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[Eric Kim Course] UDEMY Lecture 3 Activity: Make a Dynamic Diagonal Composition

Updated on June 16, 2020 in Eric Kim Course
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23 on April 19, 2018

This activity is part of the ERIC KIM COURSE: Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Mastering Photography, available on Udemy. To sign up for the video course and participate in the activities, enroll here.

In this fun activity, we will practice shooting a diagonal composition, and shouldn’t take you more than 5 minutes.

Take at least 2 photos of the same scene:

  1. A photo straight and head-on.
  2. Other photos shot with a diagonal composition (tilt your camera or find a diagonal element to frame your shot).

Example 1 : Straight Photo

Example 2: Diagonal Composition with a Diagonal Element in the Frame

A Diagonal Element provides more visual interest to the viewer and more dynamism to your compositions.

In terms of your subject-matter, you can go out and photograph a tree, a light post, architecture, or even shoot a portrait of your friend or partner. Or you can take photos inside your own home.

When you’re making a diagonal composition, tilt your camera to the left or right, and connect the diagonals from one edge of your frame to the other.

The goal of this activity is for you to learn how to make more Dynamic Images, through the dynamic composition of a diagonal line. A diagonal composition can turn an ordinary thing into an extraordinary image.

After you are done making the diagonal photo:

When reviewing your photo, compare the two compositions, straight on and diagonal. Then ask yourself, “Which photo looks best to me, and why?”

  • Upload your favorite diagonal composition photograph to Eric Kim Forum (this thread) and provide feedback to other photos in the thread.
  • Optional: Share your favorite diagonal composition on social media (Facebook/Instagram) with the hashtag #erickimcourse

Have fun!

Eric

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straightlinesgirl 9 on May 5, 2018

Here are some I did on my phone of a set of three bowls. I like the composition of the third one but the focus is out 

straightlinesgirl on May 5, 2018
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straightlinesgirl on May 5, 2018
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straightlinesgirl on May 5, 2018

Also, the light is pretty bad… it’s 10pm!

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chdd on May 6, 2018

I like the color contrast between the subject and the background.

In my opinion, the composition is too full,  and it would be more interestring with better light.

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Eric Kim on May 6, 2018

Lovely compositions; and the yellow and the purple go very well! they remind me of colors of Lakers.

My favorite is the last photo, with the diagonal spouts pointing to the right. Very lovely working the scene!

ERIC

 

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straightlinesgirl on May 8, 2018

@chdd – thank you for the feedback. I will try some different perspectives in better light 🙂

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AnnetteKim on May 20, 2018

I also like the last photo the best out of the set.  You matched the edges of the bowls to the edges of the frame which makes the photo look very dynamic! 

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straightlinesgirl on July 3, 2018

Thanks, Annette, I didn’t even notice that! 

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johnrolon on August 15, 2018

Great job! I’m definitely on the band wagon here and like the 3rd photo the best. The straight on shot would be great for selling those pots on eBay! Great colours and nice composition.

John

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chdd 6 on May 6, 2018

Hi, I use my iPhone to shoot 2 pictures for my camera. One is from upside,another is from a different angle to make the diagonal composition.

I think I can do better, and I’ll try it again on the street.

Eric Kim on May 6, 2018

Hey CHDD try to make another photo that combines your first photo and second photo. The diagonal composition is dynamic; but just try to get closer and fill the frame! 

See my suggested framing below (don’t crop the photograph; but get very close and frame it like something this):

Excited to see your street shots!

Eric

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chdd on May 12, 2018

Hi Eric, thanks for your advice, sorry for the late update, really busy week. And I try several more as you suggested

Oh,btw,I like your “Golden Point Composition” video so much.That’s really cool.

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chdd on May 12, 2018

And also, I make some diagonal composition on the street, If you have a moment, could you please give me some advice?

For the last picture, I was trying to imitate one of your pictures. I stood there, saw the lady walking towards me, I just waited and pre-compose the picture, and clicked.But I think the background is kind of messy, and I was a little bit nervous there. 

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AnnetteKim on May 20, 2018

Hi chdd,

You greatly improved your framing in the second set!

I think #3 is the best because of the movement my eyes followed through the image. 

The camera at the end of the blue curved “path” was fun and could be viewed symbolically.  

Also, the opposing lines reflected in the viewfinder adds tension to the photo and one of them leads back to the blue curved path 

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AnnetteKim on May 20, 2018

Not Eric but here’s my suggestion (that I learned from Eric) for your second photo for your street photos:

Try to match the lines to the corners of your framing like the pictures below

Keep sharing your photos with the forum and I’m looking forward to seeing you progress!

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chdd on May 22, 2018

Hi Annette, Thank you for your time to give me some advice and inspiration, I’ll keep shooting and try more~ 

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johnrolon 1 on August 15, 2018

Hello,

Just started the course today and am absolutely thrilled! Below are my 3 images. 

 

 

Please let me know what you think. The photos have only had auto exposure in lightroom as I tend to shoot at -0.7EV.

All the best,

John

straightlinesgirl on August 23, 2018

I actually like the first one best, but I would crop a bit off the top to fill the frame a bit more. I know that goes against the theory of the exercise but it  appeals to me more than the diagonals do in this case.

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straightlinesgirl 0 on August 21, 2018

This is one of my favourite buildings and I liked experimenting with different angles of the stairs.

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amozeto 0 on August 27, 2018

Diagonals. An exercise. São Paulo city.

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amozeto 0 on August 27, 2018

Diagonal lines. Subway station. São Paulo city. Brasil

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Nata 0 on June 16, 2020

jhorizontal and diagonal lines, and a bit of motion in the second one

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