Taking better pictures

Photo composition techniques

Photo Composition Techniques

Rule of thirds – divide the photo into 9 equal parts; the picture will be more interesting if the main elements fall along the lines, especially at the junctures of the lines.


Framing – using elements to frame the main element makes the picture more interesting.


Simpler is often better; one subject and a simple background is better than a cluttered photo.


Leave space in front of a moving object to draw interest into the photo rather than out of it.

Photo Composition Techniques


Use leading lines to pull the eye into the picture. The lines can be obvious, such as a fencerow or buildings, or implied, such as a series of similar objects. (People, cars, etc.)


Use geometric shapes (triangles especially) to make pictures more interesting. You can often find shapes by changing your angle of view so that you aren’t looking at the subject squarely.


Use balanced arrangements of the visual elements to keep pictures from looking lopsided.


Watch for background elements intruding into the foreground.


Get close. Then get closer. If you’re using a DSLR camera, get a telephoto/zoom lens and then some macro adapters.


Learn to see light. Sometimes a silhouette is powerful; sometimes the light itself can add to your composition.

Photo Editing

Basic editing is easily done with MS Office Photo Manager

Guide to compressing pictures with it at http://support.dasnr.okstate.edu/reference-materials

More advanced editing can be done with PhotoShop or GIMP.

http://support.dasnr.okstate.edu/reference-materials




Photo editing

Taking better pictures - DASNR Information...

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