The arrangement of visual ELEMENTS within the frame of the photograph Composition The arrangement of visual ELEMENTS within the frame of the photograph

Line Shape Position Light Motion Perspective Texture

Line

Shape

Position

Light

Motion

Perspective

Texture

You need to understand it and practice it in order to apply it correctly.

Snapshot vs. Photograph

A casual record of an event, person, or object that captures a memory. Snapshot A casual record of an event, person, or object that captures a memory.

Photograph A composed artistic interpretation of an event, person, or object. It tells the viewer something about the subject. Careful attention has been paid to detail.

Structure, Balance, and Dynamics These define the composition of a photograph and provide the framework within which the elements find their proper place.

The elements that hold a photograph together….. Position Line Shape Structure The elements that hold a photograph together….. Position Line Shape

Using the Nine-Zone Grid Each zone is a picture within the picture and can produce a particular effect on its own, as well as producing an overall effect with the other 8 zones. Each zone should be “doing something” and adding to the overall effect of the photograph. If a zone is not adding to the effect you want, it should be corrected or cropped out.

Position Positioning the dominant subject in a zone is called weighting. Top weighted = far away or top heavy Bottom weighted = firmly grounded Center weighted = static / frozen Side weighted = suggests movement A more subtle effect is to position your dominant subject where the lines dividing the zones cross each other.

Line Can reinforce positioning Can actually divide the photo into a literal grid. Horizontal lines in a photo are more pleasing to the eye if they are placed close to one of the two horizontal lines of the 9-zone grid. Vertical lines in a photo are more pleasing to the eye if they are placed close to one of the two vertical lines of the 9-zone grid

Shape Can affect structure by where it is (positive space) Can affect structure by where it isn’t (negative space) Questions to ask: Is the shape itself interesting? Does it do something interesting in relation to the other objects and the frame?

An equal relationship between two or more things. Balance An equal relationship between two or more things.

When is a photograph balanced? When the various objects in the photo “weigh” the same. This does not mean they have to be the same size. When the objects are placed in an interesting relationship to each other and to the frame.

The movement of a viewer’s eye as it explores a photograph. Dynamics The movement of a viewer’s eye as it explores a photograph.

In a well composed photograph, eye movement begins with the most important subject (primary subject), then proceeds to less important ones (secondary subjects), and finally returns to the primary subject.

Composition Tips!!!!! Get In Close Pay Attention To Negative Space Edit Your Image Watch Your Edges Keep Verticals Vertical and Horizontals Horizontal Place Your Subject In It’s Environment