2. Photography Skills Created By Kristy From Avonhead

3. We’ll be learning about these skills: 1.Rule of Thirds 2.Framing 3.Lines and Shapes 4.Simplicity 5.Empty Space 6.Eye Level We are learning about good photography skills Which skills do you already know?

4. Rule of Thirds (Miss Jones’ favourite!) We are learning about good photography skills Too often, photographs have their subject placed smack bang in the middle, making the image look dull and uninteresting. A simple shift in composition can change all that. In your head, divide your view into thirds using two vertical and two horizontal lines to create nine smaller rectangles and four points where the lines intersect. It has been repeatedly shown that by placing objects over these intersections, a pleasing and balanced arrangement often results. Can you see what’s at the four points of the Thirds? The man, the bicycle seat, the gap between the two wheels, and some empty space.

5. Can you see the ones that look dull and uninteresting? Why do they? Rule of Thirds cont… We are learning about good photography skills He’s in the middle Can you see what’s at the four points of the Thirds?

6. Framing We are learning about good photography skills Look for natural frames in the scenery you have, it can be anything at all; having some frames can do wonders for a photograph. Try to never cut off a small part of an object, such as a person’s hand or the ear or tail of an animal. If you leave an entire arm outside the frame it usually doesn’t look odd, but if there’s something small like a hand missing the viewer will notice it in a different way and it can be very distracting at times. What has been used to frame this shot? The Trees!

7. Framing cont… We are learning about good photography skills What do you notice about the framing in these photos? What else could you use to frame a shot?

8. Lines and Shapes We are learning about good photography skills What do the lines guide your eyes to, in this photo? Lines and shapes are everywhere; try to use them to your advantage. They can draw the viewer into the picture or they can guide the eyes to a point that you normally wouldn’t pay so much attention to. Both symmetrical and asymmetrical lines and shapes are a great asset. The Vanishing Point. Note: it’s on a line of Third, too. It’s asymmetrical

9. Lines and Shapes cont… We are learning about good photography skills What do the lines guide your eyes to, in these photos? What are the lines/shapes made of? The whiteness of the plank guides the eye to the ship. Notice the two triangles?

10. Simplicity We are learning about good photography skills Do you see how one shot is simpler than the other? Focus on the small things instead of the entire scene. This obviously won’t work for every scene you’re shooting but as a quick rule it’s often good to keep your compositions clutter free and with less distractions. Use your best judgment!. Metal, stone, wood and water. Simple and clean.

11. Simplicity cont… Which shots are clutter free? Yes! No. Yes!

12. Empty Space We are learning about good photography skills What effect does the empty space in this shot have on the sunset? Don’t be afraid to use empty spaces in your photographs. This negative space should not be underestimated, it can be a great way to simplify your image and draw attention to a certain point in the photograph. It draws attention towards it.

13. Empty Space cont… Which photo does NOT use empty space? This one!

14. Eye Level We are learning about good photography skills Where would the photographer be? Try to photograph on the same height as your object eg. a dog. Instead of photographing the dog from your viewpoint above ground, try to get down on their level. This creates a totally different feeling as you become a part of their world. Under the dog!

15. Eye Level Where would the photographer be? Below Above Eye level (they’re flowers on the ground!) Above Note: the framing! Snail’s Eye View!

16. Break the Rules! We are learning about good photography skills And last but not least, the last good photography rule is…