I saw the shot without the twigs, I knew I liked them! Thank you, Mike

[@Polaventris]

No twigs! But there is no right or wrong when it comes to personal tastes.

[@tonysleigh6635]

I like symmetrical photos but I also find that having a distraction makes the photos more interesting and natural rather than too clinical. I love your videos Mike. Awesome.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Tony... MIKE

[@nicolasgrossen7848]

I would go without the twigs, if you would want the disruptive factor, I would make it more obvious, now it looks a bit like a mistake :)

[@kevinmapue8601]

Like the twigs. I love it personally when i see something that kinda breaks the symmetry of the photo. Adds context, drama and tension to the shot. Nice one mr. Browne. More power to you and Godbless

[@karanarora9437]

no twigs

[@Mariamuri4]

No twigs. Love the way you teach. Thank you!

[@JulianBaird]

No twigs!

[@Rh0dan1970]

Love your videos mark, as a beginner I find it remarkably difficult to find instructional movies in layman's English. Yours are perfect. Thank you!As for the twigs, normally I like these curious things in pictures like this, the stuff that makes you wonder 'What did he see that was not captured' but seeing as the rest of the picture is very symmetrical, I do believe they are disruptive. This is a Zen picture, about balance. ( gorgeous one too I may add )

[@MikeBrowne]

Yes it's interesting to hear everyones different opinions, there is no right or wrong. I'd still keep the Twig :-) -MIKE

[@WillFlyGuitar]

LIKE!

[@jimmyers2543]

I like the twigs they lead your eyes to the dock, which leads your eyes to the water, which leads your eyes to the mountains, all the elements work together to walk your eyes through the photo.

[@Forgotten031511]

Originally I thought "No Twigs" ...but then I saw it without the Twigs, so now: LIKE

[@andreweverest9679]

No twigs for me

[@ericgeorge5483]

Thank you mike, great tutorial as always. You always offer a difference of opinion which is great.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Eric - MIKE

[@GrahamHartle]

No twigs and no boat. They are just distracting elements IMHO.

[@tonyhodgkinson7026]

Hey Mike, I personally like both photos. they both have a different feel to them. If I had a choice I would pick the one with the twig in because it gives the picture a bit more of a story and feel for me.

[@AnandaSim]

LOL. Keep the twigs. Get rid of the dock. Docks have been done to death. :)

[@MikeBrowne]

Love your unique way of thinking Ananda - MIKE :-)

[@AnandaSim]

Mike - it's taken me a long whole to walk away from the straight and narrow ☺️

[@MikeBrowne]

Ananda Sim Me too - Mike

[@howardallen5390]

I agree with Ananda. I don’t think the symmetry works here, the jetty is not very attractive and straight on pictures of jetties are clichéd. What about a similar shot but with the jetty from the side and a lower camera angle?

[@ralucahuma9164]

Definitely like the twigs, they make the image different. I think that now we see so many 'perfect' images, that we are afraid to think outside the box, so a great thumbs up for the initiative. To be creative is what photography should be all about.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Raluca - MIKE

[@vishweshwarkandalgaonkar3446]

Nice learning landscapes, amazing tips, thank u very much Sir.

[@Dumpsterdivingyorkshire]

Hi quick question I want to buy some studio lights and al be using a bridge camera how will that camera trigger the lights with a lead or trigger ?

[@MikeBrowne]

Sorry SST I can't tell you for sure. I've never used a bridge with Studio lights and have never heard of anyone doing it. It will probably depend on the camera. If it has hot shoe and you have radio trigger that will probably work - but like I said I'm not certain. If anyone reading this is using bridge camera with studio lights please comment.. - MIKE

[@boxoffrogs9712]

Can't decide - either is fine. Thanks for another thought provoking video. It is good to be reminded that we should be taking photos to our taste and that it does not really matter if our taste is different from others. I thought the image was 'heavier' to the left (those darker mountains) so, in a way, the twigs added a little weight, helping balance, beckoning one over to the right.

[@tomlee812]

Didn't think I'd like them but seeing the two together its Twigs for me. Nice work Mr B, made us think!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Tom - thinking is what it's all about - MIKE :-)

[@mike-bm3bj]

I like the twigs! But how often do we look at images and notice every single detail? ;)

[@saccaemail7887]

Mike, hi... What tripod and ball head did you mount the camera at? TQ.

[@MikeBrowne]

In this vid it's a Manfrotto 190 go with a Manfrotto PRO-BHQ2 head sacca - MIKE

[@flagranger007]

Hello Mike, I is a matter of style and art. Me I prefer clean undisturbed shots for most of my pictures but, in the end does it add to the image and what you are looking for or not. Have a good day, friend.

