Composition Grab Bag #1
In this tutorial, I've listed a few of the things I think about when I'm composing a picture - some "riffs" that I use in photography. I've also provided sample pictures to illustrate each technique and help you decide when to use each one.
Just like the other posts on this blog, you don't need any special equipment to put these into practice. Anyone can make great pictures with almost any camera, and these composition tips can help.
Make the subject stand out against the background
In the first picture, my sister and the pine cone stand out from the blue sky. In the second picture, my sister's jacket stands out from the brown background, but the pine cones don't. Notice what your eye is drawn to in each picture.
Use horizontal/vertical lines to express calmness
Use diagonals to add energy and tension
The slanted horizon makes this picture more dynamic and gives it energy - he seems to be falling to the left because of the sloping floor.
Go practice!
I'll give you some time to try out these techniques before I list a few more. Feel free to post links to your own pictures so we can see more examples!
9 comments:
wow...awesome tips/pics!!
Nice DOF...
Isn't that when your F number is smaller (larger aperture), that you have a more... um I forgot what it's called, but like there is a smaller focal range, and when there is a higher F number, there is a larger focal range so you can get more things in focus for different kinds of pictures... right?
Hey Terry, you're exactly right. DOF stands for "depth of field," and you get a narrower band in-focus (shallow depth of field) with a large aperture (small F number, e.g. F/2.8). I plan to make a post about that eventually, but some people's cameras don't allow them to set aperture and shutter speed manually.
Some point-and-shoots allow that, but setting those take a bit longer since there is no wheel you can spin, rather you push little <- and -> buttons.
http://picasaweb.google.com/mrairplaneman777/Randomness/photo#5175573985567619042
There is a picture I took with the camera focusing on the drop of water, and not the faucet around it.
woops the link didn't go through...
link
There is the link in the previous post, sorry about all the posts!
Nice, Terry! Shallow depth of field is a great way to separate your subject from the background. Also, the light color of the water drop sets it apart from the dark faucet behind it. Good job!
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