Creativity In Composition:
Capturing the Beauty of Vietnam
Creativity in Composition – Introduction
Creativity flows through each individual. We all see the world in our own special way and I’m lucky enough to have the privilege to be able to capture life as I see it.
Recently, I embarked on a Journey through Southeast Asia in the beautiful country of Vietnam. A country so full of character both visually and through its people, it was a great opportunity to experience a new culture as a whole and to use that momentum through the pictures I had taken. Intent is big in the shots you capture, whether it’s through external composition or the capturing of the human experience.
Enjoy the Visual Pistol
For god sake, don’t rush your shots!
Who cares if you’re holding up a few people for a few extra seconds, you’re trying to get the perfect shot here! I’d say 50% of people do appreciate someone who is in the zone, honing in on their craft and going for gold. This is especially true when you’re traveling, you’re never going to see these people again and your photographic memory can only remember so much.
Enjoy the memories as you remember them, and translate them into the visual medium. It’s also worth noting that if you don’t feel up to the task mentally, physically and most importantly creatively, then don’t force yourself to try to produce faux magic. Sometimes you just want to enjoy something for what it is, not everything has to be captured, just most things…..
Hindsight Is A Bitch..
I found myself many times making the mistake of not taking the camera out on my strolls on the initial day I’d arrive in a city. Throughout the trip, I never learnt. I’d walk around and see the photos before my eyes, the composition, the angle, the colour, the look and the urge…With no camera to capture! I knew that it would be a missed opportunity that would come back to bite me, as I probably would not come back in the same direction.
I urge any photographer reading this to MAKE SURE you get the camera out upon arrival anywhere and get shooting ASAP even if you’re feeling too tired or lazy. The reason for me to not shoot was to settle into the city the first day and admire my surroundings while soaking it all in. I’ve learnt now personally, to save that for the 2nd or 3rd day (if you have the flexibility.)
Listen To All the Advice You’re Given, But Take Your Own
These are a few videos that I find informative:
More Snaps…
Speaking of Craft…
When I first picked up the camera properly around 2014, I was interested in landscape photography. Growing up, I really enjoyed writing short stories and was very much a child in his own world. My mum would wonder why I wouldn’t socialize with other kids and would wander off doing my own thing and exploring. I was curious about my surroundings, and still am to this day. My child-like imagination has carried into adult life and has helped with how I like to tell my stories through the visual medium, and in writing. This is why I began my film studies course, I wanted to hone in on my craft to not only use my skills behind the camera but how to tell the stories on it as well by learning how each department operates. Any photo I capture needs purpose, I look at everything I shoot from a cinematic standpoint.
If I could give any advice to beginners, particularly with run and gun street shooting, is to anticipate the movement in your frame and line them up in the rule of thirds method. You want the perfect balance between the static objects and movement within your composition, higher shutter speed to avoid blur (unless its at night, 1/60th is the absolute limit for an in-focus photograph without a tripod.) Rely on natural lighting during the day when in external locations, street lights at night.
Arrivederci!
To wrap up, if I could leave you with words of wisdom from my recent journey. I realize that the world isn’t as big as you think it is, there are similarities everywhere in the world and as humans, we are conditioned to adapt to our surroundings. There is beauty to be explored and it is up to us as individuals how it is captured, whether it’s mentally or physically.
Life is too short to say no to trying new things, pick up the camera and go capture your stories for the world to see!
Much love,
Mel at IWS
Meletios Likouresis
Co-Founder | Producer | Cinematographer
Meletios Likouresis is a filmmaker who journeyed from rural Coober Pedy to bustling Adelaide to pursue his passion. He completed his Advanced Diploma in Screen and Media at the Adelaide College of the Arts in 2020 and draws inspiration from David Lynch. Mel is a lifelong learner, both in storytelling and the art of living, and he values firsthand experiences, seeking new adventures and savouring life’s simple joys. When not behind the camera, he finds inspiration in the world’s beauty and continues to chase his dreams where creativity and a thirst for knowledge meet in the captivating world of storytelling.
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