[@dahughes72]

thought provoking, as usual, Mike, which is what us novices need, I think.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks - we all need to keep the old thought process going novice or advanced - MIKE :-)

[@FrancescoPalmisano]

I like the twigs, thank You Mr. Brown for your great videos!

[@kingweddingmedia]

Initially I was thinking it would look better without the twigs but then when you showed the picture without them, I decided I preferred it with the twigs!

[@margoshepherd]

Like. When you were filming, the twigs were annoying me. Then when you removed them for the poll, I really missed them!

[@garym3407]

Nice one Mike you never let me down

[@63Simon04]

Like.. Brilliant video as always Mike.

[@stevestrickland446]

No twigs. I think with the long, soft exposure it creates a sense of calm. Disruptive harshes my calm. However, had it been a faster shutter speed with pin sharp ripples on the water and definition in the clouds I think I would like the disruption. Again, no right answers. Mike, keep it Rollin! I have purchased the 7 Building Blocks and love how you approach these subjects.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Steve - MIKE :-)

[@robellisdonphotography7289]

You could always use an ulta-wide lens and just get closer to the pier. That way you can really decide if you want twigs or not

[@Livhis]

I like the twigs. It adds more interest and tells you that there's "not" just the dock there; there's other elements outside the line of view. It takes the shot from static to dynamic, from one dimensional to creating a feeling of depth.

[@I-Have-Many]

Thank you for doing these videos. I’m still very much a newbie and I’ve learned so much from you.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Brent. Please share any vids you like around. It helps me make more... MIKE 😊

[@peskypossum58]

Sorry for a very basic query, but I assume when you mentioned 'dialing it up a bit' when you were brightening the exposure you were referring to using the exposure compensation dial. Yes?

[@MikeBrowne]

You got it - MIKE :-)

[@photoinhorus-film-foto-zeeland]

I love the twigs and the boat by the mountains, on the left site.

[@anorak211]

Did you photoshop out the rocks and the wire close to the bottom of the picture, were they there last year when you took the original photo? They are not in the photo but are there now, if so the do the same with the twigs, otherwise it seems careless to have the twigs in after getting the rest of the picture so good.

[@MikeBrowne]

No I didn't remove them from the 2015 shot Glyn. I noticed that too when I got back and was waiting for someone to mention it. Guess the water level was higher 1st time round - MIKE

[@alonavelar2386]

Like them, and also like how talented you are Mike to help us all learn, thank you

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Alon - MIKE :-)

[@NatesFilmTutorials]

I originally thought I wouldn't like the twigs, but It acts as a foreground element, it brings you into the picture. I like both, but with twigs is slightly better in my opinion.

[@hannahjulienigel]

No twigs for me Mike. Thanks for all your great videos

[@herminigildojakosalem8664]

I would have included the light box in the shot. Perhaps even made it a little bit more of the foreground by going a wee bit to my right ( but then where would symmetry be, eh? I wonder, is there something "off" with me? Love your videos, Mr. Mike. You could say I " weaned" on them. Thank you.

[@RonvanSchaik]

Thanks for all the videos Mike, inspiring me to play more. Funny thing, I think the twigs create a slight diagonal with the kayak which creates balance, to retain the balance the kayak needs to be removed as well to provide a clean 'zen' image.

[@nivannick]

No twigs is my preference, but there's not much in it. There's enough showing to make it look deliberate (unlike your earlier shot in the video) rather than just something missed during shooting.

[@chrislloyd8008]

Like it with the twigs without looks to perfect, another great video thanks Mike

[@chrispearson7163]

Like. In the original 2015 image those "little buggers" add to the image. Although they do break up the foreground symmetry, In terms of overall weighting they kind of balance things out with the little boat and darker background elements on the left hand side of the image.

[@michaelberg507]

You could have moved your location slightly, setting the tripod closer to the dock and placing the twigs behind you, or at least outside the angle of view of the lens. I take your point with the twigs and I think they work in color, but would be a distraction in B&W.

[@naturegood515]

so what's the exif of the final picture? 1/55 wouldn't give you the smooth water effect.

[@MikeBrowne]

I don't remember off hand Nature Good as it was a while ago. I think the original featured in the video was about 3 or 4 minutes as it was quite a still day... MIKE

[@obayedh]

I like with the twigs which makes in unconventional! Thanks much Mike for all you do for us. Much appreciated. Greetings from Vancouver Island, Canada

[@patrickl3140]

Nice video Mike, good thinking about a tiny twigs, yes the image is totally changed with and without ! I'd say, for a symetrical and Zen image, without twigs, but, for an artistic view, yes, we need it, the eye is attracted, and the composition is totally changed, and pleasant at a second sight. I love your approach, thanks !

