Taking Good Photographs

The Principles of Composition

Think about what the picture should look like before you take it. Photos send a

message- what message do you wish to convey?

Center of Interest

Determine what you want the viewer’s attention to be drawn to before you take the photo

Vertical and Horizontal For tall subjects (people standing,

buildings, flagpoles), hold the camera vertically

For flat objects (the horizon, a person sleeping), hold it horizontally

The Rule of Thirds

Horizons

Horizons should always be placed one-third away from the bottom or top of the photo

Camera Angle Choose a unique

viewpoint most people might not ever see

Change angle to eliminate distracting things in the background

Camera Angle Hints To make someone look

more impressive, shoot from lower than their shoulders up

To make someone look less impressive, shoot from above

Always get down to the same level as children

Your subject is not a bulls-eye Try several different

viewpoints- do not always center your subject in the middle

Taking a Portrait Good portraits reveal at

least one element of a person’s attitude, personality or mannerisms

You want to “really capture” the subject

How to take a good portrait

1. Decide what is unique about the person

2. Make them feel comfortable: smile at them, have some small talk

3. Emphasize them, not their surroundings

4. Shoot the head and shoulders, with the eyes as the center of interest

Size and Scale Objects that are big

seem more important, while small objects seem less important.

Which seems more important?

Climb high

Landscapes and large groups should be shot from above- climb up on something to get a good angle

Camera Shake A blurry picture is often

caused by not holding the camera still

Solutions: Stand firm, hold your breath and press the shutter; don’t use zoom; use a tripod or solid surface

Lines and Patterns Lines lead the viewer’s eye to a point in a photo

Patterns catch viewer attention

Moving subjects

Always show the destination of a moving subject

Which is the better photo?