The document provides guidelines for achieving good composition in photographs. It discusses key composition principles like the rule of thirds, simplicity, lines, balance, framing, and avoiding mergers. Specific techniques are described, such as placing the subject off-center following the rule of thirds, using lines to lead the eye, balancing elements symmetrically or asymmetrically, framing with foreground elements, and avoiding mergers between the subject and background. Examples illustrate good and poor composition based on these principles.
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Picture Composition..
1. Composition
The term composition refers to the
content of a photograph; specifically,
the way everything in the photo is laid
out.
This includes the subject matter, the
relative size and positions of objects
within the photo, lighting and tonal
balance, etc.
2. The Rule of Thirds
Dividing the Frame
in three equally
parts
Points (or lines) of
interest should
occur at 1/3 or 2/3 of
the way up (or
across) the frame,
rather than in the
centre
4. The Frame
While concentrating
on the subject of the
photo, it's easy to
overlook other parts
of the composition.
Before you push the
record button, take
note of everything in
the photo not just
the subject.
5. Angles
Many shots can be
given added impact
by simple changes
in the camera view.
The photo on the
top right has quite a
nice composition,
but the effect is
much more dramatic
when the camera is
rolled to the right.
6. In the image, the
subject presents a
non-threatening
friendly face.
The subject in the
next photo has a
more "I'm in charge"
feel.
7. Balance
There are many types of
"balance" in a
photograph; for
example, a mix of close
and distant objects,
a mix of light and dark,
etc. Poor balance is not
usually good, for
example, a photo with
too much light and no
contrast
8. Using Lines in Photographic Composition
Vertical lines emphasize
strength, power and height.
Horizontal lines emphasize
width, stability and security.
Diagonal lines have a more
dramatic, dynamic effect than
vertical and horizontal.
Curved lines reflect nature,
relaxation, sensuality, etc.
10. Theme
What is the universal message of this photograph?
What does it imply?
What does it say?
What kind of statement is the photographer making?
Is it about love, or childhood, or parents, or growing
old?
Is it about the beauty in nature, or the ugliness of
poverty?
Why do you want to take this image?
11. Emphasis
What is the subject?
Where is the subject?
Where should the viewer look?
What is important?
The photographer can show emphasis through
framing choice, whether he uses a vertical or
horizontal format. Or he might use selective
focus to simplify the background.
12. Simplicity
The photographer works to simplify the
composition.
He looks to see that nothing in the
photograph weakens the theme.
Everything visible in the photograph helps
to support the theme
The background does not distract from
the subject but adds to the composition.
13. Have you ever wondered why some pictures
are more appealing than others .
14. why some are left hanging in galleries for months or even
years to be enjoyed by thousands?
21. Guidelines for good composition
Simplicity
The Rule of Thirds
Lines
Balance
Framing
Avoiding Mergers
22. Guidelines for Better Photographic Composition
Simplicity
The first and perhaps the most important
guideline is simplicity.
Look for ways to give the center of interest
in your pictures the most visual attention
23. We chose the cactus as the main subject. And by moving in closer
and using the plain sky as the background, we have simplified
and improved the appearance of this photograph.
24. Just change your point of view slightly and, presto, your seagull
stands with visual prominence against the blue sky.
26. How much of your subject should you include, and
should it be framed vertically as we have done here?
27. you can simplify your pictures and strengthen your center
of interest by selecting uncomplicated backgrounds
28. If you want to make your center of interest even more dynamic,
place it slightly off center
29. The Rule of Thirds
You can use the rule of thirds as
a guide in the off-center
placement of your subjects
We picked the upper-right position
for this subject so that we could
see the full shadow and most of
the tracks that lead to the seagull
30. The rule of thirds indicates this placement which also
gives the model a definite path to follow within the
picture are
31. You should always consider the path of moving subjects and,
generally, leave space in front of them into which they can move
40. You can use diagonals as leading lines to provide a
way into the picture. It's a simple and easy path for the
eye to follow to the main subject
41. You can also use repetitive lines to draw
viewers' attention to your center of interest
42. One of the most common and graceful lines
used in composition is called the S curve
43. This picture is also improved with a well-placed center
of interest, and the result is a photograph that's easy to
look at
44. Balance
Good balance is
simply the
arrangement of
shapes,
colors, or
areas of light and
dark that
complement one
another so that the
photograph looks
well-balanced
45. You can help yourself develop an artistic eye by
studying pictures to find the strength of their lines,
geometric shapes, and balance
46. Notice how the leaves,
the window, and the
couple all seem to be in
the right place. The
camera viewpoint and
subject placement were
all carefully selected to
create this well-balanced
photograph
47. Karen looks like she's going to fall right out of the
picture due to lack of visible support
49. Imagine that these two couples are standing at either
end of a pair of scales. They are evenly balanced, so
this is a classic example of symmetrical balance
51. This is a balanced photograph, but the subjects can be
separated into two vertical pictures-which tends to
divide the viewer's attention
52. There are usually several ways to arrange or balance your subjects.
You may choose the style on the left because you'd like to convey a
feeling of formality-or you may prefer the more relaxed informal
pose. They're both well balanced
53. Framing
What we mean is to frame the
center of interest with objects
in the foreground.
54. This can give a picture the feeling of depth it needs to
make it more than just another snapshot
55. Whether or not you use a frame for a picture
will depend on each new subject
56. The Washington Monument on the left is composed in the center
without a frame. The picture on the right has a stronger feeling of depth
and tells a more complete story because the photographer chose an
appropriate foreground to complement the Washington Monument
57. The horses and their riders add considerable
foreground interest to this scene.
58. No matter what subjects you choose to
photograph, you should avoid mergers
59. Avoiding Mergers
Remember: we see things in three
dimensions, so it's easier than you
might guess to focus our eyes on the
principal subject only and not see
that background at all.
Avoiding mergers is our sixth
guideline for better composition