PhotographyThe Basics

Snapshots vs. Photographs

SnapshotMemories

What the subject is

Point and click

PhotographsArtistic interpretation of a thing or event

What the subject is about

Pay attention to detail (most important)

Composition

Composition simply means how your image is put together. The greatest subject in the world will not automatically make a great image. You have to know how (and where) to put that image on film.

There are “rules” to follow to make sure you have good composition.

Rule of ThirdsFrame is divided in 9 equal squares

Intersections are the strongest focal points and lines are second strongest.

Left line is best for single object. Bottom right is best for multiple object.

People should be on the opposite line of the direction they are looking.

Depth of FieldDepth of field is the amount of your image before and beyond your focus point that will be in focus.

In subjects such as landscapes, a large depth of field is often desired so that the entire scene appears to be in focus. With subjects such as portraits, a small depth of field is often used to blur the background and reduce distractions from the main subject of the image.

Centering

Centering a subject is generally not a good idea but there are times that it makes sense.

Centering is an effective way to draw attention to your subject when there are very few other items in the composition. Also, centering can be used on the other end of the compositional spectrum when the composition is extremely busy.

Horizontal Vs. Vertical

Horizontal photographs are the most common orientation because the camera is designed to take pictures this way. Horizontal images are roughly the same format as how we see the world.

Horizontal images are best used:When the subject is horizontal (wider than it it tall)

To allow the subject to “move” horizontally

To convey a sense of space

Horizontal Vs. Vertical Cont.

Vertical images are a photographer's way of attempting to imitate the brain's natural selective focus ability.

Vertical images are best used:

When the subject is vertical (taller than it is wide)

To allow the subject to “move vertically”

To focus attention