ELEMENTS OF DESIGN

During the course so far we have not spent a lot of time considering how a photograph should be constructed before the film is exposed. During the course so far we have not spent a lot of time considering how a photograph should be constructed before the film is exposed. However the way a photograph looks is one of the main keys to its success. However the way a photograph looks is one of the main keys to its success.

How often have you seen an excellent photograph of something very simple How often have you seen an excellent photograph of something very simple or of an every day type of subject and wondered why it works? Rarely are great photographs ever the result of a fluke and even if this does happen it doesn’t necessarily mean that they were taken by a great photographer.

The answer will usually lay in the way that the photograph has been composed. The answer will usually lay in the way that the photograph has been composed. The right lens selection and focal length The right lens selection and focal length The right depth of field and careful focussing. The right depth of field and careful focussing. Good lighting. Good lighting. Clever placement of the objects in the frame. Clever placement of the objects in the frame. The right camera angle and camera format. The right camera angle and camera format.

Combine these with the use of – Line, Tone, Pattern, Shape, Texture and Colour Line, Tone, Pattern, Shape, Texture and Colour and it is possible to achieve consistent great results.

Part 1 We will explore the design elements in 2 parts with the aim of helping you to develop better understandings of the way that image composition and construction can make a huge positive difference to the photographs that you take. We will explore the design elements in 2 parts with the aim of helping you to develop better understandings of the way that image composition and construction can make a huge positive difference to the photographs that you take.

Rule of Thirds Using the Rule of Thirds concept is one of the easiest and quickest ways to make an improvement to your photography. Using the Rule of Thirds concept is one of the easiest and quickest ways to make an improvement to your photography. The concept is very simple to understand and use. You need to divide the view finder screen into a grid and then rather than place your point of focus in the centre of the frame, it is moved towards the lines and intersections.

Rule of Third Examples

Rule of Third - Example 2

Other examples that use the ‘Rule of Thirds’

Rule of Thirds – other points to remember Also endeavour to place and visible horizon line so that it does not cut a photograph in half. Also endeavour to place and visible horizon line so that it does not cut a photograph in half. If we look at the Rule of Thirds diagram the horizontal lines are encouraging you to either place the horizon above or below the middle to create good visual balance. If we look at the Rule of Thirds diagram the horizontal lines are encouraging you to either place the horizon above or below the middle to create good visual balance.

Horizon Placement – example 1

Horizon Placement – example 2

Point of Focus This is also known by the tern Centre of Interest. This is also known by the tern Centre of Interest. One of the easiest ways to achieve this is by using a short depth of field. Ie. Use a low aperture f2.8 – f5.6 and then move in or zoom in the fill the frame. One of the easiest ways to achieve this is by using a short depth of field. Ie. Use a low aperture f2.8 – f5.6 and then move in or zoom in the fill the frame.

Another way to create a centre of interest is by using simple backgrounds

Camera Angles Every time that you take a photograph you choose a position or camera angle to take it from. The camera angle and your position is an important consideration that should be given careful thought before the shutter is released.

Worms Eye View

Birds Eye View

Normal View Taken from a standing position. The most obvious and common camera angle.

Understanding the mechanics of photography is important but this alone will not enable you to take great photographs. Understanding the mechanics of photography is important but this alone will not enable you to take great photographs. Great photographs are the result of observation, good composition and the correct use of the camera and its accessories. Great photographs are the result of observation, good composition and the correct use of the camera and its accessories.

Devoting the time to learn some of the basic skills of composition and elements of photographic design will make an immediate improvement to the photograph that you take. Devoting the time to learn some of the basic skills of composition and elements of photographic design will make an immediate improvement to the photograph that you take. This must then be followed up by practice and critical analysis of the photograph that you take. This must then be followed up by practice and critical analysis of the photograph that you take.