Rules of Composition

Ariana Jenks Video Production

Photographs by Garry Winogrand
The frame of the image is divided vertically and
horizontally to create areas of interest in the
photograph.(I thought this picture fit well because the
frame of the glass divides the picture and the point of
interest is the man and the whale.)
Leading Line
Lines lead the viewers attention in a circular path
throughout the image.(The street lights, road, and
sidewalk are good examples for this.)
Framing
The subject/object is isolated in a frame that takes the
view away from the background.(The subject is being
isolated in the phone booth. This makes you focus
more on her than whats going on in the backgroud.)
Repetition
Pattern/combination of items that create movement in
the photograph. (The expression on the protesters faces
and the waving of flags and big crowd fits well as a
repetition.)
Balance
A larger element on one side of the photograph
contrasted with a smaller element on the other.(The
man on the middle is in focus. The people in the
background appear smaller and crowded. Both
subject contrast. )
Viewpoint
The vantage point of where the photo is being taken.
Rather than being at eye level, it towers over the
subject.(This shot is taken above the subjects head and
appears to be looking down at them.)
Background
A focus point with a cluttered background making it
stand out to the viewers eye.(The man in this photo
depicts a clear outline for himself. The bright
background makes him stand out with the cluster of
blurry buildings.)
Depth
2D images with added light, space, and layering can
add depth to the photograph.(The dark sidewalk
makes the girls dress and balloons stand out more
than if it were the same shade. If The sidewalk had
been clustered it would not show the same effect.)
Cropping
The frame of the image is cropped because the objects
within it may be too small and lack impact. The
surrounding elements distract the viewing from the
central objects.(The mirror is clearly zoomed in . You
can see the photographer's reflection in it; clearly it
was taken from far away. If it weren't zoomed in the
entire building would be shown, not just the mirror.)