Maurice Masdeu

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‘Jailbird’, 2022 - Street Photography Image Breakdown

I was instantly drawn to this cute little guy. After a while he warmed up to me and became a great little model. His eyes were a very sharp green, which looked great against his black coat. I really wanted to showcase his eyes and the contrast his body created. 

This makes me think of composition. I once had a conversation with a photographer when I was starting out. I asked her, “what tips can you give me about composition?” She replied….”Forget composition. I formally disagree with this approach. 

I find that, in the moment, when I am the most ardent about my composition, is when I tend to have the best outcomes in my work. Truly, it’s when I stop ‘shooting whatever I can’ and simply focus on making a piece of art I, again, have my best outcomes. 

But what is a best outcome? What is the correct metric to measure one’s success in an image. I argue that composition has a lot to do with this. In any art, hiphop music, painting, photography, we artists tend to be bound to our past. For example, where would I be if I didn’t study past masters and truly attempt to perfect, with every image, an exact composition. I want to accomplish something that is immediately pleasing to the eye, regardless of context. I think I did that here. 

What are you thoughts? Please let me know in the comments.