How to Take a Great Photograph (and what to do with it!) © Yvonne Linnabary for Everett Public Schools

Part 3: Photographic Concepts

Key Photographic Concepts Emphasis of the composition Rule of thirds Landscape orientation Portrait orientation Depth of Field Framing an image

The Emphasis of a Composition Usually the emphasis of a photograph is the subject of the image. It can be the most commanding part of the photograph in terms of size. Or it can be something bright or different that captures your attention and draws you into the image.

is the most important part of the photograph.

Rule of Thirds In the most successful compositions, you could divide the image into thirds both horizontally and vertically, and the emphasis will be on one of the thirds of the photograph. Putting an emphasis in the dead center of a photograph is usually not effective because the viewer’s interest is not maintained.

Rule of Thirds

Landscape orientation is horizontal or wider than it is tall

Portrait Orientation is vertical or taller than it is wide.

A long depth of field shows lots of depth and space.

A shallow depth of field focuses on things that are close to the viewer.

Framing an object means to compose your photograph with entire image in mind. One way to do this is to make sure your emphasis is in focus but all else is blurred or indistinct. Another way to frame an image is to make sure you include foreground objects to add depth.