Up Your Game: Composition
Join National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson for an evening exploration of composition, that mysterious realm of photographic rules and dogma.
Build Images with Purpose and Story
December 2, 2025 | Tuition: $49
One 90-minute session online. It will begin at 8 PM EST and will be recorded and made available to registered participants for 60 days. Tuition is non-refundable.
Over a 50-year career, Jim has developed an indelible compositional style, creating images for documentary projects and National Geographic stories. “Good composition is intentional,” he says, “Composition is where the photographer tells you what they mean to say.”
Going beyond simple rules and formulas (the cliches we all know about), Jim teaches that good composition is functional; it builds images that work well on the printed page, in online digital media or on the gallery wall. Each venue requires different picture making skills. Jim thinks it’s an active skill, not a passive one. “Most of the time we photographers don’t get subjects that will hold still while we think. Real world composition is like riding a bicycle. If you have to stop and think about it, you’re too late.”
Learn the Tools of Great Composition
Jim’s discussion draws on decades of building pictures for meaningful storytelling. He’s practical. He urges photographers to build their photographic tool kit one tool at a time. You won’t hear much deep philosophy. You will hear practical advice about how to up your game.
Meet your instructor
Jim Richardson
Workshop FacultyJim has work appearing regularly in National Geographic magazine and National Geographic Traveler in addition to Geographic books. Jim is on assignment for Nat Geo projects almost full time and for good reason. Richardson, a onetime newspaper photographer in Kansas and Colorado, brings amazing story-telling techniques along with detailed research to his pictures. Thirty years ago, he began photographing the area around his hometown in north central Kansas.
Jim Richardson
Workshop FacultyJim’s career at National Geographic magazine and National Geographic Traveler spanned over 35 years, during which time he produced over 50 stories. His stories ranged from poignant location based essays to complex scientific and geographical issues coverage. He’s valued for his compelling storytelling and his deft command of technical skills. Beyond his picture making he’s also highly regarded as a presenter and teacher. His lectures draw corporate clients to international venues. His topics ranged widely from world food, small towns and light pollution to include his much sought after whisky tastings.
Whether discussing documentary, landscape, night sky or iPhone photography, he brings a down-to-earth practicality to his lectures that is as enjoyable as it is instructive.