Simplicity Composition

Keys Concepts for Keeping it Simple Have a strong visual center of interest (What is the picture about?) Avoiding unrelated subjects (if it is not central to theme take it out) Select uncomplicated backgrounds (nothing to busy in the background)

The How of Keeping it Simple Fill the Frame/Viewfinder Get in close! (probably the simplest way to make a snap-shot a photograph) Move! (photography is an art of movement) Move! Try a different angle , walk around

What to shoot Fill the Frame/Viewfinder Head shot not the whole head Get in close! (probably the simplest way to make a snap-shot a photograph) Natural object Human made object Move! (photography is an art of movement) Move around an subject and take 10 shots Try a different angle , walk around Take a subject from several different angles

The Rule of Thirds Composition

Keys Concepts for The Rule of Thirds Four options for placing the center of interest Generally, pictures with subjects directly in the center tend to be more static and less interesting You should always consider the path of moving subjects

Keys Concepts for The Rule of Thirds Placement of the horizon in your photos should follow the rule of thirds It's also best to place verticals off center using the thirds rule You should always consider the path of moving subjects in relation to the rule of thirds

The How of Thirds Think before you shoot! Move! (look to see if the subject is positioned in one of the zones) Move! (try out several zones to see which becomes the most interesting composition) Provide room around your subject for later cropping options

Rule of Third shots A shot of someone lying down placed in the lower third and upper third A shot of someone standing up placed in the right third and left third An object shot so you can place in all positions A subject moving into the frame and a subject moving out of the frame A landscape shot using rule of thirds

Balance Composition

Keys Concepts and Terms for Balance symmetrical = mirror image (face) asymmetrical = the two sides are not equal radial = a circular (flower) asymmetrical balance provides movement and causes the viewer’s eye to roam around the composition. formal balance & Informal

The How of Good Balance Look carefully around the viewfinder for shapes, colors, dark and light areas Move around! Look to nature it provides many excellent examples of balance When arranging groups of people ensure good positioning for the type of balance sought

Shots for Balance symmetrical = mirror image face asymmetrical = natural and human made radial = flower formal balance = small group of people Informal = a person with several other objects or props to balance out the composition

Line (& Shape) Composition

Line: The direction of line makes a big difference on the composition of your work. in addition, it can affect the mood. horizontal line: peaceful, quiet, calm (like the horizon) vertical line: strong; suggests support, balance, poise both horizontal and vertical create formal composition diagonal line: suggests movement, excitement contrasts with the vertical/horizontal lines of the edge of composition direction of line slant can suggest up or down motion curved line: graceful, restful jagged line: anger, strong emotion, excitement

Keys Concepts for Line and Shape horizontal line: peaceful, quiet, calm (like the horizon) vertical line: strong; suggests support, balance, poise both horizontal and vertical create formal composition diagonal line: suggests movement, excitement contrasts with the vertical/horizontal lines of the edge of composition direction of line slant can suggest up or down motion curved line: graceful, restful jagged line: anger, strong emotion, excitement

The How of Line Start to become more aware of interesting lines in ordinary objects and landscapes Look to the negative space between solids for line Move!!!! Look to nature for curved line Shoot architectural facades from corners to capture diagonal lines and creates triangles Shoot from high and low vantage points to create movement into the frame Look for diagonal lines that lead into the frame

Line Shots Take some shots with the camera on the ground of the track or lonely road Shoot the four corners of the school or other building creating strong diagonal line Shoot along a structure with an emphasis on line (bleachers) Find a bicycle or other exposed structure and conduct a photographic study of line Shoot line from a high and low vantage point (stairwell banisters)

Shape Composition

Shape A composition full of organic shapes tends to be more soothing and calming to the eye, it will evoke very different feelings than a composition full of geometric shapes Moods and feelings are associated with both The sudden inclusion of an organic shape among geometrics will create a center of interest. During the renaissance, triangles were very popular. other styles have used or discarded the triangle as they saw fit. another implied shape was the “L shape”; compositions would imply the shape of an L to move the viewer’s eye down and across the page (or up and across).

