Saturday, January 17, 2009

Photograph Composing

By SFXsource

Composition is what makes a photograph interesting, and it also keeps your viewer engaged. In order to improve your composition, just follow these tips. If you are just starting out with photography, it may take you a while to develop an "eye" for composition, but don't worry because you will improve.

1. It is important to always keep composition in mind. It is not a good idea to rely on cropping your photo afterward. You may want to crop some photos, but it is not a good idea to spend a lot of time cropping all your photos in order to get a great one.

2. You will want to first consider the placement of your subject. You generally want to avoid putting your subject in the middle. Place your subject in a "sweet spot."

To visualize these sweet spots, first think about a blank, rectangular photo. Next, draw 2 vertical lines that break the frame into 3 equal sections. Draw 2 horizontal lines that break the frame into 3 equal sections. There are 4 spots where these lines intersect, and these are called sweet spots. Experiment placing your subject in one of these imaginary sweet spots for a great photo.

3. Use lines or texture to draw the viewer into your photograph. Your viewer is going to be guided around the photo by the lines.

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.

If you have horizon lines, try placing them higher or lower in the frame. You can use strong lines with subjects such as buildings, railroad tracks, ladders, or trees. - 17943

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