Books on the subjects of Aesthetics and Composition?

Question

Hello, all. Recently I've embarked on a journey to better my creative writing as well as my understanding of composition. With regard to my writing, I feel that my style has potential, but is under developed. It seems I tend to over use adjectives and completely disregard the importance of sentence structure and the impact it has on the meaning of the writing and the way it is interpreted. Another interest of mine is the rules of composition and aesthetics. What makes something visually pleasing? So I was wondering if you all could be so kind as to recommend books on the subject. In terms of writing, I would love to have something that explains the importance and impact of sentence structure, or delves into the subject of syntax. Why is the phrase "as do we" grammatically correct? What dictates the choice of words you use in a sentence? As I mentioned before, visual composition is another subject in which I've grown an interest. I would love to know what makes something visually stimulating. Is it the colors? The way the subject is placed? I take a photography class, so this will certainly help as will any other recommendations on the subject of aesthetics. In general, I'd like to know art techniques that will help further my understanding of creating visually appealing works of art. What are some of the generally accepted rules of art? For example, the rule of thirds or the golden ratio? Why are things such as these visually appealing? What are the general guidelines for art? I do realize that this post is somewhat vague. I apologize and if any clarity is needed, feel free to comment and I will see if I can offer a better explanation. Thanks in advance!!

p-a-c · Accepted Answer

Hi, I liked your post. You're clearly really interested in aesthetics and my first suggestion would be to always enjoy what you're doing. It's very easy to overthink things in the hope of discovering a safe, reliable system to fall back on. But with all things creative - 'anxiety is freedom', be prepared to produce some absolute rubbish before finding your own style and turning out great original work.

I've been into photography for a while and I completely know how you feel about looking for formulas. Whilst my best shots are always just instinctive, it can help to absorb a few compositional ideas when learning. 

The rule of thirds is a simplification of the golden mean. The golden mean is a matter of proportion - or the relationship between something large and something small. When the large part and the small part put together have a proportional relationship to the large part alone, that is the same as the proportional relationship between the large part and the small part, the two are in the golden mean - or golden 'ratio'. As a number this is 1:1.618 or about 3/8 to 5/8.

Often images divided up into sections that share this relationship seem to just 'work'. In fact the golden ratio appears to crop up everywhere - throughout the natural world in the patterns on leaves, the markings on animals' skin, the structure of skeletons, and it's found its way into all the arts - musical rhythm, poetic beat and very much photographic images too. Here's a more detailed explanation with pictures to illustrate: http://www.photography-art-cafe.com/photography-composition.html.

As for good books. Well the best books are those of the work of photographers themselves, like Henri Cartier-Bresson, who were very conscious of the golden mean when taking pictures. But for a more anayltical guide to thinking about it in your own photography - 'The Photographer's Eye. Composition and design for better digital photos' by Michael Freeman is my favourite resource. Check out a little review here: http://www.photography-art-cafe.com/best-photography-books.html.

All in all, the best way to improve at anything creative is to have one eye on just doing things your own way and one eye on the amazing work of others. Good luck - and don't think too much!

Wendy · Answer

Why topic is linked to the camera Why do not you evolved from your performance To become an expert in photography no doubt we are getting help from expert, but if we become expert in photography, it also gives lot of happiness and safes our money, which we give to photographer. It is very important thing that we have skills, which only emerging with the help of institutes. Learn And Be a Professional Photography , the best courses and materials that you can depends to Master .

Anonymous · Answer

Throughout this course you will learn concepts that range in scope from beginner photography all the way to advanced topics in post production, composition, and light. https://tr.im/PhotographyMasterclass
You can start right now. Like right this very moment! The course is all online. There are no deadlines or timelines for you to follow. Set your own pace! Go slowly through the course or blaze through it.

Regaserig · Answer

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Books on the subjects of Aesthetics and Composition?

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