P#33: Show Notes for Learning to See Photographically to Improve Your Photo Composition -- An Interview with Terry Donnelly

Uncover the secrets of spectacular photo composition as Terry Donnelly reveals the tips, tricks, and expert advice of seeing creatively

By Andrea on January 6, 2009 1:45 PM | Permalink | Comments ()

Being able to see creatively is absolutely critical if you want to master photo composition. The question is, can you learn to see creatively, or is it something you must be born with? While it's true that those who are "born" with the skill may have it easier than those who have to work hard to perfect it, both groups can learn to master photo composition equally well.

If you want superior photo composition, you need to uncover the secrets of seeing photographically -- and that's exactly what Terry Donnelly is doing for us during his 7 Photography Questions interview. Learn the exercises that can improve your shots and uncover which elements are required for superior photo composition as Terry tackles the top 7 questions to seeing photographically.

Show Notes for 7 Photography Questions Interview With Terry Donnelly

Topic: Seeing Photographically
Host: Dr. Audri G. Lanford
Guest: Terry Donnelly
Main Website: Donnelly-Austin.com
Locations: Vashon Island, WA and Boone, NC

This episode of the "7 Photography Questions" Podcast is sponsored by Calumet Photographic and SecretsofMasterPhotographers.com.

7 Biggest Photo Composition Questions for Terry Donnelly

1. What is the single biggest mistake people make in terms of seeing things photographically? Also, what is the biggest myth, and why is it untrue?

2. Can you share some thoughts on how to select the subjects you photograph?

3. How do you dissect a scene to uncover its possibilities and decide exactly what to photograph?

4. What exactly is good light? How do you find and recognize good light? Can you offer some advice on how to use light to create photographs that are more interesting?

5. What are your two or three biggest suggestions for improving photo composition?

6. Can you share one or two of your "secrets" for seeing in a more interesting or creative way photographically?

7. What are one or two exercises our listeners can do to improve how they see things photographically?

Photographer Bio

Terry Donnelly is a master landscape photographer, traveling the world over the past two decades and revealing the mystery and grandeur of nature through his work. Some of Terry's recent works include photographs taken in Japan, Italy, Ireland, the Caribbean and the South Pacific.

Terry has also published six books that feature his work along with the work of Mary Liz Austin, his wife and partner. The publications include Wild Seattle, California Wild, Oregon: Preserving the Spirit and Beauty of Our Land, Washington: The Spirit of the Land, Beautiful America's Seattle, and Heaven on Earth.

You can also find Terry's work in many prestigious magazines including Sierra Club, National Geographic, Outdoor Photographer and more. Terry's stock photography is represented by Getty and Alamy and his fine art prints are represented by American Art Resources. His list of renowned clients include names like The Nature Conservancy, Trout Unlimited and The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

Artist's Websites:

Donnelly-Austin.com

Resources Mentioned During the Podcast:

Tripod
Tilt shift lenses
24mm tilt shift lens (similar to one seen here)
90mm tilt shift lens (similar to one seen here)
40mm tilt shift lens
Wide angle lens
35mm lens
115mm lens