Andrew A. Midkiff Photography

  In its popular sense, composition is just the way different elements of a photograph are combined. But more specifically, as used by the photographer, composition refers to how the main subject is arranged in relation to other elements visible in the frame. Good composition will be pleasing to the eye, and it will enhance the subject. Let's look at some principles that you can apply to instantly improve your photography. 1. RULE OF THIRDS The rule of thirds divides an image into three equal parts both vertically and horizontally.  The idea is to position your main subject in the frame along these lines or where the lines intersect.  Study this image and my crude lines to see how the rule of thirds is used. In this example we place our main subject in the center resulting in less a pleasing composition.  2. SYMMETRY & CENTERED COMPOSITION This is the opposite of the rule of thirds where instead we center our main subject. By doing so we need to consider the...

 How can I take better photos? This is a question I am often asked. When I first started taking photos back in the 1960's photography was an expensive hobby, that required buying film and the cost of processing. Today with modern digital cameras you can take all the pictures you want, and the results are immediate. Anyone can become a pro if you follow a few basic principles. Let's get started. Your subject is the main point of interest in your photos so your viewpoint, where the camera is placed, will have the greatest impact on your composition. Most people make the mistake of shooting from only their eye level. Look at your subject from various angles, high above, low angle, from the side, etc. Use your imagination and study your subject at different angles.    This statue of Jesus is a good example of various viewpoints of the same subject. In the first two examples we establish the location of our subject. Framing the subject with objects in the foreground creates go...

 From a professional photographer’s lens, this image is a fascinating study in juxtaposition—the old world meeting the new, set against a backdrop that feels almost supernatural. This is a "staged" environmental portrait that relies on atmosphere and character. Here is my professional breakdown: 1. The Power of Juxtaposition What makes this photo compelling is the clash of eras. You have the "timeless" image of a horse and rider on rugged terrain, but the rider is wearing a modern New York cap, a striped polo, and red track pants. As a photographer, I love this because it tells a story of modern rural life. It’s not a postcard version of the past; it’s a real, contemporary moment. 2. Color Theory and Palette The color harmony here is excellent. The complementary colors—the reddish-orange soil versus the blue and grey of the sky—create a natural visual "vibrancy." The rider’s red pants and the red detailing on the saddle pad perfectly tie into the warmth of...

  Sarasota, Florida 1974 This is no longer about capturing a moment; it is about constructing an idea. This self-portrait is haunting, gothic, and technically fascinating. Here is my professional breakdown: 1. The "Star Filter" or Small Aperture Effect The most striking technical element is the extreme "starburst" effect on the light fixtures.    - The Physical Tool: A "star filter" was screwed onto the front of the lens.    2. The Technique: "Burning" and Double Exposure   - The Artistic Choice: By "burning" my face into the black void of the     mirror, we create a low-key portrait where only the     highlights of my features (forehead, nose, eyes) are visible.   - The Ghost Effect: Because there is no body visible—just a floating head in a     dark rectangle—it creates a psychological "void." It suggests the     photographer is a ghost inhabiting the history of this ornate room. 3. High-Contrast Black & Wh...

Farmers' market in Florida 1977  From a professional photographer’s perspective, we have now entered the realm of "Kitsch Street Photography" or Vernacular Realism. This image moves away from high-art concepts and toward the raw, often humorous aesthetic of photographers like Martin Parr or Stephen Shore. Here is my professional breakdown of this shot: 1. The Use of "Harsh" On-Camera Flash   - The Effect: It flattens the subject, creates a hard shadow behind it, and     makes the colors—the vibrant yellows and reds—scream off the frame.   - The Stylistic Choice: While a "beginner" might use flash this way by     accident, a "pro" uses it here to create a sense of clinical observation. It     feels like a piece of evidence or a snapshot from a fever-dream road trip.     It strips away the "beauty" of the object and reveals it for what it is:     plastic, paint, and wire. 2. The "Grid" and Visual Entrapment The most powerful...

  1978 Blueberry Patch Gulfport, Florida Accidental self portrait As a professional photographer, looking at these images is like opening a time capsule of the "Golden Age of Color." These are Kodachrome slides, and to a pro, that name carries immense weight. Kodachrome was legendary for its "subtractive" color process, which produced deep, archival blacks and a saturation of reds and yellows that digital sensors still struggle to replicate. Here is a professional analysis of this "Florida-Gothic" series: 1. The "Kodachrome Red & Yellow" In the first two photos, look at the bags of citrus. On Kodachrome, those oranges don't just look orange—they look vibrant. The film had a unique way of making primary colors "pop" without making them look fake. The red detailing on the bags and the man’s shirt has a density and "weight" that is a hallmark of this film stock. It creates a feeling of warmth and eternal summer. 2. The ...