Composition is defined as the combining of distinct parts or elements to form a whole. In photography that definition is very important in taking quality pictures. The following rules of composition should be learned and considered but not necessarily used in every photo. Once you have learned these rules you will be more observant of the possible photo opportunities that surround you. But keep in mind that the really famous photographers usually find a creative way to stretch or break the rules of composition.
RULE OF THIRDS
The rule of thirds has been used through the centuries and is probably the most recognized rule. The rule of thirds directs that the frame can be divided into three vertical sections and three horizontal sections. Wherever the separating lines connect is an ideal spot for a subject or point of interest. By positioning your main subject at any of the four intersection points, you are giving your subject more emphasis than if it is right in the middle of the photo. The intersection points can also work if there is more than one main subject in a photo. Most famous photographs and paintings have the rule of thirds applied to them in some way or another.
SIMPLICITY
The simplicity rule directs that you should keep the items in your photo relatively simple. If your main subject is close to the lens, then your background should be very simple in order to avoid distractions. Another good idea is to avoid objects or lines that lead the eye away from your main subject.
CONTRAST
The contrast rule directs that light subjects should be placed against dark backgrounds and vice versa.
FRAMING
The framing rule directs that using natural surroundings mindfully can add more meaning and focus to your subject. The surroundings could be anything such as bushes, windows, trees or even a doorway. When using this rule be sure to focus on the main subject and not on the surroundings that are framing it. It is also a good idea to use a narrow aperture (high f/stop) when using this rule in order to create a high depth-of-field.
TEXTURE
The texture rule can add a great amount of interest to most photos. When people see texture in a photo it can spark their imagination and make the photo more real to life. Texture would be a good idea when taking photos of rocks, walls, surfaces, hands or even leaves. In order to create texture try to compose your photo so the light is coming from the side and therefore casting shadows in key places.
DIAGONALS
The diagonal rule directs that diagonal elements or lines can make a photo more dynamic. Diagonal elements could be fence posts, roads or even tree branches.
LEADING LINES
The leading lines rule can be used to direct the eye deeper into a photo and commonly to the main subject. Leading lines can lure the eye to a subject by leading to it from any side or depth of the photo. Leading lines could be roads, rivers, tree branches or even bridges.
COLOR
The color rule is what adds interest and emotion to your pictures. Different color configurations can inspire and amaze viewers. Colors can also be used to accent certain parts of a photo.
It might not be a bad idea to keep these key terms with you when you practice taking photos. The best way to learn and improve your composition is just to use them often and to experiment.
Richard Schneider is a digital photography enthusiast and founder of http://www.picturecorrect.com/ which offers tips and news about digital photography, digital camera reviews, photoshop tutorials and computer wallpaper.
executive chauffeured services Bradford .. Madison to Airport carWith such a fantastic device as the digital camera for... Read More
One of the major problems of the larger cities of... Read More
What I learned from a mentor that enabled me to... Read More
So you have this great digital camera and you've taken... Read More
You are anxious to purchase your new digital camera! You... Read More
The digital camera is in reality a great possession with... Read More
About Personalized Photo Calendars:Photo Calendars are 12-month, wall-hanging calendars that... Read More
There are way too many tape, disk and stick formats... Read More
There are two sources for obtaining the moulding for making... Read More
So, you have taken lots of pictures with your new... Read More
The most important part of buying a digital camera is... Read More
Your first thought when you read "Alligator Farm" might be... Read More
Choosing the right digital camera for general use can be... Read More
Everyone has a digital camera today and we all take... Read More
Getting the most out of your digital video camera can... Read More
Infrared photography is sometimes placed on the outside edge of... Read More
Once in while I receive e-mails or phone calls from... Read More
Dots Per Inch is a useful measure of relative resolution.... Read More
Night photographs express a special something that cannot be seen... Read More
You will need an underwater camera housing to keep your... Read More
Elephants in the Sky[1980s, Lee Evens in Mali, Timbuktu/Africa]Advance: Lee... Read More
A photo buyer calls for a picture of pigs. It... Read More
Having an efficient work flow is essential for photographers. In... Read More
Your wedding day is without a doubt one of the... Read More
I love panoramas. There's something very appealing about their shape.... Read More
O'Hare Chicago prom limo ..About Personalized Photo Calendars:Photo Calendars are 12-month, wall-hanging calendars that... Read More
Knowing which megapixel camera to buy can be intimidating. There... Read More
There are many different types of photography. You can take... Read More
Gone are the days when you would need to employ... Read More
Using a digital camera to take pictures is great. It's... Read More
While digital photography offers you the ability to review photograph... Read More
Babies make the best and the worst subjects to photograph.... Read More
Even though Nikon entered the camera world by 1948, today... Read More
Kids grow up so quickly and while we are often... Read More
1. Pet photos - advertise a Pet Photography business where... Read More
Nude photography is the genre of art photography, whose subject... Read More
PrefaceIn order to understand color management, it is important to... Read More
Candid photography is photography that focuses on spontaneity rather than... Read More
Some compact cameras are small enough to fit in your... Read More
What I learned from a mentor that enabled me to... Read More
Portrait is defined as, "A likeness of a person, especially... Read More
There are a large number of top 10 digital camera... Read More
Panasonic is a world-renowned consumer electronics company today. Its digital... Read More
HP has started making digital cameras only recently. However, the... Read More
There are a few very important tasks associated with using... Read More
What Is... Exposure BracketingExposure bracketing is a simple technique professional... Read More
Anyone with the right camera equipment, and the necessary skills... Read More
Good wildlife camera equipment on safari can make the difference... Read More
Pre-Production:It's all got to start somewhere, so before you even... Read More
Love is in the air at the Venice Rookery. The... Read More
Photography |