Photo Composition
Composition The pleasing arrangement of subject matter elements within the picture area Known as the “rules” of photography Are known to work most of the time, but in some cases “rules” can be broken
Photo Composition Ones we have already covered: Filling the Frame Lighting Angles Lines Rule of Thirds
Photo Composition Ones we will be covering today: Simplicity Negative Space Active Space Contrast Mergers & Background
Simplicity Creating simple looking images Easiest way to do this is by limiting the amount of objects in your photo Select uncomplicated backgrounds Avoid unrelated subjects Move in close
What is the main subject?
What is the main subject?
What is the main subject?
Ways to Simplify?
Ways to Simplify?
Negative Space Is the empty space around your subject Areas of a picture that contain “nothing” (negative space) are important visual elements that provide balance in an image Can be very challenging Like all situations in photography, some images will come more natural then others.
Negative Space
Negative Space
Negative Space
Negative Space
Negative Space
Negative Space
Active Space The space in front of your “moving” subject or the space in the “eyesight” of your subject Space behind your subject is called “dead space” Use the Rule of Thirds to place your subject, but use “Active Space” to determine the placement
Active Space is this…
Not this….
Active Space is this….
Not this….
Active Space is this…
Active Space is this…
Which one is Active Space?
Which one is Active Space?
Active Space is this…
Active Space is this…
Contrast The difference in the color and brightness of the objects in photos Your eyes are naturally drawn to the light areas before the dark For example, if you want to draw attention to a light colored subject, place it against a dark background, vice versa Types of Contrast Tonal Contrast- used in B&W photography High- More defined B&W Low- Blacks & White are less defined; More GREY! Color Contrast Color Wheel (Next Slide) Includes High (very different colors) & Low contrast (very similar colors) High Contrast- big difference between dark & light areas (see examples for better understanding) Low Contrast- Subtle: small difference between dark & light areas (see examples for better understanding)
High & Low Contrast
High Contrast
Low Contrast
Contrast Color Wheel The opposite color is one that compliments the other, resulting in a high-contrast photo. Using colors which are close to each other on the color wheel will create a low-contrast photo.
High & Low Color Contrast
Low Color Contrast
High Color Contrast
High Color Contrast
High & Low Contrast
Background & Mergers Mergers can happen… The most overlooked part during the composing process of a photo Mergers can happen… Things that sprout from your subjects head or things that are placed very close to the subjects face. The background should make your subject stand out and present it to best advantage Blur Effects can separate your subject from the background
Mergers
Mergers
Mergers
Background
Background
Background