Unit 3 - An introduction to photography

Composition 

http://www.digicamhelp.com/taking-photos/advanced-techniques

What makes a good photograph?
Photographs that stand out from the crowd usually have three elements in common:

• Good subject
• Good lighting
• Good composition 

What follows are principles of composition that explain some of the ways photographers and artists have composed images through the centuries.


Rule of thirds
Centre of interest: A photograph should have a strong focal point. Determine what it is before composing your photo
Simplicity: Keep compositions simple, avoiding busy background that distracts from a subject
Subject off centre: Place a subject slightly off-centre rather than in the middle of a photo.

• Divide your frame into 9 equal parts by creating a grid that is composed of both horizontal and vertical lines.
• Place the key feature of your shot at any of the four points where the lines of the grid converge. 
• Some digital cameras come with an option to place a grid over the LCD view which helps with your composition skills.

Leading lines 
If a scene has strong lines, make sure the lines lead the eye into the frame rather than out of it. The lines should lead to the main point of interest.

Viewpoint and angles
Vary angles: Shoot at varying angles to capture a subject from a different viewpoint. Move the camera higher or lower than you usually do. For a dramatic effect, take some photos from a birds-eye (looking down) or worms eyes view (looking up)

Lighting

• Dramatic lighting adds interest to a photo

Silhouettes: Subject made dark by photographing it against a light background (back lighting).

Framing:
Framing a subject by zooming or moving closer draws attention to it.

Symmetry:
An identical or near-identical image of its other half. Use of symmetry often provides a formal balance.


TASK - 

• You are to create a 20 image contact sheet.
• Your images can be in any style you wish (portrait, landscape) 
• They do, however, need to focus on one setting.