Photo Journalism

PhotojournalismPhotojournalism is a particular form of journalism (collecting, editing,, presenting, of new materials for publication or broadcast)

Basic Elements ofPhotographyWhat message do I want my picture to deliver?

Point of Interest Each picture should have only one principal idea, topic, or point of interest to which the viewer's eyes are attracted. Subordinate elements within the picture must support and focus attention on the principal feature so it alone is emphasized.A picture without a dominant point of interest or one with more than one dominant center of interest is puzzling to a viewer.

Simplicity Simplicity is the key to most good pictures. The simpler and more direct a picture is, the clearer and stronger is the resulting statement. Select a subject that lends itself to a simple arrangement.Instead of photographing an entire area that would confuse the viewer, frame in on some important element within the area. Select different viewpoints or camera angles. Move around the scene or object being photographed.

Rule of Thirds A principle taught in graphic design and photography and is based on the theory that the eye goes naturally to a point about two-thirds up the page. By visually dividing the image into thirds (either vertically or horizontally) you achieve the informal or asymmetric balance mentioned above.

Rule of Thirds

Principle of Dynamic SymmetrySimilar to the rule of thirds. Location for the center of interest is found by drawing or imagining a diagonal line from one corner to an opposite corner. Then, draw a second line perpendicular to the first from a third corner.The intersections of the lines are the location for the center of interest.

Dynamic Symmetry

Contrast Contrast in photographic composition is an effective means of directing the viewer's attention to the center of interest. Positioning of subject elements to create contrast gives them added emphasis and directs the viewer's attention.

In black-and-white photography, contrast is the difference in subject tones from white-to-gray-to-black or from the lightest tone to the darkest tone. In color photography different colors create contrast.

Balance Balance in photographic composition is a matter of making pictures look harmonious. Each element in a picture has a certain amount of value in respect to all the other elements. Symmetrical, or formal, balance.Asymmetrical, or informal, balance.

SymmetricalSymmetrical, or formal, balance in a photograph is achieved when elements on both sides of the picture are of equal weight.Think of a seesaw.

AsymmetricalBalance is established by equalizing the element forces in spite of their differences.Asymmetrical balance is introduced when the presumed weight of two or more lighter objects is equalized by a single heavier object placed on the other side of the imaginary pivot point Asymmetrical balance is more difficult to achieve.

Framing Framing is another technique photographers use to direct the viewer's attention to the primary subject of a picture. Positioned around the subject, a tree, an archway, or even people, for example, can create a frame within the picture area. Subjects enclosed by a frame become separated from the rest of the picture and are emphasized.An element used as a frame should not draw attention to itself.

Viewpoint The proper viewpoint or camera angle is an important factor in good composition. Simple ways of controlling composition.Repositioning your subject within the frame.Change the camera viewpoint or camera angle. Changing viewpoint or camera angle can often add drama and excitement or even bring out an unusual aspect of a subject.

Camera Angles/ViewpointsLow Camera AngleDdd emphasis and interest to many ordinary photographs. Used to distort scale or add strength to a picture or to emphasize certain elements within the picture. High Camera Angle help orient the viewer, because they show relationships among all elements within the picture area and produce a psychological effect by minimizing the apparent strength or size of the subject.

High AngleLow Angle

LinesLines can be effective elements of composition, because they give structure to your photographs. Unify composition by directing the viewer's eyes and attention to the main point of the picture.lead the eyes from one part of the picture to another.Diagonal lines represent movement, action, and speed. Curved lines present a sense of grace, smoothness and dignity to a photograph.

Portrait Shot A shot of a person as a subject. The term portrait is used in studio photography describing a picture where a person is the main focus.

Landscape/Wide Shot A wide shot of a natural object to give a full view of the subject.

Macro Shot / Close-Up A close up shot of the subject to show detail. Can be used to show text on a page, small details, or to make something small look larger.

Depth of Field Shot A shot containing two subjects: one in the foreground and one in the background. One will be in focus while the other will be out of focus.

Negative SpaceNegative Space is the space between an object, around an object, but is not part of the actual object itself. It is the opposite of an identifiable object which can at the same time be used to help define the boundaries of positive space.

Negative Space

RhythmThe concept of Rhythm is a principle of composition. Good photos will often have elements that are repeated and echoed off each other in the photo, giving a sense of Rhythm as it is called.

Rhythm

RepetitionEchoing or repeating a shape throughout your photo gives you instant composition and can say a lot about your subject. Repetition photography is an excellent way to grab the attention of your audience and draw them into the image

Repetition

The Last RuleRule are made to be broken.

**********************************************