Post on 16-Dec-2015
Research ServicesGeorgia Baptist Convention
Photography Basics - CompositionPhotography Basics - CompositionTechniques to Becoming a Better Photographer
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Have you ever wondered why some pictures are more appealing than others?
One of the main reasons is because of their strong composition.
SimplicityLook for ways to eliminate “clutter” and draw attention to the center of interest.
Move close to your subject and look for a background that does not detract from the primary subject.
SimplicityIsolate your subject.
Rule of ThirdsUse this as a guide for the off-center placement of your subjects.
Before you snap a picture, imagine your image divided into thirds both horizontally and vertically.
Use the intersections of these lines to place the greatest center of interest.
Rule of ThirdsUse this as a guide for the off-center placement of your subjects.
Before you snap a picture, imagine your image divided into thirds both horizontally and vertically.
Use the intersections of these lines to place the greatest center of interest.
Rule of ThirdsUse this as a guide for the off-center placement of your subjects.
Before you snap a picture, imagine your image divided into thirds both horizontally and vertically.
Use the intersections of these lines to place the greatest center of interest.
Rule of ThirdsOff-center placement applies to many different subjects.
Rule of ThirdsOff-center placement applies to many different subjects.
Rule of ThirdsThis same principle applies to vertical “thirds.”
Rule of ThirdsThis same principle applies to vertical “thirds.”
Rule of Thirds“Thirds” also applies in the relative placement or position of objects in your photograph.
Rule of Thirds“Thirds” also applies in the relative placement or position of objects in your photograph.
Rule of ThirdsThis particularly applies with respect to the horizon.
Rule of ThirdsThis particularly applies with respect to the horizon.
Rule of OddsOdd numbers are more pleasing to the eyes than evens.
LinesThis is an example of using Vertical lines.
LinesThis is an example of using Horizontal lines.
LinesThis is an example of using Diagonal lines.
LinesThese are examples of using both Diagonal and Horizontal lines.
CurvesCurves make an image “flow” and makes your eyes move through the photo.
S-CurvesS-curves are another great pattern to capture that direct your attention thru a picture.
Circles
Geometric ShapesLook for opportunities to capture combinations of shapes together.
Leading Lines
Like s-curves, leading lines guide your eye through the picture…
Leading Lines
They can be roads, fences, lights, bridges, water, whatever…
Depth
The feeling of distance is created naturally or by small aperture settings on the camera.
Balance
Balance helps keep the photo from being too “weighted” on one side – but not cluttered either.
Symmetry
Photos using symmetry are like a mirrored image where left and right are nearly identical.
Patterns
Look for interesting patterns in nature and architecture.
Black/White and Sepia
Black-and-white and Sepia give that “old time” feel, and also hide poor color quality.
Monotonous Images
Look for repetitive patterns, shapes, colors, etc.
Fill Frame
Fill the whole picture from top-to-bottom and side-to-side with the image.
Viewpoint
Don’t always shoot from the same perspective – move around. Shoot from below, above, beside…
Background
The driftwood photo is enhanced by the backgroundwhile the red honeysuckle has a “busy” and distracting background.
Framing
Framing places your subject “inside” or between other objects like a picture frame.
More FramingOther ideas… be creative.
Panoramic Photos
The top photo is 5 pictures “stitched” together.The bottom one is 4 photos combined.
Cropping
Move in very close or crop the photo to get more detail.
Long Shutter Speeds
They make firework trails.
Long Shutter Speeds
You can capture night scenes without a flash.
Long Shutter Speeds
They make water look silky smooth.
Long Shutter Speeds
Painting with Light
Abstracts
Long Shutter Speeds
Blurry Roads
Ghosting
Long Shutter Speeds
Streaming Automobile Lights
Amusement Park Rides
Fast Shutter Speeds
Stop Action on Birds in Flight
Water Droplets
Reflections
Reflection photos do not have to follow the Rule of Thirds. They can have a top and bottom half.
Textures
Soft, fluffy, brittle, smooth, rough, etc – capture texture.
Fresh Angles
Walk around your subject and shoot from many different angles.
Perspective
Include people of other familiar objects to help viewers understand dimension.
Capture Motion
Seldom are your subjects completely still. Capture that sense of motion in your photos.
Capture Personality
People and animals have “personality.” Allow that to show through in your photographs.
Capture Feeling
Cold, sleepy, happy, lonely, hungry… capture a sense of “feeling” in your photos.
Environment
Place your subjects in their natural environment or context. Capture meaningful foreground and background.
Have Fun
More Multiplicity
Cut and Paste from Two Photos
Bubble Planets
Here’s a little fun you can have with soap bubbles.
QuestionsQuestions