Composition
Whether you just shoot images for special occasions or you are a hobbyist, proper composition is
important. An improperly composed image is the just a “snap-shot.” Bringing out the best look in
people, an object and creating compelling images will make you and others want to view your
pictures. Why take a picture at your child’s birthday party if it looks like a mugshot. It really isn’t all
that difficult. Some thing as simple as tilting the camera 30 degrees, framing the frame with another
object, lowering the camera height, having your subject tilt their head slightly, catch an object or person
in motion, imply motion and follow some basic rules will improve your picture quality.
Rule number one, rules are meant to be broken. Pros always break some of the rules for creativity
sake. Following some basic fundamentals will prove its self.
Rule of thirds. Think of dividing your frame into three equal parts vertically and three parts
horizontally. Where the vertical and horizontal diving lines meet is what is important. Important
subjects should be there and not centre of the frame. In addition if you are photographing a landscape
where the land or water meet the sky should be placed on either top or bottom horizontal dividing line.
If you photograph people close up, your camera level is in play. If your camera is slightly below your
subject with your subject looking down slightly onto the camera, it implies strength. This would be the
camera position in a corporate portrait for example. Generally males will respond better to this in
portrait. If your camera position is slightly higher, with your subject looking up to the camera it
implies venerability. This would be preferred for children and is thought of as being feminine.
Frame your image. While shooting you can have an object before your subject going across the top,
bottom or either side. For example photographing a house or barn in tall grass, get down into the grass
so it covers the bottom of the frame.
Angles and triangles are important in photography. They are compelling to the eye and will give a
photograph direction. Subjects tilting their heads slightly or having a slight bend in the elbow lend to a
more appealing posture. While photographing objects with straight edges such as a birthday card try
having the object at a slight angle.
You can slow the shutter speed to allow moving objects to blur. This can imply motion or can be used
in nature photography with things such as water.
Watch the background. While lining up a shot notice what’s in the background. Find nice backgrounds
and make sure there is nothing that will distract from your subject. Watch what is in the background
directly surrounding a person’s head. A tree can look like it is growing out of a person’s head. This
might be a good time to mention to keep peoples entire head in the frame. Just thought I’d mention it.
Do not cut at the joints. This probably applies to cropping while editing. When a person’s legs leave
the bottom of the frame do not cut them off at the knees. They should be cutting well below or above.
The same applies to elbows. In the background, do not cut peoples off at the neck. Headless people in
the background are disturbing.