Composition, some Basics

1. Douglas Wade Composition, some Basics

2. What is Composition • Composition is the “knowledge” in the placement or arrangement of visual elements that adds to impact or acceptance • This presentation goal is to bring awareness to composition and making better photographs • We “Make” not “Take” Photographs • Disclaimer; The examples in this presentation are not my photographs, that would be too risky

3. Art Form or Science • Is Composition an Art Form or Science • Yes, to both • More Science or More Art Form or Somewhere in Between?

4. Audience • Composition is often defined by your audience • Competitions • Judges are More likely to follow Rules • Personal Collections • For Personal Likes and Dislikes, we are less likely to follow rules • Emotionally Attached • Often we are attached to our work • We love a photograph and others are not interested, check for attachment

5. Science Approach • The Golden Ratio (or Rectangle) • Rules of 1/3rds

6. The Golden Ratio • The Golden Ratio and its cousin the Golden Rectangle also known as the “Golden Mean” • Humans like patterns and the Golden Ratio or Rectangle is describes as mathematical and dates back to the Greeks • Photograph standard formats are rectangles. Standard prints examples, are 4 x 6, 5 x 7 which lends to using the Golden Ratio or Rectangle

7. The Golden Ratio • The shape of the Golden Ratio in physical form is considered very esthetically pleasing. One of the most interesting graphic forms example is the nautilus shell and the way the shell starts from a central origin and then spirals outward around itself until it reaches the horn or opening.

8. The Golden Ratio • The points in the Ratio can be used as interest points in your photographs.

9. Golden Rectangle This rule is useful if the scene is composed of many diagonal lines.

10. Rule of Thirds • The “Rule of the Thirds” is actually nothing else than a simplification of the “Golden Rectangle”. The basic concept behind it is to avoid a symmetric composition. The connection to the "Golden Mean" are the 4 possible crossings of the dividing lines, making up thirds.

11. Camera Tip • Turn on Grid Display. • Nikon: Menu > Grid Display to Yes • Canon: Menu #2 > Live View function settings > Grid display > ON

12. Rule of Thirds • “Rule of the Thirds” can follow two concepts: • First we can divide the image into two distinctive areas which cover 1:3 and 2:3 of the size of the picture.

13. Rule of Thirds • The second application is based on the crossing points of the Golden Mean.

14. Rules of Odds • Odd groups are better than Even ones • Three objects in a shot are particularly good. Five, Seven or more can work but you run the risk of clutter • Avoid two, example two flowers

15. Breaking the Rules • Finally, remember that the rules of basic photography composition aren’t set in stone. Instead, use them as guidelines for your own creative ideas. Follow the guidelines of basic composition until you’re comfortable with them and then start experimenting. • Sometimes ignoring the guidelines produces a unique, striking photograph. Yet, be sure to understand the basics before you play with the rules of basic photography composition.

16. Art Form • Elements • Pattern • Symmetry • Texture • Depth of Field • Lines • Framing • Perspective • Space • Balance • Color

17. What is Art Form • Good Composition is a key element of good photographs yet is something that is hard to define, that is why it is an Art Form • Instead of looking at composition as a set of “rules” to follow – View them as a set of ingredients that can used at any point and used to make a great photograph • A key 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

18. Pattern • 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.

19. Symmetry • 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.

20. Texture • Images seen as two dimensional 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.

21. Depth of Field • 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.

22. Lines • 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

23. Framing • Most of us use “frames” to display our images when we hang them on walls for viewing – however “framing” can be used within the composition of a shot to help you highlight your main point of interest in the image and and/or to put it in context to give the image “depth”.

24. Perspective • The perspective that a shot is taken from is another element that can have a big impact upon an image. • Shooting from up high and looking down on a subject or shooting from below looking up on the same subject drastically impact not only the “look” of the image, emphasizing different points of interest, angles, textures, shapes etc – but it also impacts the “story” of an image.

25. Space • There can be a fine line between filling your frame with your subject (and creating a nice sense of intimacy and connection) and also giving your subject space to breath • Either technique can be effective. so experiment with moving in close and personal and moving out to capture a subject in its context • Sometimes it is what you leave out of an image that makes it special

26. Balance • The positioning with elements in a frame can leave an image feeling balanced or unbalanced. • Too many points of interest in one section of your image can leave it feeling too “heavy” or complicated in that section of the shot and other parts feeling “empty”.

27. Color • The color in an image and how they are arranged can make or break a shot • Bright colors can add vibrancy, energy and interest – however in the wrong position they can also distract viewers of an image away from focal points • Colors also greatly impact “mood”. Blues and Greens can have a calming soothing impact, Reds and Yellows can convey vibrancy and energy

28. Size • Often more exciting photographs can be made by zooming (cropping) in on a subject. When it doubt zoom in. Walk closer, do not rely on zoom of the lens.

29. Portrait and Landscape • portrait : Use the vertical lines to position a portrait. Choosing to center your subject in the middle third or one of the side thirds can radically alter the feel of your photo. • landscape : Center a landscape photo on the horizontal gridlines. Using the upper thirds will give you a picture that focuses on the foreground, while centering the landscape in the bottom grids will give you a photo with a focus on the horizon and sky.

30. Group Photos • When taking a photo of a group of people, try the shot from different viewpoints to get the most interesting shot. Many photographers have a “rule of three” when it comes to group photos: avoid straight lines in any group containing more than three people. • One rule for composing a picture that features a large group of people is to avoid “high school band” photos: people at the back of such photos often have their faces obstructed by the people in front of them. Experiment with different angles. Try taking the shot from both high and low angles to see which is more effective for your purposes.

31. Action Shots • Basic composition of action or sports photos can be tricky because of the movement in these shots. Because you can’t “pose” these photos, the often appear blurry or out of focus if done incorrectly • The best action shots are taken as close to the action as possible. Of course, this rule does have its limitations. Security officials and safety risks are some of the main roadblocks to capturing action shots. The key is to get as close as possible without intruding on the action or risking your own safety • Action shots are easiest to take when the action can be predicted ahead of time. For example, a hockey player on a breakaway will try to shoot the puck; the horses at a horse race will explode out of the gate at the beginning of the race. Anticipating such action helps you set up and capture the photograph you want

32. Angles and Basic Composition • The angle at which you take the shot is the key to crafting a photo’s composition. Basic photography composition usually holds that a subject shot diagonally makes a more dynamic photo. Look for imaginary diagonal lines when trying to take a more dramatic, intense photo. • For a full body shot or portrait shot, don’t be afraid to turn the camera sideways. If you take portraits with a straight on angle, these shots will have a lot of wasted space on either side of your subject. • Playing with the angle of a shot can make all the difference in basic photography composition. As you get more familiar with photography composition, experiment with low and high angle shots, as well as shots taken from below or above your subject.

33. Tips • Watch the Background • Things sticking out of heads • Watch the Light • Sunsets/Sunrises, minutes make a difference • It is not the Equipment it is you! • The Best camera is the one you have with you. • Do not get consumed by having to have the latest and greatest. (A Craftsman never blames his tools)

34. Exercise s • Critique Examples • Use your fingers as cropping tool to Crop the images. • Think of: • 1/3 rule • Color, distracting • Balance • Etc.

35. Image Critique #1

36. Critique #2

37. Critique #3

38. Critique #4

39. Conclusion • Does your photograph tell a story • Does it strike some emotion • Does the lighting help the mood • Is the exposure correct • Is the focus correct • Are there Distracting Items

40. Questions

41. References • http://digital-photography-school.com/5-more-elements-of-composition-in-photography • http://www.fabiovisentin.com/blog/45.ashx