[@MrKikoboy]

actually the aesthetics of Zen are very asymmetrical and probably wouldn't have the dock in the centre of the image at all...

[@noelhanigan9628]

I Like the twigs, however the metal grate under the dock, how was that managed in the composition?

[@Gary_W]

I prefer no twig on the given image because the amount of twigs in the current image isn't significant enough to "tell a story". However, if there were more twigs in the image, and if the twig is covering also the camera-left side of the image, I will probably choose that over the no twig.

[@Harry-kh2qi]

No Twigs! There is a boat on the left that breaks the symmetry and the mountains on the left are dark whereas the mountains to the right are snow covered. Do you really need the twigs as well to break the symmetry any more Mike? By the way, the shot taken with the ND stopper looks much better to me that the ones you took for this video without it. Just my opinion because I really like the look of photographs taken with slow shutter speeds. One other thing, I like the video, and I like most of your videos and have been a subscriber for a few years. All the very best.

[@MikeBrowne]

Hey thanks harry. Yes I prefer the big stopper shot too. - MIKE

[@Elythia]

I like both versions! ^^

[@blackswanprepping8827]

Great video, very helpfull! I actually like the twigs.

[@dennishunt239]

Hi Mike, I think no twigs but if they had been higher up framing the view, and maybe some on the other side to balance then I would leave them...good video..gets you thinking ...give the Viking ( wife ) a next time you see him !

[@volksmania114]

Hi Mike. I like the twigs and would leave them in

[@huronautodetailing]

I like it Mike, great explanation.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks - MIKE

[@peterdovey5182]

Great film Mike, i like the twigs

[@brianwillert2833]

I like! It makes you use your imagination as to what is there. I also understand the other side of the of the debate, but I like a little intrigue in an image.

[@justininfrance]

See, this is why Mike is the boss - real life practicalities of photography in real time, real world situations. Rather than endless pontificating about gear specs and theoretical blather like so many other KZbin channels. As for the twigs, those on the original 2015 photo were ok, but now they resemble two fingers giving a V-sign. Always carry secateurs for the offenders.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Saurat - MIKE :-)

[@jjccllgg]

Again, thank you for your video! Having started photography with film, I am not inclined to use post-porcessing software at all. It is my respectful opinion that, the art of photography, as well as painting, is about that shot you made without alterations. I think that including the alteration of the picture, takes away from the pothograph. My humble preference! ;-)

[@MikeBrowne]

Hi Juan Carlos Lopez. "shot you made without alterations" the only problem with that is the camera alters it because when you shoot jpeg it does the post production for you based on an average image. It was the same with film, the person who developed and printed your film had fianl control over how bright, dark, contrasty and what colour it was...MIKE

[@garycoomber4938]

Hi Mike no twigs for me fab video as always making us think

[@enggiekong9527]

I'm glad to see your new video

[@ekredel]

No twigs! Sorry, my OCD kicked in. :)) Lovely series on composition and photography in general. Thanks for sharing this Mike!

[@BladeRunner21577]

Like I like them there for the same reason as you do, they add something to the shot. However when it comes time to try and sell the shot I would PS them out

[@WiltshireMan]

I like the twigs. Not only do they break up the symmetry as you say, but they suggest that something else is going on too.

[@hiddenwaves4772]

Thanks Mike, very useful video!

[@Zx30]

Great video Mike! Personally, I'd let the twigs stay if it was my photo; I believe it adds a bit of personal touch.

[@mikesmith71]

Can I ask why you slowed the shutter speed at 5:25 instead of lowering the iso? I understand the quality difference would be extremely minimal but with a view like that I'd like it to be as good as possible. Thank you for another helpful and thought provoking video :-)

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you mikee99911 I think you answered your own question. The difference in quality was minimal so i went slower shutter speed route. If it was up over 1000 ISO I would have done it with ISO.. - MIKE :-)

[@mikesmith71]

Mike Browne I must admit I did think that once I'd typed it lol, thank you for your reply.

[@MikeBrowne]

***** No worries - MIKE :-)

[@sookephotographyadventures]

Given the two options, I'd say "No twigs". The amount of motion in the twigs is not enough to give them an all around soft, intentional look, and just makes them look partially blurred. I'd prefer either the twigs not being there at all, having them sharp, or having more motion / overall blur to them. I still enjoy image, though.

[@albertmartillana5636]

I like no twigs much more. Great content!. How did you get the foamy water effect? Photoshop Or longer exposure?

