Tired of the same old photography composition rules? Scott Kelby's Crush the Composition revolutionizes your approach. Beyond the "Rule of Thirds" and "Leading Lines," this groundbreaking book unveils the hidden secrets to truly captivating images. Learn to "work the scene," master depth and sharpness, and create stunning portraits—all with Kelby's signature engaging style. Explore unconventional techniques and discover how varying settings transform your compositions. With practical advice and a unique blend of classic and cutting-edge techniques, Crush the Composition empowers you to capture the best photos of your life. Prepare to rethink everything you thought you knew about composition.
Review Crush the Composition
I absolutely loved "Crush the Composition"! Scott Kelby's conversational style makes this book feel less like a textbook and more like a chat with a seasoned pro who's genuinely excited to share his knowledge. He doesn't just tell you about composition techniques; he shows you, using stunning photography examples that illustrate his points perfectly. I especially appreciated how he didn't shy away from the classic rules of composition—the rule of thirds, leading lines, etc.—but instead presented them concisely, almost as a springboard to launch into more nuanced and less discussed concepts.
What really sets this book apart is its focus on "working the scene." Kelby emphasizes the importance of actively engaging with your subject, experimenting with different perspectives and settings, and ultimately selecting the best shot from a series of attempts. This practical, hands-on approach resonated deeply with me. It's not just about memorizing rules; it's about developing a creative mindset and learning how to see opportunities for compelling compositions everywhere.
I found the chapters on adding depth, working with sharpness and depth of field, and composing for portraits particularly insightful. These aren't just technical explanations; they're packed with creative advice and practical tips that I can immediately apply to my own photography. For example, the simple suggestion of stepping back a few feet and shooting from a lower angle to add a compelling foreground completely changed how I approach landscape shots. And the portrait section, while admittedly featuring mostly beautiful young models (a common trope in photography books), still offered valuable lessons on flattering angles and focusing on the subject's eyes.
While some might argue that the book doesn't break entirely new ground—some concepts might feel familiar to seasoned photographers—Kelby's fresh perspective and engaging presentation make it feel entirely worthwhile. He manages to take established principles and present them in a way that's both accessible and inspiring. He’s not just teaching composition techniques, he's encouraging a different way of seeing. This is especially evident in his advice on converting to black and white—the tip of converting when the color distracts from the image was pure gold, and a perspective I hadn't considered before.
The book’s layout is also a significant plus. The clear, uncluttered design, with ample white space and strategically placed images, makes it easy to read and digest. It’s a book you can happily curl up with, and it’s also visually appealing enough to leave on your coffee table as a constant source of inspiration.
Overall, "Crush the Composition" is a fantastic resource for photographers of all levels. Whether you're a beginner looking for foundational knowledge or a seasoned pro seeking fresh inspiration, this book will undoubtedly enhance your photographic skills and reignite your passion for creating stunning images. I highly recommend it!
Information
- Dimensions: 9.9 x 0.9 x 9.9 inches
- Language: English
- Print length: 292
- Publication date: 2024
- Publisher: Rocky Nook