Photos by Steven McCurry, screencaps via
Photojournalist Steve McCurry, who is most famous for his piercing portrait of the Afghan Girl, featured on the cover of the June 1985 issue of National Geographic Magazine, is a master at capturing a story in a single photograph. Using his body of work for reference, the Cooperative of Photography has created a simple how-to video to teach budding and expert photographers alike to compose an image as McCurry does. The video takes viewers on a journey from the Rule of Thirds and framing, through pattern-spotting and more.Here are the nine composition tips they gathered from studying McCurry's works:Place points of interest on the intersections and important elements along the lines.Use natural lines to lead eyes into the picture.Diagonal lines create great movement.Use natural frames like windows and doors.Find a contrast between subject and background.Get close to your subjects.Place the dominant eye in the center of the photo.Patterns are aesthetically pleasing. But the best is when the pattern is interrupted.Symmetry is pleasing to the eye.Visit the Cooperative of Photography website for more skill-sharpening tutorials.If you also have an awesome project to share, email us: editor@thecreatorsproject.comRelated:No Cameras Necessary: 8 Camera-Less Photographers You Need to KnowSurrealist Photographer Erik Johansson Bends Reality Without Photoshop[Video] How To Turn Your Photos Into Animated ClipsDIY: 3 Tips For Photographing The Milky Way
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