1. Composition rules to live by …and to break
Photography
Composition rules to live by …and to break

2. What is a photograph?
It is a story. What is a story? It is a series of sentences connected to each other. The same is true about photography. To create a photograph, it is not enough just to take an image of something.
The first impression from a photograph is determined by the composition balance of an image.

3. Role of the Photograph Grab the viewer’s attention Provide information
Entertain
Record History

4. Good Photo Composition
Regardless of what you are photographing, having good photo composition is key
Good photo composition adds to the image…does not distract.

5. Rules of Good Composition
Keep it simple: 1 or 2 visual interests; nothing distracting

6. Rules of Good Composition
Pay attention to foreground and background: Avoid Mergers and Awkward Cuts

7. Rules of Good Composition
Fill the frame: Get in close to your subject. Good rule of thumb: Take 3 steps closer to your subject

8. Rules of Good Composition
Work with patterns, curves and lines

9. Rules of Good Composition
Get on the level: get down on the ground to be eye level with children and pets

10. Rules of Good Composition
BUT… Try various angles and viewpoints – give a unique perspective (Bird’s Eye View & Bug’s Eye View)

11. Rules of Good Composition
3 ways to layout your photo
Rule of Thirds
Golden Section
Diagonal Rule
Each has its own application