Circles

Spheres are an incredibly strong form. Gaia, Mother Earth is probably our most significant example. They say life and time is circular.

In photographic composition they are also rather powerful.

Last year, I stayed up to watch the On-Landscape Photography Conference live. It was a beautiful reminder of when I spoke at it, and the huge effect it had on my work and life. The talk by Paul Kenny filled my soul with inspiration. His love for the circular motif inspiring.

I have embedded it below, just in case you wish to watch it. I smile as I just noticed he studied in the Metcalf home town of Newcastle upon Tyne.

Paul was born in Salford, Lancashire, in 1951. He graduated with a Fine Art degree from Newcastle Upon Tyne Polytechnic in 1975. In 1976 he started work in local government but photographed in his spare time. In 1996 he gave up his job and began working full-time as a photographer, specialising in abstract still-life images.

Circles are powerful shapes to intentionally include in your work. Including one is powerful, including many can allow them to talk to each other.

This exercise is deceptively simple. Go play with circles in your compositions and see what you can achieve.

I encourage you to post your attempts at this exercise and join the discussion.