Elements of Composition

Angle of view Bird’s eye view – high Worm’s eye view – low

bird’s eye view

worm’s eye view

Leading lines/looks - Imaginary or real lines lead the reader to the subject and heighten content interest

leading lines - imaginary

diagonal lines – create energy and action

horizontal lines – create rest and quiet

vertical lines – create height and stability

Straight Lines = Dignity, Strength

Curved Lines = Grace, Beauty

curved lines – create grace and beauty

Selective focus - Subject(s) are in focus while background and/or foreground are blurred

selective focus – background blurred

selective focus – foreground blurred

Repetition - Repetition or patterns of people, expressions or surroundings lead viewers to the CVI

Composition Rule of thirds - Subject is divided into thirds vertically and horizontally Subject is placed on one of the intersecting lines or hot spots

rule of thirds // subject placed on hot spot

(TICK-TACK-TOE)

Silhouettes Subject appears black because light source is behind subject and not the photographer

Frame central subject matter – What is central to your shot? – Use objects to frame your shot – Framing to is used to isolate your subject

Avoid Mergers – Dimensional mergers Light post out of subjects head – Border mergers Subject cut off by frame, Car shot, but can’t see wheels

Dimensional Mergers

Border Mergers

What is Wrong with These Photos? photo no-no’s: what is wrong with these pictures?