BASIC COMPOSITION TECHNIQUES

composition

The largest, most important concept that makes

up any photo.
(the orderly arrangement of elements in a scene,
which, when taken as a whole, conveys intent
and meaning)
 focus

the primary point (or area) of interest

composition should emphasize it

e.g.
blur – sharp
contrast: light /dark,strong colors
balance: off center (asymmetric, informal)
 rule of thirds (golden mean/ratio)

based on the theory that the eye goes naturally to

a point about two-thirds up the page

by visually dividing the image into thirds (either

vertically or horizontally) you achieve the
informal or asymmetric balance
 simplicity

to draw the viewer to the main subject of the

photo

isolation of the subject (from the background)

 simplicity
get in close simplify the
close angle background

zoom even background

blurred background
(using depth of field)
 leading lines
creates depth

leads the viewer to the main subject

direction of movement: moving „into”

makes images more dynamic

(diagonals)
 the natural frame

an insight element should act as a frame

(cover at least two sides of the picture)

brings depth to the photo,

and emphasis to the subject
 point of view

usual /unusual

from above (bird's eye)

from below (worm's eye)
at subject's level
 rhytm

repetition of the subject

dynamic: the eye will follow