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26/06/12 9:27 AMPhotography Production and Appreciation 2E - 08 Aesthetics elements in photography

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8. Aesthetic elements in photography

8.1 COMPOSITION'Composition' refers to the way various components within a frame are arranged. Anyone can point a camera ata subject and create a photographic image. However, the way you compose the subject within the picture frame—where you put it, how close you get to it, at what angle you photograph it, how you use perspective, and whatis placed in front and behind it—will govern the success of the image. Composition allows you to capture yourown creative and individual interpretation of a subject (see figure 8.1A).



Figure 8.1A A frame within a frame is a common method used to create interesting composition. Bums on seats, AnnettaBrown-Shepard, Year 12, gelatin silver photograph

The difference between a snapshot and an artistic photograph depends greatly on composition. Goodcomposition is vital to the production of a quality image.

POINTS TO REMEMBER

Get close to your subject. One of the biggest mistakes made by the novice photographer is notgetting close enough to the subject. The main subject of the photograph should generally take upmost of the frame. Beginners often photograph mostly the background, making the main subjectappear almost insignificant (see figure 1.6B).Pay attention to the background. What appears in the background of a photograph generally has adirect influence on the subject. If you are photographing a portrait, make sure that there are no



overpowering images in the background (for example, trees appearing to grow from the subject'shead – see figures 8.1B (i) and (ii)). Whenever possible, the background should complement themajor subject. For example, to enhance a portrait of a pilot, the background of the photograph couldcontain an aircraft or airport.Hold the camera level. A common mistake made by beginners is to photograph a landscape orsubject with a tilted horizon line. Always ensure that you hold the camera level, ensuring the horizonlines runs horizontally across the photograph (see figure 8.1C).Edit the image. It is up to you to select how you are going to approach a particular subject. Becreative and always think beyond the obvious – consider different angles, viewpoints andbackgrounds (see figure 8.1D). Only items that enhance the whole image should be in yourphotograph. Ensure that you eliminate anything that does not directly contribute to the total image.This may not be easy, but in most cases it will be possible with a little creative thought and planning.



Figure 8.1B



Figure 8.1C



Figure 8.1D. Three photographs showing how the same subject can be photographed in a number of different ways

CroppingAlthough cropping should be seen as a last resort, you can often improve the composition of a poor image bycropping it. Traditionalists argue that a photograph should be printed as it was shot. These photographerstraditionally print the entire negative, with a thin black border around the frame to indicate that no cropping hasoccurred (see figure 8.1E). However, when learning and developing skills in photography, cropping can greatlycontribute to the success of some of your photographs, so it should be encouraged and used as required (seefigure 8.1F).



Figure 8.1E Newsstand, Jacob de Weger, Year 10, digital photograph



Figure 8.1F

Rules of compositionThere are many rules or formulae for correct compositional structure. Traditionalists believe that photographersshould follow these rules, whereas contemporary photographers use their own compositional formats.

When learning about composition it is wise to be aware of these rules, then you can decide whether yourphotograph would be enhanced by the use of them or not. You may decide to pay attention to some of the rulesand ignore others. As the creator of the image, you have that freedom and choice.

1. A horizon line should never cut the photograph in half. Consider having a low or high horizon line.2. If you are photographing a portrait and the subject is not looking into the camera but across the frame,

more space should be given to the direction of their gaze (see figure 8.1G).



Figure 8.1G. A portrait where more space is given to the direction of the subject's gaze. Dad, Nadine Newell, Year11, gelatin silver photograph

3. If a subject is moving across the frame it should move from left to right.4. The 'golden section' (or golden mean) refers to the most common compositional structure of a picture. It

basically means that the structure and positioning of images within a frame should have an approximateratio of 5:8. It is believed that at this ratio the composition has a better proportion, the location of thecentre of interest can be found and a fixed position for a horizon line can be established (see figure 8.1H).

5. The 'rule of thirds' suggests that you divide your picture frame into thirds, both horizontally and vertically.The best location for the main subject of the photograph is at one of the points where the lines intersect(see figures 8.1I and 8.1J).



Figure 8.1H Diagrams showing the 'golden section'



Figure 8.1I According to the 'rule of thirds', the points where the lines intersect are the best places to position the mainsubject of the photograph.



Figure 8.1J This photograph demonstrates the 'rule of thirds' at work.



Figure 8.1K Examples of different types of compositional formats

ACTIVITIES

1. In your workbook or journal, define 'composition'.2. List five things you should take into consideration when composing a photograph.3. Collect three photographs that demonstrate good composition. Print or photocopy the photographs

and stick them into your workbook or journal. Make comments under each, outlining the successfulcompositional elements used in each which demonstrate the rules and structures of composition.

4. a. Take a series of photographs demonstrating good composition. Try photographing the sameimage from a number of different angles, viewpoints and distances. Acknowledge the pointsmade in this section and take them into consideration when you are taking each photograph.Possible subjects to photograph include a car, a statue, a portrait and a house.

b. Process your film or download your images and print a proof sheet of the results. Stick theproof sheet into your workbook or journal and comment on the images.

c. Print the best image and comment on the compositional qualities that it contains.

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