Key Concepts of Shape: moods and feelings are associated with shapes. the sudden inclusion of an organic shape among geometrics will create center of interest. As will a sudden inclusion of a geometric shape among organic during the renaissance, triangles were very popular (eye movement) other styles have used or discarded the triangle as they saw fit. another implied shape was the “L shape”; compositions would imply the shape of an L to move the viewer’s eye down and across the page (or up and across) keep in mind what is currently popular. look through the more cutting edge magazines for layout ideas and current colors, shapes, and styles.

The How of Using Shape Start to become more aware of interesting shapes and lines in ordinary objects Look to the negative space between solids for shape or line Shoot with the light behind your subject to create a solitude (strong shape, less detail) Take note of strong shadow forms Shoot from a darker location out into a will lit location Move!!!! Shoot architectural facades from corners to capture diagonal lines and creates triangles Take close ups of odd organic forms

Shot List for Shape Shoot a subject from a dark recessed area out onto a well lighted area. Use backlighting to create a strong silhouette shape with little detail Take close ups shots of organic and geometric forms Create a composition with a strong triangle form Create a composition using shadow as the subject

Framing Composition

What we mean is to frame the center of interest with objects in the foreground. This can give a picture the feeling of depth it needs to make it more than just another snapshot.

Keys Concepts for Framing Framing adds depth to the photograph by providing a foreground element

The How of Framing Look for framing elements around the subject Focus the camera on the main subject (literally and figuratively) Increase your depth of field if main subject is far away Keep the framing element uncluttered

The How of Framing Do not clear the viewfinder of all elements have something get in the way Move! (to a framing element) Try a different angle , walk around,

Framing Shots A window framing shot Use a person as a framing element Use a natural object as a framing element Find a prop or moveable object to use as a framing element Take a low angle shot using framing Take a high angle shot using framing

Avoiding Mergers Composition

Keys Concepts of Merges There are three main types of mergers Subject Merge (where part of the main subject has merged with another element) Border Merge (where part of the subject has been cut off by the border Near Merge (where color or objects blend into the main subject ie, props,)

The How not of Merging Look closely for merging elements around the subject before shooting Move Ensure that your eye is looking directly through the viewfinder and not on an angle Look for colors that will blend with the main subject and remove if possible Sometimes it fun to merge elements and can create a comical or surreal blend of images

Shot List for Mergers Take a merger shot of a person standing on another person’s head Extend a body part using a merger Have something growing out of your subject’s head Create a near merger with an object using either shape or color to merge

Rhythm: Rhythm is a flow that runs across the composition from one end to another; whether that is right to left, top to bottom, or bottom to right. The viewer’s eye will follow an actual or implied line that guides them through the piece along a pathway chosen by the artist.

Pattern: The eye loves patterns and looks for them. Something about the arrangement of repeated shapes or colors is inherently pleasing to our eyes. This can be used to the advantage of the artist. Seeking out an existing pattern or creating one can be an effective compositional tool. Coupled with the principle of variety (a sudden and solitary change in an otherwise consistent pattern), the artist can create a center of interest and guide the viewer’s eye.

Keys Concepts of Rhythm & Pattern a flow that runs across the composition right to left, top to bottom, or bottom to right eye will follow an actual or implied line pattern the eye loves patterns and looks for them inherently pleasing to our eyes. coupled with the variety (a sudden and solitary change in an otherwise consistent pattern)

The How of Rhythm & Pattern Look closely for patterns in everyday setting Seek out Diagonal lines, curves, and geometric shapes that repeat Employ lines and framing to lead the viewer into the photograph

Select 5 interesting patterns to shoot Shot List Select 5 interesting patterns to shoot

Color Composition

Keys Concepts for Color Creates a mood there are many ways to use color in a composition. · strong associations with color strong subconscious or conscious · completely change both mood and theme of a single image · Spot Color can create center of interest · complementary colors create strong contrast

The How of Good Color Avoid midday shooting Shoot during sunrise and sunsets (warmer colors) Seek out pure saturations of color in nature ( clear blue skies, fall leaves, flowers) Seek out colorful events (festivals, drama, gatherings of large groups people) Keep in mind how color will affect the mood of your composition

Select 3 Colours that effect the mood of the composition Colour Shot List Select 3 Colours that effect the mood of the composition