Photo U – A Journey into Photography Session 3: Composition and Creative Settings

Agenda What are the creative modes? Composition Program Mode Explained Aperture Priority Explained Shutter Priority Explained Manual Mode Explained Composition What is composition? Why is it important? Composition guidelines (use ‘em or break ’em)

What are the Creative Modes? In the “automatic” modes of the camera, your camera has full control of your image settings Creative modes permit you to control some or all of your camera settings These modes are: Program mode (P) Shutter Priority (S/TV) Aperture Priority (A/Av) Manual mode (M) CREATIVE MODES Each of these modes have it’s purpose. It’s all depending on what are your intentions with the image. Shutter Priority is used for when you want to set the shutter speed to particular speed for effect (stop action or blur the action) Aperture Priority is used to set the aperture so you can control the DOF Program mode (or Professional mode as someone jokingly stated) is for when you need to get the shot w/o having to think too hard on the settings

Program Mode Explained Aperture and shutter speed is set by the camera Both can be adjusted via the control dial while exposure remains the same Unlocks more settings in your camera ISO White Balance (later session) Exposure Compensation Used for when you want to get the shot and not think about the settings

Shutter Priority Explained Shutter priority permits you to set a particular shutter speed and the camera calculates the matching aperture A faster shutter speed will freeze the motion A slower shutter speed will permit motion blur Tv (Canon) / S (Nikon)

Aperture Priority Explained Aperture priority permits you to set a particular aperture and the camera calculates the matching shutter speed Used when Depth Of Field is key to the image Preferred mode for landscape photography

Manual Mode Explained Full control over camera settings ISO Shutter Speed Aperture White Balance (future session) Exposure Set the shot your way Can result in creative and non-traditional images Favorite mode for portrait photographers and control freaks

Composition

What is composition? Composition is defined as the placement of relative objects and elements in a work of art In photography, it is defined as arranging elements within the image in a way that suits the core idea or goal of your work Composition can make or break your image

Why is it important? In photography it’s not just what you shoot that makes the image The way that you shoot it is very crucial Bad composition can make a subject dull and boring Good composition can create fantastic images from dull subjects

Static Composition Static composition is when the majority of the lines are horizontal and vertical The subject is usually in the middle of the frame with symmetry around it Symmetry, horizontal and vertical lines are somewhat soothing, calm, and tranquil

Dynamic Composition Dynamic composition creates a more interesting image which may contain some or all of the following: Leading/converging lines Interesting perspective Interesting foreground, mid- ground, and background elements Vivid color or incredible light Suggestion of movement Can you list which of the characteristics of dynamic composition is in this image? Discuss with group.

Composition Guidelines: Rules of Thirds Powerful composition technique for making images more dynamic and interesting The image is more pleasing when the subject is composed along imaginary lines which divides the image into thirds Creates a sense of balance w/o being static Creates a sense of complexity w/o making the image appear to busy This is the most simplest and the most effective of the compositional rules. It is also the first that get tossed out the window by many photographers. LOL.

Composition Guidelines: Simplify the Scene Keeping the scene simple can make the subject the center of attention Look at a scene Your brain quickly picks out the subject Your camera captures everything in front of it May lead to a busy/cluttered image Use a focal length or view point that will make the viewer look for and at the subject

Composition Guidelines: Fill the Frame Too much empty space can detract from the image Makes subject smaller Viewers can be confused not knowing what to look at Zoom in to fill the frame Get closer to the subject Excellent for close up, macro, and portrait photography

Composition Guidelines: Aspect Ratio It is easy to get used to shooting horizontally or “landscape” mode Try shooting images in the vertical position or “portrait” mode Adjust your position and zoom setting as you experiment with this new style

Composition Guidelines: Avoid the Middle Putting the subject in the middle may make your composition boring or static Place the subject off-center for a more dynamic and interesting look Don’t hesitate to shoot higher/lower to the subject for interesting point of views

Composition Guidelines: Use Diagonals To introduce a feeling of drama or movement, look for diagonal lines Horizontal lines gives a static/calm image Vertical lines suggest stability and permanence Can be achieved by a shift in position or focal length and a slight tilt of the camera

Composition Guidelines: Backgrounds When taking an image, don’t just concentrate on the subject Look at what is happening in the background You can’t exclude it completely but you can control it It is achieved by changing your position, focal length, depth of field Ensure that the background complements the subject

Composition Guidelines: Breaking the Rules Photography is a visual language and you can make a statement by breaking the established norms/rules If done on purpose, you can create stunning and interesting images (and then breaking the rules don’t count as a mistake) Experiment and make it yours <- Only rule you can’t break!

Review We talked about Camera Creative Modes Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual modes Composition What it is and why it’s important Static vs. Dynamic Compostion Composition Guidelines

Homework for Session 3 Go out each day and shoot what ever subject you like Shoot in each creative mode of your camera Shoot with static composition Shoot with dynamic composition Utilize each of the composition guidelines (especially the changing of your aspect ratio [horizontal/vertical]) Review your images Look for leading lines, filling of the frame, simple or cluttered image, busy or blurred background, etc. Familiarize yourself with what works (compositionally) for you Post your favorite images It is imperative to practice this for the next session (Field trip)

Questions?

See you at Hermann Park next session! Fin (for now)… See you at Hermann Park next session! Be ready to have FUN