1 of 38

COMPOSITION

2 of 38

  • In its simplest form, composition is the way that you arrange the elements in your photograph.
  • By following these basic “rules,” you can create visually interesting and artistic photographs rather than “just pictures.”

​

3 of 38

Rule of Thirds

  • Imagine that your image is divided into NINE equal sections (two horizontal and two vertical lines)
  • The Rule of Thirds says that you should place your subject (or points of interest) along these lines, or where the lines intersect
    • Placing your subject in the center of the frame often creates an uninteresting composition

​

4 of 38

5 of 38

6 of 38

7 of 38

8 of 38

Simplicity

  • Have a strong focal point in your photos, and get rid of all of the “clutter”
    • Remove distracting elements from the background of your images
    • Move in close to your subject
    • Avoid “mergers” (elements in the background “merge” or “meld” into the subject)

​

9 of 38

10 of 38

11 of 38

12 of 38

Day One…

  • Now that you have learned about the rule of thirds AND simplicity, you will go out and apply these new concepts!
  • Take THREE photos combining the rule of thirds AND simplicity.
  • Make sure to stay close to the classroom.
    • The East Lawn
    • In front of the library
    • The student center
    • DO NOT enter the quiet study area.

12

13 of 38

14 of 38

Get Out Your Notes…

14

15 of 38

Line

  • Lines create “movement” in your photographs. Your eye naturally “follows” lines as they move through an image.
    • Leading lines “lead” your eye to a center of interest
    • Vertical lines provide feelings of dominance and power
    • Horizontal lines convey a message of “stability” or “rest”
    • Curved or “S” can give a photo energy

​

​

16 of 38

17 of 38

18 of 38

19 of 38

Framing

Placing framing elements (trees, archways, windows, etc.) around the edges of the composition helps isolate the subject and draw the viewer’s eye to a center of interest.

​

​

20 of 38

21 of 38

22 of 38

Orientation

  • Paying attention to your subject helps determine what orientation is best suited for the image.
  • If the subject is vertical, or the elements lead the eye vertically, then shoot vertically (and vice versa)

​

​

23 of 38

24 of 38

Day Two…

  • Now that you have learned about line, framing, AND orientation, you will go out and apply these new concepts!
  • Take THREE photos combining line, framing and orientation.
  • Make sure to stay close to the classroom.
    • The East Lawn
    • In front of the library
    • The student center
    • DO NOT enter the quiet study area.

24

25 of 38

26 of 38

Get Out Your Notes…

26

27 of 38

Viewpoint/Perspective

  • Changing your perspective (the view from which you take your picture) can create more interesting photographs.
  • “Bird’s” eye view (from up above)
  • “Snail’s” eye view (from down below)
  • You can get REALLY creative with perspective!

​

​

28 of 38

29 of 38

30 of 38

Balance

  • Placing your subject off center, as suggested by the Rule of Thirds creates a visually interesting photo, but it can also make your image feel empty.
  • Balance your strong focal point with subordinate elements
  • Make sure all of the elements work together to create a good and pleasing balance

​

​

31 of 38

32 of 38

33 of 38

34 of 38

35 of 38

Day Three…

  • Now that you have learned about balance AND viewpoint/perspective, you will go out and apply these new concepts!
  • Take THREE photos combining balance and viewpoint/perspective
  • Make sure to stay close to the classroom.
    • The East Lawn
    • In front of the library
    • The student center
    • DO NOT enter the quiet study area.

35

36 of 38

37 of 38

38 of 38