The Art of Photo Composition
· What we see and how we see it is up to us.
· Seeing with a photographic eye.
o The habit for seeing is instinctive….taken for granted.
o We need to learn to arrange what we see in more interesting ways.
o We need to learn the infinite variety of things around us.
· Why are some pictures more appealing than others?
o Strong composition
o Not limited to photography
· Composition: Good composition simply means a pleasing selection and arrangement of the subject with in the picture area.
o Selection and arrangement imply well composed pictures do not just happen by accident. They are planned
· 6 Main Guidelines (skip some space for each one to allow additional notes on each topic)
o Simplicity
o Rule of Thirds
o Lines
o Balance
o Framing
o Mergers
· Simplicity:
o Look for ways to give the center of interest the most visual attention.
o Select uncomplicated backgrounds that will not steal from the subject.
o Concentrate on one subject at a time.
o Ask if the reason for taking the picture is clearly seen.
o Sometimes you just have to make a decision. How much of the subject do you want to include.
o Simply your pictures & Strengthen your center of interest.
§ Avoid competing or unrelated subjects
§ Move in close
§ Place off center.
· Rule of Thirds
o Imagine the picture area is divided into thirds.
o The intersections of the lines give you choices.
o Shift the point of view of a subject to see more of the area around a subject. The open space will dramatize a subject.
o Giving objects a sense of direction is an important aspect of rule of thirds. A model will have a definite path to follow. Consider the path of moving subjects and give them room to move.
o Thirds is also helpful in where to place a horizon.
· Lines
o Lines and shapes…involves using other forms of composition.
o Simple backgrounds are important.
o Let the lines work for you.
o Use lines to lead the viewer into the subject.
o Use repetitive lines to draw the attention in
o The S curve is a common an graceful composition
o An S curve can give a diagonal leading line.
o Other geometric shapes will help. Triangles help provide unity.
· Balance
o All of the objects are in the right place.
o Good balance is the arrangement of shapes, colors, or areas of light and dark in a complimentary way.
o Different kinds of balance: Symmetrical and non-symmetrical. Look for balance that unifies an image rather than divides.
· Framing
o Using objects to frame the subject.
o Framing gives depth to the picture.
o Depth helps to tell more of a story.
· Mergers
o Watch for objects coming out the back of peoples heads.
o We see things in three dimension, but the camera sees in 2. So it is easy to over look.
o Choose simple backgrounds to help avoid mergers.
o Change the point of view by moving over a bit.
o Near merger are objects that are too similar to each other. Use a low angle to help with simplicity.
· Summary
o Simplicity: Remember the importance of close-ups and uncomplicated backgrounds.
o Rule of Thirds: Avoid placing the subject in the center.
o Lines: Look for strong lines and pleasing geometric shapes
o Balance: Use all the elements of a picture to create a pleasing symmetry.
o Framing: Use objects in the foreground to give depth/
o Mergers: Avoid by using simple backgrounds.
o Sometimes you will use more than one, sometimes you will not use any at all. Some pictures will have strength of their own.
o When you cannot get the shot you want, you can crop the picture to get a better composition.
Composition is fun, because the more you learn how to compose a picture, the more you will find you are expressing yourself, and your view of the world with facility and freedom.