PHOTOGRAPHY POWERPOINT

Composition Rules Concepts

What are the Concepts?

• Simplicity• ‘Rule’ of Thirds• Lines• Balance• Framing• Avoiding Mergers

Example of Simplicity

Simplicity

The saying 'less is more' applies often

in photography. Usually it is a good

idea to get rid of elements and try to

keep the composition simple.

Example of LinesLines

Lines

Lines are found everywhere in the world. Lines in a photo can be for example roads, rivers, a shore line and a horizon.

Lines can enhance composition and lead the eye through the picture. Different lines express different feelings.

Horizontal lines are calm,

vertical lines are strong and

diagonal lines are dynamic.

Diagonal lines are maybe the

most interesting of straight

lines. They create a sense of

energy and motion into the

photo.

Other types of lines are for example leading lines which lead the eye into the subject of the photo.

One of the most common and graceful lines used in composition is called the S curve.

Example of BalanceBalance

A sense of balance often enhances the composition.

Balance can mean for example placing two equal subjects to different sides of the photo.

Balance can also be created with

symmetry.

Notice how the leaves, the window, and the couple all seem to be in the right place. The camera viewpoint and subject placement were all carefully selected to create this well-balanced photograph.

Good balance is simply the arrangement of shapes, colors, or areas of light and dark that complement one another so that the photograph looks well-balanced.

This photo looks very lopsided as if Karen is going to fall right out of the picture due to lack of visible support.

Now we've moved our camera viewpoint and have included the much-needed wheel to support our subject. Karen is still off center, but the picture is balanced.

Example of FramingFraming

The world is full of natural frames that can be used to guide viewers eye inside the photo.

Framing

Framing

Framing

Framing

Framing

The proper angle can create a framing illusion.

Example of Not Avoiding MergersAvoidMergers

 A merger occurs usually when something in the background seems to “merge” out of or into your subject.

Potential Solution: Change your angle.

Potential Solution: Move your subject.

Potential Solution: Be patient.

objects or lines that are just too close to the principal subject. In this case the ball and umbrella tip are near mergers.

Near Mergers

Let's correct these mergers by using a low angle, and we'll use only one prop for simplicity. Make sure the Frisbee is held far enough away from Karen's face to avoid another near merger. 

Near Mergers

Bibliography

• 4/21/2010 Dolfi “Black and Strong” Flickr• 4/21/2010 Libertinus “Voilencia Domestica” Flickr• 4/26/2010 Kevin Dooley “Angles, line, light, and shadow”

Flickr• 4/26/2010 Mr. Mark “They balanced better than the rocks”

Flickr• 4/26/2010 Sudhamshu “Framed Sunset” Flickr• 4/26/2010 David Hogg “Kid and Kid” Flickr