Composition

How to create dynamic

photographs

Cluttered Backgrounds?!

 Keep your backgrounds simple so the

viewer knows what to focus on.

Avoid Mergers
A merger is something popping out
of the subjects head that is very
distracting

Have a singledominant
subject

If your picture is too busy its hard to

know where to look.

This image is too cluttered.

Rule of 3rds
Take pictures at different angles with
different compositions
Work around the rule of thirds

Avoid centered horizons

Unless you are
working with
symmetry in your
composition you
should have your
horizon lines fall
on a line in the
Rule of 3rds grid.

Horizons should be flat

This pictures bothers me because the horizon is slanted.

Subjects in action should be moving

into the picturenot out

No

Yes

Balance
Symmetrical: The same on both sides
Radial: Central point of focus that
things spiral out from.
Asymmetrical (Equal visual weight on
both sidesthink Rule of 3rds)

Symmetry

Radial

Asymmetrical

Leading Lines
Leading
lines create
movement
Straight,
diagonal,
or S-curve

Framing
Adds depth
Should fit theme
Watch focus on foreground
Focus on foreground in landscape
Focus on subject in portraits

Fill the Frame

Would this picture look better if I was
closer?
Focus on subject
Detail

Start far and move closer

Fill the frame with objects that fit

Check your lighting

Contrast (Figure to ground)

Contrast is a difference in the
elements of design: color, line,
shape, etc..
Make sure your subject doesnt
blend in. They should stand
out!

Landscape tips
Shoot in the morning or evening for
more dramatic lighting
Depth: have something in the
foreground to help create a sense of
depth.

Center Dominant Eye

Patterns and Repetition

Recap

Think
Experiment
Move
Wait
All else failsRule of 3rds!