What Makes a Great Photo?From Snapshots to Photography

What makes a good photograph?Two Worlds Divided

This a exceptional photo because it shows contrast in line type, color, and organic and geometric shapes.

As you go through the webquest, take notes on key concepts. In the slides that follow, find and add the best examples of each key concept. Include brief descriptions of why the picture is effective

and how it applies the key concept.

Click here to learn about what makes a strong photograph!

Simplified PhotoUncluttered Background

This photo works for an uncluttered background because the background is simplistic and does not take away from the bright, pink flamingos.

Framing

Horizontal FrameThis photo works for well for framing

because, while it is behind the subject, it perfectly frames the subject’s form.

Vertical FrameThis photo also works well for framing

because the two buildings perfectly center the moon between them.

Rule of ThirdsSpace for moving subject

This works well for a rule of thirds and space for moving subjects because the subject is off to the far, left corner of the photo.

Rule of Thirds Horizon Line

This photo is a perfect example of a horizontal rule of thirds because the subject falls on the lower of the picture.⅔

Rule of Thirds Vertical Placement

This photo shows great vertical rule of thirds by placing the subject to the far left thirds of the picture.

Dynamic Diagonal LinesThis photo is a great example of dynamic diagonal lines by not only having

the fence be diagonal, but the subject as well in the opposite direction.

Leading LineThis photo shows leading lines by drawing your eyes to look where the

subject is heading.

Rhythmic Lines This picture used a building’s design to not only frame the subject, but

show repetition in the building's pattern as well.

S - Curve The path that the subjects are following can be traced back to show a curve

in their path.

Visual UnityTriangular Placement

The subject’s wing span creates a beautiful triangle effect, as well as the reflection of the subject on the water forming another one with the subject

as well.

Balance

Symmetrical Water is always great for showing symmetry

because it is an almost exact copy of the subject.

Asymmetrical

Asymmetry was achieved here by the difference in size of the eye and the starfish

on either side.

Achieving Depth Through Framing

Depth can be seen in the way that the web blurs in the background, through the leaf.

Successfully Breaking The Rules This photo breaks the rule of thirds by centering the subject, the plane. It

works, however, by framing the subject with the buildings.

Consider the Discussion Images and your preferences.

My personal preference for pictures tends to be ones with constanting, vibrant colors, and a sort of whimsy or irony of their subjects, like

comparing a crawfish in a bucket to a large planet destroyer or the contrast of green and orange trees to autumn downloading.