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Photography CompositionJEA Photojournalism Curriculum
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What is composition?Composition refers to the way a photo is
constructed/planned to make the biggest possible impact.
Composition rules are ingredients that a photographer may use,
but just like a chef wouldnt use all of the ingredients in his
pantry in one meal, a photographer wont use every composition skill
in one photograph.
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Rule #1: Rule of ThirdsIf you divide your picture into a
tic-tac-toe board, your subject should not be located in the center
squareBushra Ghafoor, R.B. Hayes High School
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Addie Driskill, Maize (Kan.) High School
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Daisy Marquez, Maize (Kan.) High School
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The PIX Yearbook - Little Rock, Arkansas
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Rule #2: RepetitionA repeating pattern works well to emphasize
your subjectA little bit of variance (changing it up) within the
repetition is even better
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Aysen Tan, Foothill Dragon Press
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Aysen Tan, Foothill Dragon Press
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The PIX Yearbook - Little Rock, Arkansas
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Rule #3: AnglesIf you can change the angle or viewpoint of your
photograph, you automatically make it more interesting
Note: Changing the angle does NOT mean tilting the camera.
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Birds Eye ViewThe PIX Yearbook - Little Rock, Arkansas
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The PIX Yearbook - Little Rock, Arkansas
Worms Eye View
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Mikaela Stevenson, Maize (Kan.) High School
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Rule #4: Strong Subject(Or Fill the Frame)Photo has a strong,
dominant focal point and/or center of interestKeep your background
simple to avoid distractions
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Samantha Terrell, Maize (Kan.) High School
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Bushra Ghafoor, R.B. Hayes High School
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The PIX Yearbook - Little Rock, Arkansas
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Rule #5: FramingUse natural elements to create a frame for your
photo, so your audience knows exactly what your focus is
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Aysen Tan, Foothill Dragon Press
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Bushra Ghafoor, R.B. Hayes High School
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The PIX Yearbook - Little Rock, Arkansas
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Rule #6: Leading LinesLines in a photo direct a viewers focus to
the photos subject
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The PIX Yearbook - Little Rock, Arkansas
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The PIX Yearbook - Little Rock, Arkansas
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The PIX Yearbook - Little Rock, Arkansas
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Rule #7: Selective FocusWhen a photographer narrows a pictures
depth of field so that only part of the picture is in focus.
(Combine this with rule of thirds to create an awesome
photo!)
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Aysen Tan, Foothill Dragon Press
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Brittani Casement, Maize (Kan.) High School
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The PIX Yearbook - Little Rock, Arkansas
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Limits of composition rulesA chef may use high-end ingredients
but that doesnt automatically make the recipe taste great.Just
because a photo has great composition doesnt make it a great
journalistic photo.
A journalistic photo must also tell a compelling story.
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Without a compelling story, a photo will fall flat of its
purpose.
It may be beautiful, but it must also be impactful.
The best stories include individuals and supporting details to
give views a complete picture.
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Bryant High School Publications
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McKinney High School Publications
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Casey Simmons, Westlake High School
