COMPOSITION

Task 1d RESOURCES:

http://www.digicamhelp.com/taking-photos/advanced-techniques/composing-photos/

What makes a good photographPhotographs that stand out from the crowd usually have three elements in common:

•Good subject

•Good lighting

•Good composition

What follows are principles of composition that explain some of the ways photographers and artists have composed images through the centuries.

Rule of Thirds

Divide your frame into nine equal parts by creating a grid that is composed of both horizontal and vertical lines.

Place the key feature of your shot at any of the four points where the lines of the grid converge.

Some digital cameras come with an option to place a grid over the LCD view which helps with your composition skills.

•Centre of interest: A photograph should have a strong focal point. Determine what it is before composing your photo.

•Simplicity: Keep compositions simple, avoiding busy background that distracts from a subject.

•Subject off centre: Place a subject slightly off-centre rather than in the middle of a photo.

Leading LinesIf a scene has strong lines, make sure the lines lead the eye into the frame rather than out of it. The lines should lead to the main point of interest.

Viewpoint/AnglesVary angles: Shoot at varying angles to capture a subject from a different viewpoint. Move the camera higher or lower than you usually do. For a dramatic effect, take some photos from a birds-eye (looking down) or worms-eyes view (looking up).

LightingDramatic lighting adds interest to a photo.

Silhouettes

Subject made dark by photographing it against a light background (back lighting).

Framing

Framing a subject by zooming or moving

closer draws attention to it.

SymmetryAn identical or near-identical image of its other half. Use of symmetry often provides a formal balance.