Tips on creating great photographs Photography Basics Tips on creating great photographs

History Photography hit the mainstream in 1835 Before this, art was judged by its accuracy Artists had to begin creating art styles that couldn’t be recreated by the camera Impressionism was the first style created after the mainstreaming of the camera, starting the modern art movement.

From good to great… From great to AWESOME! Tips for better photos From good to great… From great to AWESOME!

What Makes a Good Image? Composition Use of Elements Use of Principles Definitely leading lines Use of Principles Lighting

Simplicity One strong center of interest Avoid mergers Foreground or background should be simple or complimentary to center of interest Include foreground or background for sense of isolation, distance, depth, etc. Avoid mergers

Avoid Mergers

Avoid Amputations Avoiding cutting out parts or wholes of people or main subjects Avoiding cutting out the path of a moving object

Off with her head! v His too! v Poor guy  ^ No more athlete’s foot

Rule of Thirds Don’t center your subject; it’s boring Place it on one of the circled areas

Rule of thirds at work Bad Good Fair

Working with Angles Low angle High angle Avoid centered horizons Accentuate movement or action Make subject look big, imposing or powerful High angle Eliminate unwanted backdrops Make subject look smaller Avoid centered horizons Head and shoulders above horizon creates a feeling of importance Try the 45 degree method to get rid of reflected flashes Creates INTEREST!

BE CAREFUL WITH ANGLES! Same girl. No Joke.

Fill the Frame Would this picture look better if I was closer? Focus on subject Detail Start far and move closer Fill the frame with objects that “fit” Long range shots provide depth and perspective

Natural Framing Adds depth Should fit theme Helps subject fill the frame Can block unwanted subjects from view

Line Creates Perspective

Balance Balance color and weight in a picture Formal and informal

Symmetrical Asymmetrical

Need other ideas/tips? Pinterest Books Teacher Look me up SO MANY BOOKS! Will only go so far. Teacher Seriously…

Assignment You will take multiple photos of the following: Landscape People (portrait/figure) Close-up (macro) Use of elements You will turn in your top 5.

REMEMBER! Watch your Angle Watch your composition Strong focal point Photos involving people (It’s all in the face) Look for strong examples of your elements and principles