Composition: Beyond the Basics

Create compelling images

This 12-week online course breaks down intermediate and advanced photographic composition principles into easy to understand concepts. It gives you practical, actionable advice that you can start using today, to move your photography from basic to impressive.

The course includes a private online community (not Facebook) to share your progress.

Note: due to the number of students taking part Emma is no longer able to provide individual feedback on images and the price of the course has been reduced to reflect this. Photo School staff will be on hand for administrative help but no live teaching takes place.

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There’s no difference in the content of the work at your own pace vs. start date courses. The only difference is that Emma advertises the start dates so you are more likely to be able to work alongside a bigger cohort of other students if you join in on the published start date. If you work at your own pace you can still share your images in the community.

I learned a lot from this well-paced course. The principles of composition are broken down and clearly explained with lots of examples, designed to be thought provoking and encourage engagement from the participants. I have come away with a toolkit of ideas to apply when composing shots and can’t wait to try them out. Thanks Emma.
— Karen Brickley
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What’s included?

Pre-course: The basics

1: the 3 elements of every image (subject, background, foreground)

2: the importance of having a single focal point

3: using design principles for stronger images

PART 1: Nothing left to chance

Lesson 1: critical viewpoint decisions

Lesson 2: aligning elements in 2 dimensions

Lesson 3: cultivating a deliberate photography practice

PART 2: Everything must earn its place

Lesson 4: the importance of visual weight

Lesson 5: the eye's journey through the frame

Lesson 6: objective self criticism

PART 3: The most overlooked part of every image

Lesson 7: what's leaving the frame?

Lesson 8: open vs closed images

Lesson 9: directional space

PART 4: Storytelling

Lesson 10: what are you selling?

Lesson 11: juxtaposition, surprise and intimacy

Lesson 12: colour psychology

I’ve been struggling with composition for years but this course is a game-changer! It has given me techniques, a framework and confidence to make photographs and review them. The course is packed with content and easy-to-follow checklists. I can’t recommend it enough. Thank you Emma!
— Clare Fidler

No more snapshots

What gear do you need?

You can complete the course with any camera at all, including a phone camera. If you want to print the lesson summaries you will need access to a printer.

What level photographer do you need to be?

This is an intermediate level course, for those who are wanting to move beyond just taking snapshots. It is not for complete beginner photographers. If you have done at least the first two modules of A Year With My Camera (technical, and composition), you will be ready for this course.

Non-UK students

The course price will be converted to your local currency at checkout. Your card provider may charge a conversion fee. Due to Brexit Emma is unable to offer the course to students in the EU because of the onerous tax reporting requirements.

Refunds

If you sign up and realise the course is not for you, a refund will be given only if requested within the first 7 days. You will have access to the course for as long as Emma is in business (minimum one year).

Feedback

There is no individual feedback on this course. The private community group is available for discussion between students.

As a somewhat non-creative person, ‘Composition - Beyond the Basics’ was the perfect course for me! This went far beyond my expectations. I learned so much about what makes a photo more interesting and dynamic, as well as what can be distracting in a photo. The section on storytelling, juxtaposition and intimacy was so informative. Emma’s teaching style is very clear and concise
— Kristina Boyd
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Your instructor: Photographer Emma Davies was a Travel Photographer of the Year finalist in 2017 and has been shortlisted (2016) and highly commended (2018) in International Garden Photographer of the Year. She is published by The Telegraph, Gardens Illustrated, Outdoor Photography and Digital Photography Magazines and by the BBC. She wrote the Amazon #1 bestselling book A Year With My Camera.