Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Photography: Photo Composition

By SFXsource

Good composition is important because it will not only keep your viewer engaged, but it will also make your photo more interesting. These tips will help you take great photos. For most beginning photographers, it will take a while to develop an "eye" for composition, but don't worry because you will get better.

1. When you are photographing your subject, always keep composition in mind. Do not rely on cropping them afterward. While it is okay to crop your photos, you do not want to be spending time cropping every single one in order to get an interesting photograph.

2. Firstly, consider the placement of your subject. You will want to avoid placing your subject in the middle of the frame. "Sweet spots" are where you want to place your subject.

To get an idea about where these sweet spots are located, imagine a rectangular, blank photo. Envision 2 vertical lines dividing the frame into 3 equal sections. Now imagine 2 horizontal lines breaking the frame into 3 equal sections. Where these lines intersect at 4 spots are the sweet spots. For a great photo, experiment placing your subject in these imaginary sweet spots.

3. Lines and texture can be used to draw your view in. Lines will allow the viewer to be guided around the photograph.

A spiral staircase will draw the viewer around the photos as well as inward. Blades of grass would draw the viewer from the bottom of the photos to the top, and rays of sun would draw the viewer from the top of the photos to the bottom creating a cycle.

Horizon lines can be placed either above or below the center. Lines from subjects such as trees, ladders, buildings, or railroad tracks can also be used to create strong composition. - 16039

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