1. Basic photography - Composition & light
Adapted from Jim Lucas
Franklin, pg
Williams & Tollett, pg

2. Photographs Visualize role in design and message
Survey different sources
Adjust or remove features to complement purpose
Choose simple, yet interesting composition
Select lighting that enhances subject or reinforces the message
Choose angle that best shows subject and reinforces the purpose
Use color when practical
Establish size, scale and orientation

4. Keep it simple Keep background uncluttered Avoid mergers
Have single dominant subject

5. Single dominant subject
Uncluttered background, dominant subject

6. Cluttered background
Single dominant subject

7. Avoid mergers
                                    
Avoid mergers

8. Cluttered backgrounds, no single dominant subject, mergers and – don’t cut people in half

9. Angle Low angle High angle Avoid centered horizons Use the light
Clear sky backdrop
Accentuate movement or action
High angle
Eliminate cloudy sky
Avoid centered horizons
Use the light
Emphasize a point, tone

10. Angle
Low angle
Low angle and accentuate movement
Avoid center horizon

11. Strong center of interest
Take pictures at different angles with different compositions
Work around the rule of thirds

12. Rule of Thirds

13. Rule of Thirds
Allow for room to run off page

14. Balance Balance color and weight in a picture Formal and informal
Symmetrical and asymmetrical

15. Balance wheels

16. Symmetrical - balanced proportions
versus asymmetrical - unbalanced proportions

17. Line Line leads the eye Static vs. dynamic lines Shape Diagonals
S-curves
Static vs. dynamic lines
Shape

18. Line
                                      
Static line vs dynamic line

19. Line
Directional
Straight and S-curve line

20. Line
Diagonals

21. Framing Adds depth Should fit theme Watch focus on foreground
Focus on foreground in landscape
Focus on subject in portraits
Auto-focus should be centered on main topic
Overall—Depends on camera

22. Framing
Depth
Fits theme

23. Framing

24. Fill the frame Would this picture look better if I was closer?
Focus on subject
Detail
Start far and move closer
Fill the frame with objects that “fit”
Long range shots provide depth and perspective

25. Fill the frame Fill the frame – which one could be improved?
                  
Fill the frame – which one could be improved?
How would you improve it? - move closer or zoom

26. Fill the frame
Fill with objects that fit

27. Pick a good light direction
Three light directions
Front - sunny with high color
Side - depth and texture
Back - dynamic but challenging; silhouettes and water effects

28. Light Direction?
Front—sunny with high color
Side—depth and texture

29. Light Direction?
Front—sunny with high color
Side—depth and texture

30. Contrast Hard vs. soft light
Sunny days – high contrast (hard light)
Cloudy days – low contrast (soft light)
Portraits often use soft light (shaded area)
Flash will reduce contrast
Soft light helps with color variations
Time of day

31. Light and contrast
Sunny versus cloudy

32. Light and contrast
Sunny versus cloudy

33. Time of day
Color changes with daylight

34. Light type
Color changes with light source

35. Action shot tips High shutter speed Telephoto lens Stopping motion
Longer lens means faster shutter speed
Stopping motion
Far is easier than near
Straight is easier than diagonal
Diagonal is easier than right angles
Panning

36. Action shots

37. Landscape tips Take pictures at the start and end of the day
Anticipate weather changes
Diffused light can highlight patterns and textures
Bright light highlights monochrome colors
Move around to exclude or block objects from view

39. Objects in the landscape tips
Add scale, depth and focal points
Use items to add interest to common or simple scenes

41. Sunset tips Include shadowed image for interest
Often best after the sun has actually gone down
Less time closer to the equator to take

43. Wildlife tips Fill the frame Avoid barriers
Shoot against the glass if in a car (no flash)
Use tripod
Blur background, or find simple one
Focus on the eyes
Go for natural poses, growls, yawns, etc.

45. Garden tips
Strong diffused light is generally best—especially for single blooms
Macro lens
Can help you get a 1:1 ration
Avoid shadowing your subject
Have smaller aperture to allow more depth of field
Without macro = 4 foot minimum

47. Take-away tips
Think
Experiment
Move
Wait
Rule of Thirds