Rules of Composition

Composition

Composition is all about planning, positioning and arranging elements in a photograph so that the image communicates as powerfully as it can.

There can be more than one element in a photo

Rule of Thirds

The Rule of Thirds is based on the fact that the human eye is naturally drawn to a point about two-thirds up a page.

Crop your photo so that the main subjects are located around one of the intersection points rather than in the center of the image

Different Angles

Get above and below your subject for a different view.

Capture all views: above, below, left and right.

Move Around!

Take more than one photo of your subject

Worms Eye View

From below

Get down on the ground and look up

Get on the same level (if down low) as your subject

Birds Eye View

From above

Look for ways to get above your subject and look down

Standing on things (carefully)

Holding your camera up (and still getting a good shot)

Natural Framing

This means to frame the center of interest with objects in the foreground.

This can give a picture the feeling of depth it needs to make it more than just another snapshot.

Lighting

Always be aware of the light sources around you!

Where you stand changes how the lighting affects the subject

Keep in mind that the weather outside has an effect on the lighting

Watch for ugly fluorescent lights on the ceiling

Don’t backlight your subject unless it adds to the photo

Repetition

Elements of the photo repeat.

Look for people in uniforms, people lined on fences, sitting in rows or standing in a line.

Leading Lines

Leading lines are natural objects in a photo that lead to the main subject

They should draw the readers eye up or across a photo right to a subject

Just because there are lines in a picture does not make them leading lines! They must have a purpose!!

Photo Assignment #1 (yay!)

Take 8 photos using the rules of composition

Use the photos to tell a story about yourself Family Pets Things that show who you are

NO “facebook” or “myspace” photos!