Research ServicesGeorgia Baptist Convention

Photography Basics - CompositionPhotography Basics - CompositionTechniques to Becoming a Better Photographer

www.gadoodles.comwww.Facebook.com/Bryan.Nowak.Photography

Have you ever wondered why some pictures are more appealing than others?

One of the main reasons is because of their strong composition.

SimplicityLook for ways to eliminate “clutter” and draw attention to the center of interest.

Move close to your subject and look for a background that does not detract from the primary subject.

SimplicityIsolate your subject.

Rule of ThirdsUse this as a guide for the off-center placement of your subjects.

Before you snap a picture, imagine your image divided into thirds both horizontally and vertically.

Use the intersections of these lines to place the greatest center of interest.

Rule of ThirdsUse this as a guide for the off-center placement of your subjects.

Before you snap a picture, imagine your image divided into thirds both horizontally and vertically.

Use the intersections of these lines to place the greatest center of interest.

Rule of ThirdsUse this as a guide for the off-center placement of your subjects.

Before you snap a picture, imagine your image divided into thirds both horizontally and vertically.

Use the intersections of these lines to place the greatest center of interest.

Rule of ThirdsOff-center placement applies to many different subjects.

Rule of ThirdsOff-center placement applies to many different subjects.

Rule of ThirdsThis same principle applies to vertical “thirds.”

Rule of ThirdsThis same principle applies to vertical “thirds.”

Rule of Thirds“Thirds” also applies in the relative placement or position of objects in your photograph.

Rule of Thirds“Thirds” also applies in the relative placement or position of objects in your photograph.

Rule of ThirdsThis particularly applies with respect to the horizon.

Rule of ThirdsThis particularly applies with respect to the horizon.

Rule of OddsOdd numbers are more pleasing to the eyes than evens.

LinesThis is an example of using Vertical lines.

LinesThis is an example of using Horizontal lines.

LinesThis is an example of using Diagonal lines.

LinesThese are examples of using both Diagonal and Horizontal lines.

CurvesCurves make an image “flow” and makes your eyes move through the photo.

S-CurvesS-curves are another great pattern to capture that direct your attention thru a picture.

Circles

Geometric ShapesLook for opportunities to capture combinations of shapes together.

Leading Lines

Like s-curves, leading lines guide your eye through the picture…

Leading Lines

They can be roads, fences, lights, bridges, water, whatever…

Depth

The feeling of distance is created naturally or by small aperture settings on the camera.

Balance

Balance helps keep the photo from being too “weighted” on one side – but not cluttered either.

Symmetry

Photos using symmetry are like a mirrored image where left and right are nearly identical.

Patterns

Look for interesting patterns in nature and architecture.

Black/White and Sepia

Black-and-white and Sepia give that “old time” feel, and also hide poor color quality.

Monotonous Images

Look for repetitive patterns, shapes, colors, etc.

Fill Frame

Fill the whole picture from top-to-bottom and side-to-side with the image.

Viewpoint

Don’t always shoot from the same perspective – move around. Shoot from below, above, beside…

Background

The driftwood photo is enhanced by the backgroundwhile the red honeysuckle has a “busy” and distracting background.

Framing

Framing places your subject “inside” or between other objects like a picture frame.

More FramingOther ideas… be creative.

Panoramic Photos

The top photo is 5 pictures “stitched” together.The bottom one is 4 photos combined.

Cropping

Move in very close or crop the photo to get more detail.

Long Shutter Speeds

They make firework trails.

Long Shutter Speeds

You can capture night scenes without a flash.

Long Shutter Speeds

They make water look silky smooth.

Long Shutter Speeds

Painting with Light

Abstracts

Long Shutter Speeds

Blurry Roads

Ghosting

Long Shutter Speeds

Streaming Automobile Lights

Amusement Park Rides

Fast Shutter Speeds

Stop Action on Birds in Flight

Water Droplets

Reflections

Reflection photos do not have to follow the Rule of Thirds. They can have a top and bottom half.

Textures

Soft, fluffy, brittle, smooth, rough, etc – capture texture.

Fresh Angles

Walk around your subject and shoot from many different angles.

Perspective

Include people of other familiar objects to help viewers understand dimension.

Capture Motion

Seldom are your subjects completely still. Capture that sense of motion in your photos.

Capture Personality

People and animals have “personality.” Allow that to show through in your photographs.

Capture Feeling

Cold, sleepy, happy, lonely, hungry… capture a sense of “feeling” in your photos.

Environment

Place your subjects in their natural environment or context. Capture meaningful foreground and background.

Have Fun

More Multiplicity

Cut and Paste from Two Photos

Bubble Planets

Here’s a little fun you can have with soap bubbles.

QuestionsQuestions