1. Compositional Techniques;
1) ‘Rule of Thirds’ or Golden Spiral.
2) Tall Crop;opposite of letterbox, tall and narrow crop
emphasizes an upward and sweeping panorama.
3) Letterbox; wide and narrow framing.
4) Symmetrical;signifies solidity, stability and strength
(simplistic).
5) Radial; key elements spread out from the middle of the
frame (suggests lively feeling).
6) Diagonal; impart more energy than a horizontal comp. lead
the eye across the frame.
7) Overlapping; indicates increasing depth perspective and
invites the observation of subject contrasts. a) Distance is
indicated as 1 object is in front of another b) the overlap
forces 2 or more items known to be at different distances
to be perceived together.
8) Framing; frame within a frame, (painterly device)
concentrates the viewer’s attention, and hints at the wider
context of the images setting. Gives punctuation and
rhythm to an image.
9) Geometric patterns; e.g. Rectangles and triangles interact
with the image frame, can provide a harmonious effect or
encourage discord and tension.
10) Symmetry; partial or complete, can impart harmony or used
selectively encourage discord.
11) Rhythmic elements; creates a ‘story’.
12) Leading lines; Your eye is drawn along the lines in the
photograph
13) Balancing elements; Placing your main subject off centre
and balancing the weight of your subject with an object of
less importance
14) Rotational Symmetry –The subject in photograph
moves in a circular shape around the composition, Adding a
dynamic element.