guidelines for COMPOSITION

COMPOSITION...

the placement or arrangement of different

elements within a designated space that make

up your photograph.

simplicity

• isolate your subject• use uncomplicated backgrounds • change your vantage

point for creativity and visual interest

rule of thirds

• avoid “centering” your subjects• align your subject at the intersection of the

gridlines for optimal visual interest• horizon lines should be off centered {top or bottom 3rd}

lines

• lines + geometric shapes add visual interest to your photographs

• leading lines can draw attention to your subject

• look to architecture and nature for inspiration

balance• trying to achieve a good visual “flow” • asymmetrical balance

is better than symmetrical balance

• unify your picture don’t divide

framing• make sure your composition is correct before snapping the shutter button•be careful to avoid unintentional cropping•items in the foreground and background can add interest

what is wrong with this photograph?

symmetrically balanced?

composition issues?

focusing issues?

What is wrong with

this picture?

Weird cropping?

Should be horizontal instead

of vertical?

Green tree in center of horizon

is distracting?

Now what?

… APPLY the guidelines ...

for each picture you compose you should try to focus on at least one

composition technique.

……………...

be creative and take great pictures!