[@MikeBrowne]

hi son_katarina Mike used Neutral Density Filter to cut the light so he can make the shutter speed slow enough to blur the ripples of water that creates this foamy water effect. - yes long exposure -Melissa pp Mike

[@Oozywolf]

That's a really tough one. I almost feel like I'd like the twigs more if they were in the image even more. At the end of the day though, I think both images look amazing. Really hard for me to pick a side. At first I was against them. After looking at it some more, I like them! Awesome video :)

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks - MIKE

[@tinydonkers9142]

Great picture. The one with no twigs i like the most.

[@seckinug]

Yes I like them Mike By the way Thank You Very Much for All of Your Videos and ideas That's Great!!!

[@YusufAbrar]

Great Video :) But I think that the twigs were fine in the shot without the ND filter. But the picture with the longer exposure and everything smoothened out, I feel the twigs are distracting. Like you said, it's just a perspective, not a definitive answer.

[@ovogler90]

No twigs for me. I prefer the more abstract version here but like your attitude as well. Great video as always! I would have loved to join the masterclass, by the way. I only live a couple of kilometers away in Zürich but in the end it didn't work out. Maybe next year!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Oliver. It's on 22nd and 23rd April 2017..Hope you can make it. Link below.. MIKE www.photographycourses.biz/workshops/zurich

[@ovogler90]

Thanks, I'll consider joining! It would be very nice to meet you someday. I decided to go to the lake today and was surprised to see a bunch of people with their cameras there! Looks like I wasn't the only one from around here who has seen your video! ;)

[@MikeBrowne]

Oliver Be great to have you along Oliver. Ha ha - Quite a few locals have been on my workshop. One guy lives right across the street from the classroom. Hope you can make it - MIKE :-)

[@michaelzabriskie2105]

I like it with the twigs, it makes it seem a little more intimate like your right there at the dock. Without it.. it just seems like another one of those drab painting's in the waiting area of a doctors office, it's nice but it's just another picture.

[@РомаШишка-ф2л]

You could have cut the twigs or tied them anyhow, Mike

[@SirSilverFox]

What camera and lens combo are you using? Could you have physically move the camera closer and use an ultra wide lens to lose the twigs?

[@MikeBrowne]

Fuji XT-1 and 18 to 55. I didn't want to use shorter lens because it would make the mountains smaller and look further away - MIKE

[@riveraluciano]

I'm torn between the two. If the shot were in black and white, I'd probably go off with the twig, but as you showed it, I don't mind the twig there, even though I do look for symmetry constantly.

[@keithyjoe5094]

May I ask what zoom lens you are using here Mike?

[@MikeBrowne]

18-55 Fuji Keithy Joe - MIKE :-)

[@keithyjoe5094]

Thank you ever so much for getting back to me Mike. Keep up the great work on the channel. You do an incredible job.

[@TheOlandex]

No twigs. I get the disruption you mention, but feel like the composition is a wonderful interplay between the square man made dock edges and the natural horizon line formed by mountain peaks in the background. The twigs just add an additional element that does more to take away from the image quality than it does add - IMHO of course. Lovely shot BTW

[@MikeBrowne]

Nice one Kevin... MIKE :-)

[@DiiZeh_]

Great video as usual, Mike! :)...Both shots are nice - but i prefer it without the twigs :) I like the moody/simplicity look :)

[@love2cycle2]

I like the twigs and the boat on the top left. Those elements balance the otherwise symmetrical composition with an optical line.

[@MikeBrowne]

Those are my thoughts exactly, but they're only personal preference at end of the day... MIKE

[@love2cycle2]

Great minds think alike!

[@muhammadibrar5087]

I like the twigs because those are adding kind a mood to the picture. Something like sad mood or story. may be i l am unable to explain feeling getting from the scene

[@erinthetraveler6168]

I like it. It feels more natural and gives more information about the location. I could imagine the tree on the bank, even if I hadn't just watched the video.

[@hemantkulkarni1102]

I like it, as it gives the idea of reality, the depth is defined nicely.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Hemant

[@jamessierpinski3617]

Like. Although, you could use something, perhaps more interesting (but subtle) for that, I do like the idea. And, yeah, I know the given circumstances, all you could use was the twig, but I think it works.

[@palashchowdhury9969]

I like with twigs, without twigs the picture is not complete. BTW did you use ND filter? If yes, what stop? 6 or 10? Please share the magic formula if you can Thanks

[@MikeBrowne]

Hi Palash, I believe mike didnt use ND filter here, the lake is still enough for his liking, about the stop settings, every filter has their own manufactures manual for the kind of exposure stops they have, also different lighting conditions will affect the ND filter + camera exposures, no right or wrong, just have to explore it and know which one works best for you. I would recommend you play with it. - Melissa pp Mike

[@paullewis9846]

I like the twigs ... .how about cloning a couple of twigs on the left to regain symetry

[@cydinuk]

Love the twigs!