p41 - Golden sections

One of my favourite photographers is the Brazilian Sebastiao Salgado. I admire his work, partly in recognition of his sheer technical brilliance, but also due to the subject matter. Having lived in a developing country, many of his images, particularly those in Africa, present a reminder of a life I hope never to forget, and of the people who welcomed me into their lives.

Revisiting Salgado's images, I now see how many of them follow the classic rules of composition outlined in the course notes, namely the rule of thirds and symmetry in order to create balance.

Here is a typical example, in which the focal point of the image is almost precisely positioned according to the rule of thirds.

Additionally, there is balance between the dramatic sky and the people.

If I could take images a fraction this good, I'd be very happy. If I could go back to shoot in Africa, I'd be happier still....