Digital Photography February 8, 2006

aphytips/composition.htm 2 The Rules of Composition Rule of Thirds Simplicity Framing Texture Colors Leading Lines

aphytips/composition.htm 3 Rule of Thirds Divide photo into thirds – horizontally and/or vertically

aphytips/composition.htm 4 Simplicity Keep information in photo relatively simple If main object is close –keep background simple to avoid distraction

aphytips/composition.htm 5 Framing Use natural surroundings to add meaning Keep focus on subject, not just surroundings Avoid “clutter”

aphytips/composition.htm 6 Texture Adds interest Allows viewer to imagine the touch

aphytips/composition.htm 7 Colors Adds heart and emotion Adds effect and accents Use with caution – can draw attention away from subject

aphytips/composition.htm 8 Leading Lines Lure the eye deeper Promote interest –Straight –Curved –Parallel –Diagonal

9 Lighting Don’t use excessive lighting Don’t use direct lighting The Golden Hour –The hour at sunrise and sunset

aphytips/composition.htm 10 Angles Creates effect Adds depth and coloring Watch for shadows

aphytips/composition.htm 11 GIF & JPG File formats most often used for Web pages GIF - Graphics Interchange Format JPG / JPEG - Joint Photographic Experts

aphytips/composition.htm 12 GIF Used to create: –Line drawings, Animated figures –Images with transparent backgrounds File size small Use only 256 colors

aphytips/composition.htm 13 JPG / JPEG Used to create: –Full-color and gray-scale photos –Natural, “real world” scenes Not well suited for: –Cartoons, –black & whites –line drawings