1. How to take better photos Basic rules of design

2. Rule of thirds Placing your subject off-center creates an interesting, dynamic image. Imagine your photograph divided into three horizontal and vertical sections. To compose a well-balanced, off- center shot, place your subject near the intersections of the imaginary grid lines. This is called the rule of thirds.

3. Rule of thirds Divide the image into three sections

4. Rule of thirds Use the rule of thirds to create dynamic portraits

5. Rule of thirds Emphasize a dramatic sky by placing the horizon along the lower grid line

6. Rule of thirds With a moving subject, use the rule of thirds to leave space for the subject to travel into

7. Rule of thirds Busy shots feel more orderly when you apply the rule of thirds.

8. Get Close Your subject is interesting, so get close to it. Don't let your pictures suffer from the "Grandma at the Grand Canyon" syndrome, with a tiny subject and lots of boring, irrelevant space.

9. Try Unusual Angles Be bold! Try turning your camera to 45 degrees before snapping a picture. Or instead of snapping it from eye level, kneel down or lie on the ground to get a more interesting shot.

10. Frame Your Subject Try framing your picture with foreground objects to add depth to the image.

11. Pay Attention to Lines Curves, straight lines, and diagonals add energy and movement to your compositions. Let roads and rivers draw the viewer into the image or lead the viewer's eye in a specific direction. Watch for natural geometric patterns and place yourself at an interesting angle to them.

12. Pay Attention to Lines Let roads and rivers lead the viewer into the picture

13. Pay Attention to Lines Look for patterns of lines

14. Pay Attention to Lines Diagonals are dynamic, and curves are sensual

15. Pay Attention to Lines Don't let lines unintentionally throw your photo off balance. When you shoot the horizon or a building, keep the straight lines level—unless you're shooting at a dramatic, intentional angle.

16. Avoid Mergers

17. As you position yourself to avoid a cluttered background, also look out for trees, lamp posts, and other background objects which might merge with your subject in unfortunate ways.

18. Look for Interesting Reflections and Shadows Shadows and reflections add depth and artistry

19. Avoid Busy Backgrounds Busy Better

20. Be a picture director Boring Better A picture director takes charge. A picture director picks the location: "Everybody go outside to the backyard." A picture director adds props: "Girls, put on your pink sunglasses." A picture director arranges people: "Now move in close, and lean toward the camera

21. Look your subject in the eye Direct eye contact can be as engaging in a picture as it is in real life. When taking a picture of someone, hold the camera at the person's eye level to unleash the power of those magnetic gazes and mesmerizing smiles Too high Better angle

22. References http://www.fotofinish.com/resources/c enters/photo/takingpictures.htm http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQu erier.jhtml?pq-path=38/39&pq- locale=en_US

23. Most important~ Take lots and lots of photos! Digital photos are cheap! – Use the “burst” mode to get great shots of sports, kids, people! Experiment!

24. Review of tips Rule of thirds: Place object off center Place horizon off center Leave lead room for moving objects Help with busy shots

25. Review of tips Get close Try unusual angles Frame your subject Pay attention to lines Avoid mergers Look for reflections and shadows

26. Review of tips Avoid busy backgrounds Be a picture director Look your subject in the eye

27. Your Turn Help me update this powerpoint with our own photos. You will be assigned tip and with a partner, you will get photos that demonstrate a good and a bad version of the tip.