Composition and Shooting Tips12.pdf · "Consulting the rules of composition before taking a...
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Composition and Shooting TipsComposition and Shooting Tips
Chris EdwardsChris EdwardsJanuary 23, 2012January 23, 2012
Revision 1
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Do We Even Need A Brief?Do We Even Need A Brief?
""Consulting the rules of composition before taking a Consulting the rules of composition before taking a photograph is like consulting the laws of gravity photograph is like consulting the laws of gravity before going for a walk.before going for a walk.”” -- Edward WestonEdward Weston
""The soThe so--called rules of photographic composition are, called rules of photographic composition are, in my opinion, invalid, irrelevant and immaterialin my opinion, invalid, irrelevant and immaterial””-- Ansel AdamsAnsel Adams
““There are no rules for good photographs, there are There are no rules for good photographs, there are only good photographsonly good photographs..”” -- Ansel Adams Ansel Adams
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Why Composition MattersWhy Composition Matters
Adds interest for the viewer, thus Adds interest for the viewer, thus reinforcing the message of your reinforcing the message of your photophoto
Captures the beauty of our world Captures the beauty of our world in a creative wayin a creative way
Adds your unique viewpoint or Adds your unique viewpoint or ““signaturesignature”” to your workto your work
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What is Composition?What is Composition?
Arrangement of a subject within (and without) the frameArrangement of a subject within (and without) the frame
The ability to see beyond the objects to the greater The ability to see beyond the objects to the greater artistic and pleasing whole; the artistic and pleasing whole; the ““organization of spaceorganization of space”” ---- Michael Minner, photographerMichael Minner, photographer
Emphasis on the subject within the frameEmphasis on the subject within the frame
Good composition intrigues the viewer’s eye
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““The only real voyage of discovery consists not in The only real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes.””
-- Marcel ProustMarcel Proust
The Power of ObservationThe Power of Observation
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Increase Your Artistic SensibilityIncrease Your Artistic Sensibility Practice really seeing Practice really seeing
Study othersStudy others’’ work on work on FlickrFlickr, ads, adsin magazines, pictures in newspapersin magazines, pictures in newspapers
Make a conscious effort to compose Make a conscious effort to compose creativelycreatively
Experiment with everyday objectsExperiment with everyday objects
Try to determine in advance what the Try to determine in advance what the photograph will be about and look photograph will be about and look likelike
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Keep in Mind the Keep in Mind the ““RuleRule”” of Thirdsof Thirds
Place objects of interest where the lines intersect
Consider this a guideline, not a hard-and-fast rule
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Rule of ThirdsRule of Thirds
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Rule of ThirdsRule of Thirds
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Shoot Subjects Off CenterShoot Subjects Off Center
Subjects typically face the center of the frame
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Be Alert to ReflectionsBe Alert to Reflections
Move around to determine the best vantage point
Watch for reflections on water, polished surfaces, windows, sunglasses, ornaments, etc.
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Incorporate DiagonalsIncorporate Diagonals
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Incorporate DiagonalsIncorporate Diagonals
You can increase/create the diagonal through post-processing rotation or cropping, depending on the available space surrounding your subject
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Force the DiagonalsForce the Diagonals
Initial shot is colorful but run of the mill
Off-kilter shot has more interest and energy
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Add Depth Add Depth Create dimensionality through foreground and/or middle ground objects
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Simplify BackgroundsSimplify Backgrounds
Original shot with distracting background
The blue sky helps showcase the performer
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Eliminate DistractionsEliminate Distractions
Clone stamp used in post-processing to make the background more consistent
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Shoot into the SunShoot into the Sun
Boost contrast/use burn tool in post processing to bring out the silhouettes, if necessary
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Zero in on a FeatureZero in on a Feature
Helps the viewer see familiar objects in a new way
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Showcase Massed SubjectsShowcase Massed Subjects
Move in close enough to lose the background/setting
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Capitalize on PatternsCapitalize on Patterns
Emphasize the dominant lines through judicious framing or cropping
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Take Advantage of AtmosphericsTake Advantage of Atmospherics
Mist, fog, shadows, sun shafts add an “otherworldly” feel
Fog shots may need contrast boosting, otherwise they’ll be too flat
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Shoot Animals and Kids at Shoot Animals and Kids at Eye LevelEye Level
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Experiment with Unusual AnglesExperiment with Unusual Angles
Disrupts our usual way of seeing
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Catch the Subject in ActionCatch the Subject in Action
Panning can create the sense of movement--make sure the background is colorful
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Get in CloseGet in CloseThe traditional tourist shot emphasizes the site over the people…fine if you were the architect!
Close-ups create a more intimate record of “being there”
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Some ResourcesSome Resources Podcasts at 7 Photography QuestionsPodcasts at 7 Photography Questions
““Learning to See CreativelyLearning to See Creatively”” interviews with Bryan Petersoninterviews with Bryan PetersonPart 1: Part 1: http://www.7photographyquestions.com/2008/10/podcasthttp://www.7photographyquestions.com/2008/10/podcast--2020--learninglearning--toto--seesee--creativelycreatively--anan--interviewinterview--withwith--brya.html#morebrya.html#morePart 2: Part 2: http://www.7photographyquestions.com/2008/10/podcasthttp://www.7photographyquestions.com/2008/10/podcast--2121--learninglearning--toto--seesee--creativelycreatively--anan--interviewinterview--withwith--brya.htmlbrya.html
23 articles about composition at Photoinf.com23 articles about composition at Photoinf.com
5 articles about composition and graphic design at 5 articles about composition and graphic design at BetterPhoto.com BetterPhoto.com http://www.betterphoto.com/photographyhttp://www.betterphoto.com/photography--articles/Photographicarticles/Photographic--Composition/Composition/
Bryan PetersonBryan Peterson’’s book s book Learning to See Creativity Learning to See Creativity
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Have Fun!Have Fun!