Composition is Intuitive: Embrace Imperfection and Go with the Flow
When I observe life, I don’t see lines, shapes, or forms. I simply respond to what life throws at me, guided by intuition. Composition is something that comes naturally—not through strict rules or rigid planning but through a flow that connects me to my surroundings. Forget the structure of perfect lines and grids, and just go with the flow.
“Don’t think, just shoot.”
Moving Beyond Traditional Composition
In the past, composition was at the forefront of my process. I used to think heavily about layers—foreground, middle ground, and background—arranging them to achieve the perfect balance. But as I’ve evolved, I’m realizing that perfection isn’t the goal. In fact, I’m much more interested in seeing how loose, wonky compositions can reflect the true nature of life, with all its imperfections.
“I’m interested in seeing what happens when you let go, when the imperfections of life come through in each frame.”
Life is rarely perfect, and neither should our photographs be. Instead of waiting for the “perfect” moment or standing on a corner in the “fishing” technique, I prefer moving, letting my intuition and curiosity guide my position and angle. This approach brings a natural, instinctive composition, shaped by the dynamics of the street and the flow of movement.
The Freedom of Intuitive Composition
When you’re truly in tune with your camera and your environment, composition becomes second nature. It’s not about looking through a viewfinder to line up the perfect frame; it’s about knowing where to place yourself and the camera instinctively. This connection with the camera allows you to respond to the scene with ease, capturing life as it is—messy, unexpected, and beautifully imperfect.
“Composition should be fluid, something innate. You don’t have to look through the viewfinder to get it ‘right.’ You simply feel where to place the camera.”
This doesn’t mean ignoring composition altogether. It still guides the viewer through a photograph, but it shouldn’t be a dominant force. Instead, it should reside in the background of your mind, coming into play naturally, allowing you to stay focused on the subject, the scene, and the moment.
Embrace Imperfection
There’s a certain beauty in imperfection. By loosening up and letting go of control, your compositions become more dynamic, more reflective of the world as it is. The slight “offness” of a frame, the unexpected placement, the elements that don’t quite align—these details bring a raw, authentic feel to the image.
“Imperfection is beautiful. Life isn’t perfect, and neither are the best photographs.”
Photography should feel as natural as walking, a rhythm where you’re in tune with your surroundings. Embrace movement, experiment with perspectives, and don’t let perfection hold you back. Let each frame be a response to what you see and feel in that moment, rather than a calculated arrangement.
Composition Through Movement and Play
By constantly moving, you’re not waiting for the perfect scene; you’re letting scenes unfold as they come. Walking through the streets, being in motion, allows compositions to emerge that are spontaneous and unforced. Go with the flow, let your intuition shape the frame, and embrace the wonky, the blurred, and the unexpected.
So next time you’re out there, remember: composition doesn’t have to be perfect. Let intuition lead you, and let your camera capture life’s imperfections as they are—authentic, beautiful, and full of energy.
“Don’t just stand still, don’t overthink—move, let go, and see what unfolds. Composition is an act of intuition, not precision.”