1. COMPOSITION

2. The start of the creative
process
Composition is
the placement of
elements within
the restriction of
the frame of the
photograph.

3. Two Main Parts
 Two Main Parts
 Part One: Subject
 The main focus of the photograph
 Can be a person, place or thing
 The message of the photograph
 Part Two: Treatment
 How the subject is treated within the frame
 Technical representation
 including contrast, lighting, colors and design
elements like texture or shape

4. Not in the Center, Please
Vertical “Dead” Line
Hot Spot
Hot Spot
Horizontal “Dead” Line
Hot Spot
Hot Spot

5. Rule of thirds
 Rule of thirds
 Placing the subject in a 1/3 of the frame
creates visual interest.
 Asymmetry draws the viewer to the
photograph.
 The photographer’s main objective is to keep the
viewer looking at the photograph as long as
possible.

6. Rule of thirds

7. Horizon
 Horizon
 The horizon should not cut the photograph
directly in half. It should be in one of 1/3’s.
 The horizon should be parallel with the
bottom of the frame.
 The horizon can create a line of interest that
keeps the viewers eye moving across the
picture.

8. Horizon

9. LINES
 LINES
 Pay attention to lines
 Horizontal lines tend to be peaceful
 Diagonal lines create a sense of action
 Consider your message and have your lines
match it

11. Curved Lines

12. Leading Lines
Photo Credit: National Geographic

13. Balance
 Object and subject do not have to be the
same size to achieve balance.
 The goal in creating balance is to have the
viewer’s eye travel from subject to object and
back.
 Remember: The aim of any photograph is to keep
the viewer looking as long as possible.

14. Balance

15. Perspective
 Try photographing the subject from different
angles: high, low, etc.
 Take risks.
 Use a monopod to achieve high angles.
 Photographing a subject head-on is expected
and boring to the viewer.

16. Perspective

17. Perspective
•Notice in this picture the background is simplified.

18. Perspective

19. Color
 Color can tell a story and create interest.
 Try to capture 1-3 dominate colors.
 Less is more.
 Color can also create balance.

20. Color

21. Color

22. Color

23. Contrast
 Deep shadows and well-lit areas create
contrast.
 Textured area next to a smooth area can also
create contrast.

24. Contrast

25. Contrast

26. Contrast

27. Framing
 Framing uses objects to frame the subject.
 Framing draws attention to the subject.

28. Framing

29. Framing

30. Pattern & Texture
 Pattern consists of small shapes, lines and/or
tonal areas that are repeated.
 Texture consists of a collection of objects or a
small pattern that gives the viewer a sense of
what it would feel like to the touch.

31. Pattern
Texture

32. Light
 Light can create mood and provide contrast.
 Consider where the main light source is when
taking a picture and use it to the
photograph’s advantage.
 Golden Hours
 1 hour before sunset or sunrise, when the sun
casts a golden hue.
 Ideal for pictures and portraits.

33. Light

34. Light
A high f / stop creates a sunburst effect when shooting
directly into the sun.

35. Light
The sun can create spots called “Solar Flare.”

36. Motion
 Motion can be frozen.
 Moving objects can be blurred to convey
motion.

37. Motion

38. People
 Try to capture natural expressions.
 Focus in on the eyes.
 Aim for the flecks of light in the eyes.
 Try to stay away from creating “bleeding
limbs”.
 When people’s limbs are cut off by the edge of the
photograph, especially at joints i.e. elbows, wrists,
knees, etc.

39. People

40. People

41. People

42. Background
 Background can add a sense of time and
place
 It can also distract from the subject
 Ask yourself: Is the background needed?
 Then include it or simplify it

43. Background

44. Additional Tips
 The key to all of this is to keep an eye on
what is going on in the frame of your photo
and take steps to change anything that
does not add to the message or impact of
the photo.
 LESS IS MORE concept of getting in close
and checking the frame for a photo that
tells a story or sets a mood. People pictures
are popular subjects. Look at the camera
angles or vantage point to find one that
gives a simple background with colors and
objects that do not compete with the
subject. Good expression is key to people
shots -- look for how the mood is expressed
-- be alert and have camera ready.

• Look out for Mergers.
•Can you see what’s wrong with this
picture?

45. QUESTIONS?