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

[@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.

[@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 :-)

[@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

[@karanarora9437]

no twigs

[@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

[@kimatyt]

I'd like a little more twigs.

[@Mariamuri4]

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

[@Forgotten031511]

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

[@andreweverest9679]

No twigs for me

[@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

[@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 :)

[@joelmana]

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

[@MsJACable]

Like.

[@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

[@Polaventris]

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

[@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

[@JulianBaird]

No twigs!

[@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 :-)

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@GrahamHartle]

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

[@vishweshwarkandalgaonkar3446]

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

[@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 :-)

[@noelhanigan9628]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@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!

[@mike-bm3bj]

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

[@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 :-)

[@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.

[@margoshepherd]

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

[@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

[@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 :-)

[@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.

[@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 :-)

[@jackreckitt5162]

I wonder what the composition would look like with the dock a bit to one side?

[@ericgeorge5483]

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

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Eric - MIKE

[@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.

[@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

[@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...

[@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.

[@Loachie90]

Mr. Browne, do you recall how dark was that ND filter, and how long was the exposure? And for some reason, I liked that twig. It keeps the picture from being sterile, but I think the twig is stealing my attention from the dock, but that could also because of the video's narrative pointing me to it.

[@c3ptik]

I'm purely guessing here but judging by the ripples still slightly visible in the water and the twigs on the right quite sharp considering there could be wind i'd have a stab at under 10 secs exposure with a 6-stop ND filter. Mike, am I close? ;)

[@northof50now]

He has done a video on Lee's Big Stopper. Could have been that.

[@c3ptik]

+northof50now Could be!

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks Michael. It was indeed shot with a Lee Big Stopper -10 I think the exposure was about 3 or 4 minutes. It was a very still day - MIKE

[@MikeBrowne]

You got it - 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.

[@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.

[@siamesecatmanuk]

Am I allowed to like both ? a case for ether being good photograph,in the end, whichever I like I can print or whatever.not forcing it on anyone am I ? Graham

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@ekredel]

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

[@bobbowring1702]

Hi Mick I was wondering on what tripods you use. Great videos.

[@MikeBrowne]

Hey @bob. I use an ancient Benbo 2 and a little manfrotto, sorry can't remember what model. Doesn't matter what make really just be sure neither the head or triopd wobble or transmit any vibration... MIKE

[@bobbowring1702]

@@MikeBrowne 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.

[@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.

[@paullewis9846]

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

[@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

[@robinpunter4377]

As a #pld member and still getting the hang of being off auto, when you focused, why did you focus on the end of the dock but not on the hills in the distance? Wouldn't that have given you a greater DOF? Would that have made a difference? I love rewatching these videos, always learning and a useful reminder.

[@MikeBrowne]

Hi Robin.It wouldn't make any difference because the end of the dock was beyond the infinity point - the distance at which everything is sharp regardless of where you focus or aperture used. If you haven'y been on my Focal Length webinar where I explain this in detail, please come join us. I think you'll find it useful. link below... MIKE www.photographycourses.biz/focal-length-explained

[@robinpunter4377]

@@MikeBrowne Thanks, Mike. I would love to do one of you webinars, probably all of them in actual fact but I also need to do the UBC too. I need to learn things in the right order , at the moment my knowledge is all over the place.

[@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.

[@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!

[@indiacharliebravo]

No twigs for me Mike. They just seem to grab my eye away from the main subject. Great vid as always

[@SilverVoxMusic]

If you just adjust the aperture when in aperture priority mode wont the camera adjust the shutter speed accordingly and as a result giving no net change in actual exposure?

[@MikeBrowne]

Yes that's right Andrew, so you adjust exposure in that mode with Exposure compensation dial instead - MIKE

[@SilverVoxMusic]

Thanks Mike.

[@tectorama]

When using exposure compensation, do't forget to reset it to zero when you've finished.

[@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

[@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

[@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 :-)

[@chrislloyd8008]

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

[@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 !

[@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 :-)

[@garym3407]

Nice one Mike you never let me down

[@alonavelar2386]

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

[@MikeBrowne]

Thank you Alon - MIKE :-)

[@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

[@photoinhorus-film-foto-zeeland]

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

[@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.

[@РомаШишка-ф2л]

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

[@hannahjulienigel]

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

[@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

[@63Simon04]

Like.. Brilliant video as always Mike.

[@nycaxl]

No twigs for me either. It doesn't seems disruptive, more like an omission in post prod. Also, it makes us forget the subject. And even if those pictures with a deck have been seen a zillion times: the background is really pretty with the mountains, I haven't seen that overall composition much myself. Thank you for this video, and always makes us use our little brain cells. You're one of a kind Mr Brown! ;)

[@MikeBrowne]

My pleasure +nycaxl - MIKE :-)

[@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.

[@waynebritton5596]

Like. A lot of the magazines that critique photos would probably say 'Great, but what about editing out...' Symmetry is important, but often an intruding branch can give a shot that extra something (not always, but sometimes). Yes, I guess it is a judgment call, but I take your point Mike. Thanks again for yet another interesting video.

[@MikeBrowne]

Thanks and no worries Wayne. You reminded me of something. Many years ago, I once used Photoshop to edit IN some lens flare to a commercial image of Concord. It won a national award from Fuji - and the Master Photographers Association judge said it would have been better if I'd used a lens hood to stop lens flare. Love it! - 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.

[@cauger61]

With the twigs. They are like a pinch of salt, without which the whole composition would have been "tasteless". They are like rebels, who makes the composition more bold and standing unique as some one who has broken the rule!!

[@MikeBrowne]

How very eloquently said Sanjib. Love it... MIKE

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@LeoDaly1]

LIKE. Didn't think I would like it, but when you showed the "with" and "without" one after the other, I realised that the "with" made the picture more interesting to me, less sterile. I know most competition judges would tell you to lose the twigs, but people should remember that a judge is just one person, and what he/she is giving you, is just one person's opinion.

[@MikeBrowne]

Absolutely Leo. Best way to win competitions is to research the judge, look at what they awarded prizes to and enter something similar - MIKE

[@volksmania114]

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

[@blackswanprepping8827]

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

[@_xtreme.]

Both. Twigs giving picture life. its nice. W/O twigs its more cold and harsh, barren . moreover its more schematic but is it better?for me its two different pictures ,two different feelings

[@MikeBrowne]

Exactly +xtreme it is. - MIKE :-)

[@Den9iel]

damm is 2 years in a row that I missing out your presence in zurich?!

[@MikeBrowne]

Sorry you missed it Daniel Fazio. If you sign up to my newsletter at link below I'll let you know when 2019 is open for booking. You also get weekly tips and suggestions and told when a new video and blog post is on my site... MIKE www.photographycourses.biz/new_video_notification.html

[@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.

[@fierensjan]

No Twigs; the dock is the runway for a large daydreaming view, no disturbing things in the foreground. Fine issue, Mike

[@tinydonkers9142]

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