The Art of Composition

Composition 1

The class was amazing, and I learned a lot from Jeff. I learned about some great photographers but also learned about what makes a photograph visually interesting. We used grids to help with composition and also practiced with cropping. If you want to be a better photographer, then this class taught by Jeff will push you (in a good way) to be a better photographer. So sad that the class ended but the learning will stay with me.

Five Stars

Great class. I felt like the lectures and critiques tied into each other really well, reinforcing what we learned while also expanding one’s photographic imagination. There’s a good amount devoted to 1:1 and 4:5 aspect ratios, which I believe is invaluable. Digital photography is born from film photography, a medium defined by these (and still other) ratios outside of 3:2, learning to understand compositional options in these two aspect ratios not only helps refine how you choose to crop, but also helps you to start considering your compositional strategy in relation to the mediums history, the artists and the film cameras themselves that determined those aspect ratios. Without getting to it the weeds, I very much looked forward to this class each week and enjoy working on its assignments. Highly recommended.

I have learned how to transition from being a snap shooter to becoming a photographer! I learned why my good pics are good and how I can plan, with intent to set up and take better shots. Take this course to become a photographer. The instructor is deeply knowledgeable, engaged, and generously gives his time to ensure everyone understood and could apply the concepts he presented, all in an amazingly support way. I am glad I took this course and look forward to the next in the series.

Excellent class. Nobody ever wanted it to end! I think we all learned and grew so much, and enjoyed every minute. It was exhaustive and compelling. Great instructor who was always open, kind and willing to offer support.

After reading all the glowing reviews above all I can say is ditto, ditto, ditto…it’s all been said. Thanks, Jeff!

This class is a must. Through Jeff’s masterful mix of instruction, practice and critique you will learn to see how shape, line and color work together to create powerful, dynamic compositions. Each class begins by exploring compositional techniques of great artists and photographers. In-class exercises and homework assignments expertly lead students to apply compositional theory in the studio, in nature, and on the streets. Jeff leads compassionate critiques to help students explore ways to improve their images. Jeff is a master teacher who gives his time generously. This class is transformative and inspiring. Seriously — don’t miss it!

Seriously, you NEED to take this course. If you’re comfortable with the technicalities you learned in Photo 2 and you’re on speaking terms with Lightroom, then you’re ready to tackle the third leg of your Photography Triangle–Composition. How you’re going to compose your shot to give yourself the best chance of saying what you want to with your image is something that you need to consider every time you look through that viewfinder. Jeff does a GREAT job: he’s articulate, knowledgeable, and FUN! You’ll learn why images are appealing and how to enhance those aspects in your own work. Along the way, you’ll be introduced to a fascinating array of photographers and tackle creative assignments for in-depth critiques. When Jeff is done with you, the world will NEVER look the same to you again!

I learned so much in this class. I knew in advance that we would learn about dynamic symmetry grids and how to apply them in our work. But we learned so much more — looking at the work of contemporary and past master photographers in a variety of genres, experimenting with still life photography, portraiture, and the use of interesting color techniques. Jeff creates time in each class to share student images and for constructive critique. The dynamic in his classroom is warm, open, collaborative, and dare I say, caring. I’m glad I took this class.

I cannot speak highly enough about this class. Jeff is an excellent instructor with a thoroughly engaging teaching approach that clearly reflects his knowledge of and passion for the material. The class helped me tremendously in getting a better sense for what makes for a “good” image, the interplay between subject and the rest of the frame, the geometry of composition, and how to improve pictures I’d already taken as well as improving how I shoot. Jeff also goes to great lengths to plan each class, which results in efficient, well-paced sessions. Highly recommended.