C OMPOSITION Various Photography Types © Tracey Garvey Photography

C OMPOSITION The photographers visual arrangement of the subject and surrounding elements as seen through the viewfinder. Composition is very important to taking quality pictures. The following rules of composition should be learned but not necessarily used in every photo. Learning these rules will open up a world of photo opportunities you may not have seen before.

R ULE OF T HIRDS The rule of thirds is the most recognized rule and has been used for centuries This rule directs that the frame be divided into 3 vertical and 3 horizontal sections, where ever the lines connect is an ideal spot for your subject. By placing your subject at one of the four intersecting points you are emphasizing your subject to the viewers eye

S IMPLICITY This rule directs you to keep the items in your photo simple If your main subject is close to your lens your background should be blurry or very plain There should be no distractions in your photo Avoid object or lines that lead the viewers eye away from the subject

S IMPLICITY Plain Background nothing to distract from the subject matter

C ONTRAST This rule directs that light subjects should be placed against dark back grounds or dark subjects are against light backgrounds

F RAMING This rule directs using your surrounding to add more focus to your subject or to “Frame” your subject This could be anything from trees, a door way or window. When using this rule make sure the focus is on your subject and not the object surrounding it It is a good idea to use a high f stop when using this rule to create a high depth of field (everything in focus)

F RAMING The leaves in the photo frame the subjects face

TEXTURE This rule can add a lot of interest to your photo especially when taking photos of things in nature Texture can help make the photo more real to life Texture can be used when taking photos of rocks, walls, surfaces, hands or leaves, In order to create texture try to compose your photo so the light is coming from the side, this will cast shadows giving you the look of texture.

T EXTURE

D IAGONALS AND L EADING L INES Diagonal elements or lines can make your photo more interesting, you can use diagonal lines to create points of interest in your photo. Diagonal lines can also give an image depth or suggest a sense of action. Leading lines similar to diagonal lines can be used to direct the viewers eye deeper into the photo Leading lines can be roads, rivers, trees, branches or bridges.

D IAGONAL L INES AND L EADING L INES

S YMMETRY AND P ATTERNS Symmetry and Patterns can make for a very eye catching composition particularly in situations where they are not expected.

C OLOUR The rule of colour can add interest or emotion to your photo, you can use colour to grab the viewers attention. Different colour combinations can be used to accent certain parts of your photo when done properly colour can be very effective at conveying a mood in an image. Warm colours – yellow, orange reds (earthy colours) Cool colours – blue, gray, purple

C OLOUR

T YPES OF P HOTOGRAPHY Landscape Photography – Shows spaces within the world typically captures the presence of nature but can include urban and industrial areas Wildlife Photography – Focus on animals in their natural habitat, mostly used for magazines and exhibitions, patience is very important for this type of photography. Aerial Photography – Photos captured from a higher altitude such as planes or helicopters. Architectural Photography – This type of photography deals with taking photos of houses and buildings usually from different angles. Sports Photography – Capturing a moment in a sporting event, this is on of the most difficult types of photography and requires a lot of practice and various equipment.

T YPES OF P HOTOGRAPHY Portrait Photography – This can range from taking photos of family, friends and pets. Wedding/Event Photography – Photographing weddings and events, capturing moments for a client. You will need to be very good in portraiture and have some photo editing skills. Baby/Family Photography – Portrait photography with a focus on a Baby or Family, capture a moment in time for a family. Fashion Photography – Captures models in glamour's lighting usually displaying fashion items such as clothing, shoes and accessories, used in advertisements and fashions magazines.

T YPES OF P HOTOGRAPHY Macro Photography – Capturing a photo at a very close range to show of the details of the subject. Interesting subjects in macro photography include, flowers, insects, and textures.