Good Composition is a key element of good photographs yet is something that is hard to define.
Instead of looking at composition as a set of ‘rules’ to follow – I view it as a set of ingredients that can be taken out of the pantry at any point and used to make a great ‘meal’ (photograph). Alternatively I’ve often described it as a set of ‘tools’ that can be taken out of one’s compositional tool belt at any given time in the construction of a great image.
The key is to remember that in the same way as a chef rarely uses all the ingredients at their disposal in any dish – that a photographer rarely uses all of the ingredients of composition in the making of an image.
Today I’d like to look at five of the ingredients (or tools, or elements) of composition that I draw on in my photography. They’re not ‘rules’ – just things that I consider when setting up a shot.
Pattern
Image by actionlovr
There are patterns all around us if we only learn to see them. Emphasizing and highlighting these patterns can lead to striking shots – as can high lighting when patterns are broken.
Read more on using repetition and patterns in photography.
Symmetry
Image by straightfinder
Depending upon the scene – symmetry can be something to go for – or to avoid completely.
A symmetrical shot with strong composition and a good point of interest can lead to a striking image – but without the strong point of interest it can be a little predictable. I prefer to experiment with both in the one shoot to see which works best.
Read more on symmetry in photography.
Texture
Image by Grant McDonald
Images a two dimensional thing yet with the clever use of ‘texture’ they can come alive and become almost three dimensional.
Texture particularly comes into play when light hits objects at interesting angles.
Read more on using light to create texture in your photography.
Depth of Field
Image by orangeacid
The depth of field that you select when taking an image will drastically impact the composition of an image.
It can isolate a subject from its background and foreground (when using a shallow depth of field) or it can put the same subject in context by revealing it’s surrounds with a larger depth of field.
Read more on getting shallow depth of field and also this video tutorial on depth of field.
Lines
Image by stevacek
Lines can be powerful elements in an image.
They have the power to draw the eye to key focal points in a shot and to impact the ‘feel’ of an image greatly.
Diagonal, Horizontal, Vertical and Converging lines all impact images differently and should be spotted while framing a shot and then utilized to strengthen it.
These are just some of the elements of composition that I consider in my photography. They reflect my own style and personality but there are plenty more.
Read more: http://www.digital-photography-school.com/5-elements-of-composition-in-photography#ixzz1KYgZzpfL
Rule of Thirds:
Tips for composing a GREAT photo:
http://photo.tutsplus.com/articles/composition-articles/hints-tips-for-composing-a-perfect-photo/
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ANTONYM Photograph
Assignment:Students will use a dictionary or thesaurus to find a good pair of descriptive but contrasting words, also known as antonyms. (Opposites). Students then created visual representations of those words. Take photos and assemble them into Photoshop.
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http://www.barbarakruger.com/art.shtml
Today we will talk about artist Barbara Kruger. She was first a graphic designer and took her talents and trade into the realm of the arts. Her work is eye catching, generally black and white with red. The next assignment you will choose a personal slogan and create a slogan 'text' based
work of art.
* CHOOSE AN ISSUE
* WRITE A SLOGAN
* TAKE PICTURES
* COMBINE IMAGES AND TEXT
* WRITE A SLOGAN
* TAKE PICTURES
* COMBINE IMAGES AND TEXT
Work in Photoshop and desaturate your image or use 'threshold" Place a rectangle and fill with red paint. Write your text on top with white or black colour.
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Photography:
We have started looking at photographic processes and have made some excellent examples. Today, we will be working with digital photography and we will be creating a me, myself and I project.
You will have time to think about ideas and can sign out in small groups. Please bring a digital camera if you own one. You will take numerous photos and combing them all into one image. You can have conflicting identities, tones of you in one room, you pointing and laughing at you. The multi personalities and interests that you may have. So brain storm and have fun!
