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Photography 101
Composing your Pictures
A photograph can be a work of art. In order to get the
effect you want when shooting a picture, take all extraneous
details into account and keep in mind that composition is
very important when shooting photographs. Taking a little
extra time to compose your pictures can make the difference
between a mediocre shot and a stunning one. Although the
tendency for all amateur photographers is to point and
shoot, if a few simple steps are followed, the average
photograph can become a keepsake.
Shooting Vertical or Horizontal
Don’t forget that you always have two camera angle options;
vertical and horizontal. When shooting tall buildings,
scenery like waterfalls or trees, and people, the camera can
be held vertically to maximize the focal point and minimize
the peripheral clutter. Even if the shot looks like it would
be best taken horizontally, turn the camera vertically and
see what happens to the composition. Sometimes a vertical
shot can make the object stand out more dramatically than a
horizontal photo can.
When shooting large groups of people, wide angles and cars,
the horizontal configuration is almost always best. It is
very difficult to get long objects or large groups in a
vertical format. When shooting horizontally, though, it is
important to be aware of the perimeter of the photograph.
Make sure that the extra clutter that surrounds your subject
is not a distraction in the finished product. Take a couple
of extra minutes to really study the surroundings through
the lens of your camera so you can change locations if
necessary.
Choosing a Main Point of Interest
Although the photographer always knows what he is shooting,
the viewer may not be so sure if there are too many elements
crowding the picture. It is very easy to miss some of the
more distracting elements in the picture when you focus too
intently on the subject without paying much attention to
surroundings. You can eliminate a lot of unimportant
elements by moving closer, zooming in, or changing the
camera angle. We have all experienced a certain amount of
dismay when the picture we are so looking forward to
captures grandma with a drainpipe or potted plant sprouting
out of the top of her head. A slight adjustment in camera
angle or zoom make grandma picture perfect.
View
For the most complimentary portrait, eye level is best. A
subtle change in camera angle can make an average picture
fun and interesting, though. For example, if you are trying
to make dad a giant, a camera angle that looks up at him
from below can exaggerate his size. Likewise, a shot taken
from far above your subject can make them appear comically
small. Even moving the camera slightly to the right or left
can give a totally different viewpoint.
Placing the Subject Off-Center
Placing your subject off-center will make your picture far
more interesting and dynamic. Even if your subject fills the
frame, it is important to remember that it should not be
dead center. In order to accomplish this, follow the rule of
thirds. Imagine a tic-tac-toe board inside your viewfinder.
Avoid placing your subject in the center square, and you
have accomplished a nice off-center composition using this
rule. Try to place your subject along one of the imaginary
lines that divides your frame.
Don’t forget to watch the horizon in your photograph. Just
as an off-center subject is usually best, so is an
off-center, and straight, horizon line. The horizon can give
the illusion of spaciousness by placing the horizon low in
the picture, or, by placing the horizon high, the illusion
of closeness is accomplished.
Using Leading Lines
Remember that the natural lines in a photograph can lead the
viewer’s eye into the picture and toward your main point of
interest, or right off the page. Make sure that shadows,
fence posts, roads, or anything that can lead the eye works
with the composition of the print. Diagonal lines are
dynamic, while curved lines are graceful and flowing. By
moving around and finding an appropriate angle, you can make
your photographs all that much more dramatic.
Avoiding Distracting Backgrounds
A complicated background can really compete with your
subject and destroy the composition of your photograph.
Remember that less really is more, so be sure there are no
bright colors or store signs that will detract from your
finished product. In particular, pay attention to what is
behind your photographs so tree branches don’t become
antlers. A simple, uncluttered background is best, so move
your subject around until he or she is in a spot where the
primary focus is where it should be.
Including Objects in the Foreground
When taking pictures of landscapes, including something in
the foreground will really add to the visual interest and
depth of your shot. For example, a tree or boulder in the
foreground of a shot of the desert gives the viewer a sense
of scale in relationship to the photograph. Remember, too,
that overhanging branches, an arch or doorway, or some other
element can be a wonderful ‘frame’ for your photograph that
will create visual interest and give your picture the depth
it needs to make it more than the average snapshot.
Remember to take a couple of extra minutes when taking
pictures to consider composition. It will be time well spent
when looking back at the photographs of your most precious
memories.
Add Kodak stuff that I forgot already…..
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