NIKON SCHOOL
Photo Walk Sambhaji Udyan, Pune
Composition
Composition is how you choose to frame the picture you're about to make.
These are some general guidelines that can help you improve your photos
and make them more interesting and memorable.
Rule of Thirds
Balancing Elements
Leading Lines
Symmetry and Patterns
Viewpoint
Background
Depth
Framing
the only rule in photography is that there are no rules
The Rule of Thirds
Composition
Imagine 4 lines crossing your frame, making four intersection points at the center of the frame.
Try to keep the main elements of the image ( like the rock and the horizon in this image ) around the intersection points.
If it is a human subject, try to keep the eyes near the intersection points.
Try to avoid any element cutting the frame at the center. These elements should be dividing the frame at approx. 1/3rd of the frame.
The Rule of Thirds
Composition
Balancing Elements
Composition
Try to fill the empty parts of a frame to add interest to
the image and also to
balance the frame
The balancing elements should ideally compliment
the main subject and not
distract from it
Framing
Composition
How you frame the scene is your version of reality. Before taking
the shot, think of the different
ways you can frame the scene.
Include foreground elements like people, structures, trees etc. to fill
the frame and to add depth to the
image.
Never stop at documenting a scene. Change angles, add
elements or change lenses to add
different perspective to the same
scene.
Framing
Composition
Nikon Photo Contest
International Winner - 2011 Frame within a frame
Including foreground
elements that add to the
frame betters the
composition Good subject and light, but poorly
balanced frame
Framed with good balance
and interesting elements
Leading Lines
Composition
Leading lines lead us towards a particular element in the frame, or
sometimes away from it. Clever
use of leading line elements like
roads, fences, shorelines, etc. can
add drama and depth to your
image.
Symmetry and Patterns
Composition
Patterns are everywhere around us. Look for interesting patterns to
frame your image.
Sometimes using an element that breaks the patterns can make a
great image.
Composition
The diagonal element
Using leading lines and following the rule of thirds often results in
dramatic images with a diagonal
element in the composition.
Place the main element of the frame towards the corner of the
frame and let the other elements
lead towards the opposite corner
to form the diagonal element.
The diagonal element adds balance, interest and if done
cleverly, drama to the image.
Viewpoint
Composition
Instead of taking head on shot of subjects, try to change your
viewpoint.
A slight change of angle , low or high, can make any subject look
more attractive.
Background
Composition
A good subject and composition can be marred by a bad
background
Avoid distractive elements in the background especially when
shooting portraits.
If positioning the subjects or controlling the background
elements is not possible, try to
achieve shallow depth of field by
using a wide aperture.
Removing distracting background draws interest to
the main subject
Depth
Composition
You can add depth in the frame which is otherwise two
dimensional, by adding interesting
foreground and background
elements.
Illusion of Depth can be more effective if other elements can be
added between the foreground and the
background. For best results, use a
small aperture for good depth of field
and a wide angle lens
Adding various elements in the
frame with good depth of field to
create depth
Adding various elements in the
frame with good depth of field to
create depth
Into the Frame
Composition
When photographing people and animals it's best to have them looking
into the frame.
If theres action in your picture, leave more space on the side of the frame
where the action is headed. It looks
more natural that way and lets the
viewer have a feel for where the subject
is going
It is always better to ask or take permission
before you shoot a portrait of a person while you
are on the streets. In low light, If you are taking a
shot of someone without them knowing, keep
the auto focus assist light off, otherwise they
might see it and spoil the mood.
At times using a telephoto zoom lens really
helps in getting your subject closer to you. Most
street portraits capture the real character and
expressions when the subject is not aware that
he/she is getting clicked.
TIPS: Street Photography
Street photography is often wrongly
associated with being entirely about
photographing portraits on the streets.
Street photography is about people, or
more specifically about human nature, but
people dont necessarily need to be present in the scene.
There are an infinite amount of
opportunities in street areas to capture
some remarkable images without people
also. You just have to look for them.
TIPS: Street Photography
Either dont bother setting the camera settings at all and just focus on
composition or think about it before you get
into the shooting mood. If youre just starting out then you might want to try
putting it on P ( programmed auto) mode to begin with and just concentrate
on shooting.
In P mode, you can use the exposure
compensation button ( +/- button ) to
control exposure as per your requirement.
TIPS: Street Photography
General Tips
Do not carry too much equipment , just what you may need for the shoot. Itll make you be able to move around for the best shot quickly.
Anticipate moments between people before they happen. Observe your subject for some time to do this.
In street photography at times colorful situations arise and can really make a shot be on the look out for these.
Background is very important - whats going on behind your subject can actually make the shot or sometime ruin your shot. Billboards, signs, graffiti and other visual elements can really make a statement in a shot if cleverly
used.
Have your camera out and ready to shoot at all times. Things can move quickly on the street so if youre not ready youll miss lots of opportunities.
Street is a place of movement to capture it and still get sharp shots make sure your shutter speed is fast enough. 1/125 or more with an ISO of 400.It
is also good to experiment with slower shutter speeds on the street capture the movement as blur.
Start time: 7:00 am sharp! The walk ends at 11.00 pm
Reporting time: 7.00 am
Reporting Place: Main Entrance of the park
Contact No: Vivek Kokamthankar - 09011015050
What to bring:
D-SLR camera and kit lens.
Mode of transport: Suggested to pool-up with four-wheelers, Two wheelers, Public
Transport.
Thank You