Digital PhotographyComposition

Introduction to

Part I-A

Photographi

c composition is an expression of your natural sense of design.

Line … Directional Thrust: Curved, Straight. Horizontal, Vertical, and Diagonal

Shape … Naturalistic, Geometric. (the Golden Mean)

Space / Size …spatial Proportion or Scale

Value … Light, Dark.(Arial Perspective)

Color … Hue, Chroma, and Value. ( The Color Wheel)

Texture … Rough, Smooth, Soft, Hard.

Unity … Ties elements together.

Harmony … Within each element and as a whole.

Rhythm … Variety and Repetition, pattern.

Contrast … Alternation.

Dominance … Center of Interest, Focal Point

Simplicity The Rule of Thirds Golden Mean Lines Balance Framing Mergers

Focal Point Movement Pattern/Repetition Proportion

Focal Point Movement Pattern/Repetition Proportion

Unclutter The Rule of

Thirds Frame your view Get up close Look for strong

lines and shapes

Crape myrtle burr

-selecting uncomplicated backgrounds - avoiding unrelated subjects

Spatial Interest

Empty Space

Biltmore Lion

Filling the frame will help simplifythe photograph

Notice narrow depth of field

Imogen Cunningham

-divided photo into thirds, placing the center of interest in intersections.

- static and less interesting (X)

- see the full shadow

Tahiti

University of Auckland, NZ

Auckland, NZ

London

Cades Cove

Parthenon

Never cut the Horizon in half.Divide sky or water by thirds.

The Golden Mean produces a harmonic effect that is found in nature as well as in a wide variety of works of art. Artists of various periods and cultures have found that dimensions determined by this formula are aesthetically appealing.

C 2012 Julie Sikes-Speir

Continue to Composition Part I-A