Photographic Composition

Looking at how different techniques can be used by photographers to create mood, tone, feeling and how meaning can be created and emphasised.

QUESTION: What makes a good photo? Write down your ideas...

Learning Objectives

To develop basic skills of image analysis

To apply image analysis skills to analysis of texts

Photo Composition: Rule of thirds

This rule states that the main points of interest

in a photograph will occur ON or NEAR an

intersection of the image if it were divided

into thirds.

This example has points of interest at the intersections and has distinct changes at each third of the photo.

Photo Composition: Foreground/Background

Some photographs will have a point of interest in the foreground and one in the background which add to the visual depth of the image.

In the photograph above our eyes move between the couple in the foreground and the unusual building in the backgound.

Photo Composition: Lines & Shapes

Photojournalists pay a great deal of attention to the shapes of objects in

their photographs. Including the way lines

of objects work together.

Notice how that these photos not only make us look along the lines of the bridge and road, but also use the Rule of Thirds.

Photo Composition: Light and Shade

Using light and shadow can have a good effect in a photograph. The shadows can

create mood and tone to a subject. Light and shade can also emphasise or distort shapes

of objects

Photo Composition: Cropped and Skewed images

An image is said to be cropped if the object photographed does not entirely fit into the frame. This can be used to great effect, as seen here.

A skewed image is one that has been taken at

an unusual angle. It can emphasise a feeling of

disorientation.

Analyse the following images paying particular attention to the techniques we have looked at today…