1. Guidelines for Good Photographic Composition Keep the photo simple – Each picture can only tell one story successfully. Keep the photo simple – Each picture can only tell one story successfully. The best photos have no extra unnecessary details – nothing to take away.

2. One main subject in front of a plain background. Avoid distracting details and busy backgrounds. 1. Include only one main point of interest (one main subject) in front of a nondisracting background. Each picture can only tell one story successfully - secondary subjects should not distract from the main subject.

3. One main subject in front of a contrasting background light on dark or dark on light, or opposite colors. 2. Include only one main point of interest (one main subject) in front of a nondisracting background. Each picture can only tell one story successfully - secondary subjects should not distract from the main subject.

4. One main subject close-up - no background. Move in close to fill the frame. 3. Include only one main point of interest (one main subject) in front of a nondisracting background. Each picture can only tell one story successfully - secondary subjects should not distract from the main subject.

5. One main subject in front of an out of focus background. Make a busy background go out of focus. 4. Include only one main point of interest (one main subject) in front of a nondisracting background. Each picture can only tell one story successfully - secondary subjects should not distract from the main subject.

6. 5A and 5B. Use the rule of thirds – do not place subjects in the center.

7. 6A, 6B, and 6C. Study the scene to find the best camera angle. Camera below eye level Camera just above eye level Camera above eye level People should usually be photographed just above eye level Slightly low camera angles that aim upward suggest that the person is important. High camera angles that aim downward tend to minimize a persons importance.

8. 7A and 7B. Study the scene to find the best camera angle. Move up, move down, move left, right, in, or out. Standard eye level angle Improved camera angle

9. 8A and 8B. Always crop people in between the joints. People do not have to be photographed full length, but do not crop people off at the major joints, (knees, ankles, elbows etc.).

10. 9A and 9B. Provide lead space in front of moving subjects.

11. 10A. Provide visual lead space in front of where the person is looking.

12. 11. Employ leading lines to direct attention to the main subject.

13. 12. and 13. Lines in a photograph suggest many things. Straight lines suggest toughness and strength. Curved lines suggest beauty, softness, and grace.

14. 14 & 15. Lines in a photograph suggest many things. Diagonal lines are dynamic. Vertical lines are powerful, lively, and active.

15. 16 & 17. Lines in a photograph suggest many things. Horizontal lines suggest peace and balance. Lines that cross suggest sympathy, acceptance, and understanding.

16. 18 & 19. Lines in a photograph suggest many things. Converging lines direct the attention to the background. Repeating lines are enjoyable and fun to look at.

17. 20A, 20B & 20C. Keep horizon lines level. Place the horizon line low to give a feeling of spaciousness, and far away distance. A horizon line positioned high in the photo emphasizes closeness. A high horizon line emphasizes closeness. Incorrect – never position the horizon line in the center of the photo. A low horizon line gives the appearance of spaciousness, distance.

18. 21. Frame the photo. Position a neutral object (doorways, leaves on tree branches, etc.) up close in the photo to direct the attention to the main subject, and to add depth to the photo.

19. 22. Landscape / scenic photos: People in a scenic photo should be about 25 feet away from the camera. Have the people look at the scenic background, instead of the camera. You must choose your one main point of interest. If the background is the main subject then the people must be small in size to avoid having to two equal subjects instead of one subject. Do not use out of focus foregrounds in scenic and landscape shots.

20. 23A and 23B. Pay attention to the light –look for shadows and highlight areas. Next to the subject, the most important part of every picture is the light. Bright sunlight can enhance wrinkles and blemishes. Soft light of a cloudy day can reduce these problems. Avoid pockets of dark shadows around the eyes. Avoid hot spots of bright light and dark patches of light, especially on the faces. Avoid taking people pictures in bright sunlight, which causes hot spots and shadows on the face. To eliminate hash shadows find a shady location or a cloudy day.

21. 24. For the best people pictures. Watch for the s- curve and chin slightly down. Pay attention to the light – the side of the face with the ear showing should be darker than the other (smaller) side of the face. Look for the triangle of light on the front cheek.

22. 25A &25B. Pay attention to the direction and color of the light. The light is visually more interesting when the sun is at a low angle – sunrise and sunset. Cold, blue colored light at midday. Warm, red colored light when the sun is low. Beautiful photo shot at sunrise or sunset. Scenic photo shot at midday.

23. THE GOLDEN RULE: Type answer here THE GOLDEN RULE: Type answer here

24. 24 When can you break the rules? Type answer here. Go back and detail your project. Remove all directions. When can you break the rules? Type answer here. Go back and detail your project. Remove all directions.