Composition & Light: Basic Photography

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Basic photography -

Composition & light


Adapted from Jim Lucas
Franklin, pg. 231-238
Williams & Tollett, pg. 185-192
Photographs
 Visualize role in design and message
 Survey different sources

 Adjust or remove features to complement purpose

 Choose simple, yet interesting composition

 Select lighting that enhances subject or


reinforces the message
 Choose angle that best shows subject and
reinforces the purpose
 Use color when practical

 Establish size, scale and orientation


Keep it simple

 Keep background uncluttered


 Avoid mergers

 Have single dominant subject


Single dominant subject
Cluttered background
Avoid mergers
Angle
 Low angle
 Clear sky backdrop
 Accentuate movement or action
 High angle
 Eliminate cloudy sky
 Avoid centered horizons
 Use the light
 Emphasize a point, tone
Angle
Strong center of interest
 Take pictures at different angles with different
compositions
 Work around the rule of thirds
Rule of Thirds
Rule of Thirds
Balance
 Balance color and weight in a picture
 Formal and informal

 Symmetrical and asymmetrical


Line
 Line leads the eye
 Diagonals
 S-curves

 Static vs. dynamic lines


 Shape
Line
Line
Line
Framing
 Adds depth
 Should fit theme

 Watch focus on foreground


 Focus on foreground in landscape
 Focus on subject in portraits
 Auto-focus should be centered on main topic
 Overall—Depends on camera
Framing
Framing
Fill the frame
 Would this picture look better if I was closer?
 Focus on subject
 Detail

 Start far and move closer


 Fill the frame with objects that “fit”

 Long range shots provide depth and perspective


Fill the frame
Fill the frame
Pick a good light direction
 Three light directions
 Front - sunny with high color
 Side - depth and texture
 Back - dynamic but challenging; silhouettes and
water effects
Light
Direction?
Light
Direction?
Contrast
 Hard vs. soft light
 Sunny days – high contrast (hard light)
 Cloudy days – low contrast (soft light)

 Portraits often use soft light (shaded area)


 Flash will reduce contrast

 Soft light helps with color variations

 Time of day
Light and contrast
Light and contrast
Time of day
Light type
Action shot tips
 High shutter speed
 Telephoto lens
 Longer lens means faster shutter speed
 Stopping motion
 Far is easier than near
 Straight is easier than diagonal
 Diagonal is easier than right angles
 Panning
Action shots
Landscape tips
 Take pictures at the start and end of the day
 Anticipate weather changes

 Diffused light can highlight patterns and


textures
 Bright light highlights monochrome colors

 Move around to exclude or block objects from


view
Objects in the landscape tips
 Add scale, depth and focal points
 Use items to add interest to common or simple
scenes
Sunset tips
 Include shadowed image for interest
 Often best after the sun has actually gone down

 Less time closer to the equator to take


Wildlife tips
 Fill the frame
 Avoid barriers

 Shoot against the glass if in a car (no flash)

 Use tripod

 Blur background, or find simple one

 Focus on the eyes

 Go for natural poses, growls, yawns, etc.


Garden tips
 Strong diffused light is generally best—especially
for single blooms
 Macro lens
 Can help you get a 1:1 ration
 Avoid shadowing your subject
 Have smaller aperture to allow more depth of field
 Without macro = 4 foot minimum
Take-away tips
 Think
 Experiment

 Move

 Wait

 Rule of Thirds

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