Paper:
DSDN144 Digital Photographics
Info Sheet: Composition
The most important thing when taking a photograph is to LOOK! Take a good look past the veil of familiarity. There are rules for composition but they should not be stuck to obsessively otherwise your photographs will become dull and predictable. When it comes to composition the old saying "You have to know the rules to break the rules" is particularly apt. The best photographs are composed through intuition and this can be sharpened through practice - by taking photographs, by looking at other people's photographs and just generally trying to take a fresh view of the world around you. Some things to consider when taking a picture 1. Have a main subject/theme = focal point. Often this looks better off-centre. 2. Keep your horizons straight. 3. Watch backgrounds e.g. trees protruding from people's heads. 4. Check all angles before taking the photo. 5. Include a leading line if possible. 6. Frame the subject. 7. Focus for effect. The Golden Median 1 - 4 where 1 = strongest point → 4 = weakest.
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Placement of major elements at or near points gives added strength and importance.
Composition Structure Elements of the image to take into account are: SHAPE - this can be a strong, interesting solid shape or formed through the use of line, visual or implied:
1. L-shape - a strong vertical line and a horizontal base that does not extend to both sides of the vertical. 2. T-shape - a strong vertical and a strong horizontal line (both L and T-shapes may be inverted). 3. Diagonal and crossed diagonal lines form shapes dividing the space and suggesting motion. 4. Curved S-shape - the most graceful linear form (shorter curves may form Cshapes). 5. O-shape, the "target device". 6. Δ-shape, often has associations of depth with the apex receding. TEXTURE - Surface quality e.g. the rough bark of a tree, the hard smoothness of polished marble, the rugged contours of a distant mountain range. Lighting greatly effects texture and it is best when it is from the side and soft. PATTERN - is 2-dimensional,it can be repetitive and formal (a harmonizing rhythm) or irregular and off beat. E.g. a row of trees, fallen leaves, a group of people, etc. FORM - is 3-dimensional, show on a 2-dimensional image through tone graduation (shadows through to high lights). Third Ground Rules Division of the horizontal area of design into 1/3 versus 2/3 for design purposes. The major horizontal line is placed so that it occupies one third of the distance from the top or bottom of the picture. The remaining 2/3 fall below or above the main third. Developing a selective vision should be your primary goal. In order to increase visual awareness to heighten creativity, it is necessary to learn how to evaluate, criticise and read a photograph.