Composition rules to live by …and to break Photography Composition rules to live by …and to break

What is a photograph? It is a story. What is a story? It is a series of sentences connected to each other. The same is true about photography. To create a photograph, it is not enough just to take an image of something. The first impression from a photograph is determined by the composition balance of an image.

Role of the Photograph Grab the viewer’s attention Provide information Entertain Record History

Good Photo Composition Regardless of what you are photographing, having good photo composition is key Good photo composition adds to the image…does not distract.

Rules of Good Composition Keep it simple: 1 or 2 visual interests; nothing distracting

Rules of Good Composition Pay attention to foreground and background: Avoid Mergers and Awkward Cuts

Rules of Good Composition Fill the frame: Get in close to your subject. Good rule of thumb: Take 3 steps closer to your subject

Rules of Good Composition Work with patterns, curves and lines

Rules of Good Composition Get on the level: get down on the ground to be eye level with children and pets

Rules of Good Composition BUT… Try various angles and viewpoints – give a unique perspective (Bird’s Eye View & Bug’s Eye View)

Rules of Good Composition 3 ways to layout your photo Rule of Thirds Golden Section Diagonal Rule Each has its own application