The document discusses several rules and techniques of photography composition, including the rule of thirds, framing, leading lines, balancing elements, symmetry and patterns, and depth of field. The rule of thirds involves dividing the frame into thirds and placing subjects at the lines or intersections to create a balanced composition. Framing uses other elements in the scene to draw attention to the main subject. Leading lines guide the viewer's eye through the photograph. Balancing elements prevents empty space by adding secondary subjects. Symmetry and patterns can make visually interesting compositions. Depth of field refers to the zone of sharp focus that extends in front and behind the main subject.

1. The Rules of Photography
Unit 57: Photography and Photographic Practice Terminology
P1, P2, M1, M2
BEN HOLMES

2. Rule of Thirds
One of the most popular 'rules' in
photography is the Rule Of Thirds. It
is also popular amongst artists. It
works like this: Imaginary lines are
drawn dividing the image into thirds
both horizontally and vertically. You
place important elements of your
composition where these lines
intersect. Using the Rule of Thirds
helps produce nicely balanced easy
on the eye pictures. Also, as you have
to position things relative to the
edges of the frame it helps get rid of
tiny subject surrounded by vast
empty space.
Landscape.

3. Examples of Rule of thirds: Portrait.

4. Framing
Framing is the technique of drawing attention to the subject
of your image by blocking other parts of the image with
something in the scene. This is probably one of the easier
composition techniques in photography. Framing brings
more depth to the picture and a better focus on what the
main subject is.

5. Leading Lines
The use of lines can be used to direct the
viewers attention to the subject of your
photograph. These lines can be straight,
diagonal, wavy, or any other creative
variation. Just be aware that they may
also lead away from the photography
subject.

6. Balancing Elements
Placing your main subject off-centre, as with the rule of thirds, creates
a more interesting photo, but it can leave a void in the scene which
can make it feel empty. You should balance the "weight" of your
subject by including another object of lesser importance to fill the
space.

7. Symmetry & Patterns
We are surrounded by symmetry and patterns, both natural and
man-made. They can make for very eye-catching compositions,
particularly in situations where they are not expected. Another
great way to use them is to break the symmetry or pattern in
some way, introducing tension and a focal point to the scene.

8. Depth of Field
Depth of field describes the distance in front of and behind a focus point that
appears sharp in a photograph. The way a subject is reproduced in a
photograph can be very different from how it looked to you as you took the
picture. When you cast your eye over a scene, everything in it seems more
or less equally sharp, but sometimes in the finished shot only part of the
subject appears acceptably sharp. This zone of sharpness is called the
depth-of-field, and it extends in front of and behind the point that you actually
focused on. The size of the zone is determined by three key factors - the
aperture of the lens, the focal length of the lens used, and the distance you
are from the subject.