Photographic Composition Photography Technology I

Points to Consider Think about each of the following aspects of photographic composition for every picture you take. Just a little forethought will do a lot for the look and quality of your photographs.

Image & Focus Is your subject the clearest area? How does the DoF affect the Image? How does the focal length/ zoom affect the image? Is the contrast good or bad? How does the color affect the mood & feel? Should the image be color or B&W?

What does it say? Does the photo make a clear statement? Is any particular emotion given by the photo? Can anything be changed to make a stronger message?

Lighting Is the lighting appropriate? Is the subject well lit, or are some aspects difficult to see? Does the lighting contribute to the message?

Creativity How does the photograph relate to the subject? How are visual elements conveyed in the image? Is your photo interesting?

Project Objectives For the next assignment, you will capture examples for each of the following elements of photographic composition. Think about the previous aspects (focus, creativity, lighting, etc) when capturing your photographs.

Center of Interest What is your first impression? Where is your attention drawn (at first, later)? Is there a struggle for your attention? How do the technical aspects of the photo (light direction, DoF, & focal point) enhance the image?

Center of Interest Compare the two photos. Is the center of interest more predominate in one example? Where is your attention drawn (at first, later)? Good Example Poor Example

Use of Color How does the use of color affect your image? Are the colors analogous or complementary? Does the use of color make your subject stand out?

Complementary Colors Colors found opposite each other on the color wheel will make each other stand out more

Analogous Colors Colors located near each other on the color wheel will give your photo less contrast, and help the subject relate to the rest of the photograph

Symmetry Is the image balanced? Did you include unnecessary elements? Did you remove necessary elements? Do the technical aspects enhance the composition? Does your cropping enhance the image?

Patterns What interesting patterns do you pass by everyday? How could these patterns be photographed in a more interesting way (close, high, low, etc.)? Try to find repeating lines, shapes, and interesting textures to photograph

Lines Lines into the horizon show depth & perspective for the view Vanishing Point Point at which lines converge & vanish into the horizon

Lines

Shapes What shapes do you notice? How does this enhance the the image?

Where do we go from here? You will be expected to capture a variety of twelve digitally created photographs that illustrate your understanding of photographic composition & quality. You should incorporate what you have already learned (lighting, Dof, Shutter adjustment, etc) into this project to compose your photographs. You will capture at least three photographs for each of the following elements of photographic composition: –Center of interest –Interesting use of Color –Symmetry –Repeating Patterns You will create one 4”x6” contact sheet to display your images. Some photos may display multiple elements. You will also make four 3”x4” prints, one for your best photo in each category