Mastering Composition

The Definitive Guide for Photographers

Richard Garvey-Williams

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English

Ammonite Press
01 June 2025

Special kinds of photography; Digital photography: consumer & user guides

Series: Mastering

Mastering Composition is a comprehensive guide to the secrets behind great photographic composition.

Fully updated to include the latest technologies and software, Mastering Composition is the definitive guide for taking great photos, considering visual weight, balance, negative space, and depth. Author and professional photographer Richard Garvey-Williams argues that success lies in a combination of four elements: an impactful subject; dynamic composition; effective use of lighting; and, perhaps the most crucial, an ability to invoke an emotional response in the viewer.

Citing examples gleaned from a study of history (the Ancient Greeks' Golden Rule, Fibonacci's mathematical ratio, and the principles known as Gestalt theory) the author analyses the concepts, rules and guidelines that define successful composition in photography and offers practical guidance to achieving great results. In clear, concise and jargon-free text he also considers the role of tone and colour in good composition and offers invaluable tips and the tools to help the photographer take control of the creative process. The book is illustrated with examples of the author's own beautiful nature photography, along with diagrams and notation to explain techniques most clearly. A final chapter in this definitive guide for all serious photographers discusses photography and its relationship to art before offering a considered conclusion to the exploration of this fascinating topic.

AUTHOR: Richard Garvey-Williams spent his childhood years in East Africa and was deeply influenced by encounters with the remarkable wildlife of that continent. His passion for photography and the natural world continued to develop through his adult life, especially during many years spent in Devon in the UK. Images from occasional trips abroad, including safaris in Africa, form a large part of his portfolio. He and his wife, Lisa, are now based in the southern Peloponnese of Greece, which has dramatic landscapes and plenty else to draw his 'photographer's eye'. He has a number of written books and magazine articles over the years and, with a leaning towards fine art photography, he also enjoys exhibiting his work.

275 colour illustrations

By: Richard Garvey-Williams
Imprint: Ammonite Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 248mm, Width: 248mm,
ISBN: 9781781454930
ISBN 10: 1781454930
Series: Mastering
Pages: 184
Publication Date: 01 June 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Unspecified

8 Introduction 14 Chapter 1: Visual Perception 20 Related Principles 22 Gestalt Theory 34 Associated Phenomena 36 Perception in Practice 38 Chapter 2: Principles, Rules & Guidelines 46 Visual Weight 58 Picture Formats & Proportions 66 Framing the Picture 70 Dynamic Tension 72 Chapter 3: Elements of Design 74 The Power of Lines 86 The Impact of Shape 92 Scale, Form, Pattern & Texture 98 Perspective & Depth 102 Chapter 4: The Role of Tone & Color 114 Chapter 5: Applying the Theory 116 Intent & Mindset 124 Using the Principles & Guidelines 142 Further Tips & Tools 150 Tips for Increasing Salience 154 Using Filters 156 A Final Checklist 158 Image Processing 160 Chapter 6: Photography as Art 169 Conclusion 170 Glossary 172 Useful Websites 173 Index

Richard Garvey-Williams spent his childhood years in East Africa and was deeply influenced by encounters with the remarkable wildlife of that continent. His passion for photography and the natural world continued to develop through his adult life, especially during many years spent in Devon in the UK. Images from occasional trips abroad, including safaris in Africa, form a large part of his portfolio. He and his wife, Lisa, are now based in the southern Peloponnese of Greece, which has dramatic landscapes and plenty else to draw his ‘photographer’s eye’. He has a number of written books and magazine articles over the years and, with a leaning towards fine art photography, he also enjoys exhibiting his work.

Reviews for Mastering Composition: The Definitive Guide for Photographers

Originally published in 2014. Richard Garvey-Williams’ bestselling book has been updated to include the latest tech and a host of fresh images. Through six illuminating chapters, the author delves deep into the key principles of composition, the success of which he believes lies in a combination of four elements: an impactful subject; dynamic composition; effective use of lighting; and its ability to evoke an emotional response in the viewer. Garvey-Williams explores the psychological processes that inform how we view the world around us and explains principles such as the rule of thirds and the golden ratio. He reveals how we can harness design elements such as line, shape, form and texture to achieve arresting images and looks at the role of tone and colour. Using photographs from his vast image archive, which covers landscapes and wildlife as well as travel, portraiture and more, he shares his ideas on how we can put our knowledge into practice in the field. Whether you’re an experienced photographer or just starting out, Mastering Composition is certain to be an indispensable guide. * Outdoor Photography magazine *