Creating a Visually Com pelling Photograph
Elements of Art: The vocabulary or “building blocks� an artist/photographer uses to compose an image Line - the visual path that enables the eye to move within the piece
Proportion/Scale- the size and
Shape - areas defined by edges within the piece, whether geometric or organic
quantity of elements within a composition Balance/Harmony/Unity- The
Color - hues with their various values and intensities Texture - sur face qualities whic h translate into tactile illusions Composition: The arrangement of visual elements and principles in an image
The Principles of Art are the set of rules or guidelines that are to be considered when composing an image- the organization of the elements of art
Form - 3-D length, width, or depth
arrangement of elements and principles to create a feeling of completeness. The three different kinds of balance are symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial. Emphasis/focus- The center of interest Pattern/Movement- shows actions,
Value - Shading used to emphasize form Space - the space taken up by (positive) or in between (negative) objects
or alternatively, the path the viewer's eye follows throughout an artwork or makes an artwork seem active by the repetition of elements
Viewpoint You, as the photographer, choose how the viewer will perceive your subject. The position from which you take the photo influences not only the elements and principles that make up it始s composition, but also how your subject is interpreted.
Imagine that your image is divided into 9 equal segments by 2 vertical and 2 horizontal lines. The rule of thirds says that you should position the most important elements in your scene along these lines, or at the points where they intersect. Doing so will add balance and interest to your photo. Some cameras even offer an option to superimpose a rule of thirds grid over the LCD screen, making it even easier to use.
METRO Rule of Thirds
For example, if a dog is photographed from above, perhaps from the eye level of an adult, he is diminished in stature. A photograph taken at the dog's level would treat him as an equal, and one taken from below could result in an impression of dominance.
There are are number of established composition guidelines which can be applied in almost any situation, to enhance the impact of a scene. These guidelines will help you take more compelling photographs, lending them a natural balance, drawing attention to the important parts of the scene, or leading the viewer's eye through the image.
SIMPLICITY
Lines are a powerful element of composition, and the viewer’s eye naturally follows any lines in your images.
The absence of content does not mean the absence of interest. In fact, negative space often adds interest as it can place a stronger emphasis on the subject
Create a relationship between the subject and the rest of the image
Simplicity is the key to most good pictures. The simpler and more direct a picture is, the clearer METRO and stronger isSYS the resulting TEMS statement. For example, instead of photographing an entire scene that would confuse the viewer, frame in on a focal point is important because when some important detail within the scene. you look at an image your eye will generally need a ‘resting place’ or Be sure there is nothing in the something of interest to really hold it. foreground or background to distract Without it you’ll find people will simply the viewer's attention from the main glance at your shots and then move on to point of the picture. the next one. Once you’ve identified a point of interest Tell only one story. Nothing should or focal point you then should ask attract more of the viewer's attention yourself how you can enhance it. than the primary object of the picture. Select a viewpoint that eliminates distractions so the principal subject is readily recognized. When numerous lines or shapes are competing for interest with the subject, it is difficult to recognize the primary object or determine why the picture was
Fill the frame.
Because photography is a two-dimensional medium, we have to choose our composition carefully to conveys the sense of depth that was present in the actual scene. You can create depth in a photo by including objects in the foreground, middle ground and background. Another useful composition technique is overlapping, where you deliberately partially obscure one object with another. The human eye naturally recognises these layers and mentally separates them out, creating an image with more depth.