Photo CompositionPhoto Composition

CompositionComposition

The pleasing arrangement of subject The pleasing arrangement of subject matter elements within the picture areamatter elements within the picture area

Known as the “rules” of photographyKnown as the “rules” of photography Are known to work most of the time, but in Are known to work most of the time, but in

some cases “rules” can be brokensome cases “rules” can be broken

Photo CompositionPhoto Composition

Ones we have already covered:Ones we have already covered: Filling the FrameFilling the Frame LightingLighting AnglesAngles LinesLines Rule of ThirdsRule of Thirds

Photo CompositionPhoto Composition

Ones we will be covering today:Ones we will be covering today: SimplicitySimplicity Negative SpaceNegative Space Active SpaceActive Space ContrastContrast Mergers & BackgroundMergers & Background

SimplicitySimplicity

Creating simple looking imagesCreating simple looking images Easiest way to do this is by limiting the Easiest way to do this is by limiting the

amount of objects in your photoamount of objects in your photo Select uncomplicated backgroundsSelect uncomplicated backgrounds Avoid unrelated subjectsAvoid unrelated subjects Move in close Move in close

What is the main subject?What is the main subject?

What is the main subject?What is the main subject?

What is the main subject?What is the main subject?

Ways to Simplify?Ways to Simplify?

Ways to Simplify?Ways to Simplify?

Negative SpaceNegative Space Is the empty space around your subjectIs the empty space around your subject Areas of a picture that contain “nothing” (negative space) Areas of a picture that contain “nothing” (negative space)

are important visual elements that provide balance in an are important visual elements that provide balance in an imageimage

Can be very challengingCan be very challenging Like all situations in photography, some images will Like all situations in photography, some images will

come more natural then others.come more natural then others.

Negative SpaceNegative Space

Negative SpaceNegative Space

Negative SpaceNegative Space

Negative SpaceNegative Space

Negative SpaceNegative Space

Negative SpaceNegative Space

Active SpaceActive Space

The space in front of your “moving” subject The space in front of your “moving” subject or the space in the “eyesight” of your or the space in the “eyesight” of your subjectsubject Space behind your subject is called “dead Space behind your subject is called “dead

space”space” Use the Rule of Thirds to place your Use the Rule of Thirds to place your

subject, but use “Active Space” to subject, but use “Active Space” to determine the placementdetermine the placement

Active Space is this…Active Space is this…

Not this….Not this….

Active Space is this….Active Space is this….

Not this….Not this….

Active Space is this…Active Space is this…

Active Space is this…Active Space is this…

Which one is Active Space?Which one is Active Space?

Which one is Active Space?Which one is Active Space?

Active Space is this…Active Space is this…

Active Space is this…Active Space is this…

ContrastContrast The difference in the color and brightness of the objects in photosThe difference in the color and brightness of the objects in photos Your eyes are naturally drawn to the light areas before the dark Your eyes are naturally drawn to the light areas before the dark For example, if you want to draw attention to a light colored subject, For example, if you want to draw attention to a light colored subject,

place it against a dark background, vice versaplace it against a dark background, vice versa Types of ContrastTypes of Contrast

Tonal Contrast- used in B&W photographyTonal Contrast- used in B&W photography• High- More defined B&WHigh- More defined B&W• Low- Blacks & White are less defined; More GREY!Low- Blacks & White are less defined; More GREY!

Color ContrastColor Contrast• Color Wheel (Next Slide) Color Wheel (Next Slide)

Includes High (very different colors) & Low contrast (very similar colors)Includes High (very different colors) & Low contrast (very similar colors) High Contrast- big difference between dark & light areas (see High Contrast- big difference between dark & light areas (see

examples for better understanding)examples for better understanding) Low Contrast- Subtle: small difference between dark & light areas Low Contrast- Subtle: small difference between dark & light areas

(see examples for better understanding)(see examples for better understanding)

High & Low ContrastHigh & Low Contrast

High ContrastHigh Contrast

Low ContrastLow Contrast

Contrast Color WheelContrast Color Wheel

The opposite color is one that compliments the other, resulting in a high-contrast photo. Using colors which are close to each other on the color wheel will create a low-contrast photo.

High & Low Color ContrastHigh & Low Color Contrast

Low Color ContrastLow Color Contrast

High Color ContrastHigh Color Contrast

High Color ContrastHigh Color Contrast

High & Low ContrastHigh & Low Contrast

Background & MergersBackground & Mergers

The most overlooked part during the composing The most overlooked part during the composing process of a photoprocess of a photo

Mergers can happen…Mergers can happen… Things that sprout from your subjects head or Things that sprout from your subjects head or

things that are placed very close to the things that are placed very close to the subjects face. subjects face.

The background should make your subject stand The background should make your subject stand out and present it to best advantageout and present it to best advantage

Blur Effects can separate your subject from the Blur Effects can separate your subject from the backgroundbackground

MergersMergers

MergersMergers

MergersMergers

BackgroundBackground

BackgroundBackground

BackgroundBackground