COMPOSITION & THE BEST OF HS PRESS PHOTOS 2010 Part 1: What makes a yearbook photo, not just good, but award-winningly amazing awesomeness? COMPOSITION & THE BEST OF HS PRESS PHOTOS 2010

Divide the frame into thirds vertically and horizontally. Rule of thirds Divide the frame into thirds vertically and horizontally. Place subject on one of the intersections Never center

Fill the Frame Get in tight. More emotional and more dramatic

Other elements of Composition Dominance Subordination Contrast Use one or a combo of several Dominance Subordination Contrast Selective focus Leading lines/looks Get down & shoot up Catch action Simplicity Mood/emotion Action/reaction Unique angles

Dominance – the main subject of the photograph Subordination – secondary objects that strengthen or lead to the dominant.

Contrast – black or dark versus white or lighter elements of the photo helps to bring out a mood or element.

Fresh angle –Find a new way of looking at the same thing.

Selective focus – Bringing some elements into focus and purposely make some blurry.

Leading lines- Use elements and other people’s eyes in foreground and background to lead to the subject.

Repetition- Look for objects and people that create repetitive patterns

Catch action – Get the action moving toward you or from the side.

Simplicity – watch backgrounds or other distracting elements.

Mood – capture the overall feel for the event.

Emotion & Reaction- Pay attention to people’s reactions before, during, and after events. Use the reaction as your dominant element.

Get down, and shoot up– instead of looking straight ahead, or down to the tops of heads, get below their subject to capture a unique image.

Suggestions for taking Activity Photos Know when events and meetings happen. Plan ahead and position yourself close to the action. Watch for behind the scene moments and people who rarely are noticed. Position yourself in front or on the side of action. Get a variety of people in shots. Ask members or sponsors for ideas.

CAPTURING MOMENTS

ENVIRONMENTAL PHOTO

LEADING LINES

Get DOWN, and shoot UP!