1. Yearbook Photo Basics
Yearbook

2. Components of a Great Photo
Composition
Simplicity
Contrast
Rule of thirds
Perspective
Know your frame
Foreground
Background
Color
Shadow
Focus
Lighting
Exposure

3. Composition
Which photo is more interesting? Why?

4. Foreground vs. Background
Which picture of flowers is more interesting? Why?

5. Fill the Frame
Only a small section of the photo on the left is interesting

6. Color
Dramatic color contrast
Little color contrast

7. Shadow Shadow works because the outline is cool
Sometimes the subject doesn’t work
Do not take pictures of people looking into the sun!

8. Focus Pick something to focus on Here the focus is on the eyes
Here the focus is on the bird
Pick something to focus on

9. Making it Interesting Use odd numbers. Spontaneous vs. staged.
Find dramatic or memorable angles.
Look for contrasts.
Frame points of interest, often off-center.
Focus on points of interest, especially eyes.
What story is the picture telling?

10. Five Rules of Composition
Simplicity
New perspective
Rule of Thirds
Use your foreground
Know your frame

11. Simplicity Chose your one subject before you take the shot
Show your subject as clearly as possible
Avoid distracting ‘hot spots’
Avoid distracting shapes
If you take a picture of everything you take a picture of nothing.

12. New Perspective We have knees so use them
Don’t just show us the same perspective that we see every day. Get Creative!
The most interesting photos may be the ones taken while lying on the floor or standing on a rock.
Show us a new cool perspective of your subject that makes your photo more interesting

13. Rule of Thirds
Asymmetry makes photos more interesting

14. Foreground
The foreground can be a useful tool to draw your viewer into the photo
When used right it can also help to make your photo more interesting
Try putting objects in your foreground that compliment and don’t distract from your subject

15. Know your Frame It is your photo so know everything that goes into it
Get that distracting leaf out of the corner or that bright reflection away from your subject
Before you press the button scan the whole frame from top to bottom to make sure you want everything you see

16. The Camera Basics When I pass out cameras make sure you know how to:
Turn it on
Quick View
Zoom in
Zoom out
Focus
Shutter button

17. *Write a clever caption to go with the picture
Contest
Take pictures of the following:
One person (headshot)
Two people*
Group of people*
Empty classroom
One person doing class work*
Multiple people doing class work*
Person in action (acting, jumping, etc.)*
3 unstaged photos*
Someone for an interview*
Picture of someone for the "Senior Mosts"
Then upload all your pictures to the computer and create a PowerPoint of them.
*Write a clever caption to go with the picture

18. Examples Group Pic Two People Headshot Action Shot People Studying
Best Dressed