Sunrise, Sunset, Landscape, Lighthouse, Flowers and Fine Art Photography by Dave Collins
It has been a busy several months since the last newsletter, including a move to the Norfolk area of Virginia. I am almost unpacked and ready to get back to business.
Before I move into this second article, let me clarify that the suggestions for improving your photographs discussed in this series, apply to film or digital cameras and to point and shoot as well as SLR cameras. The camera does not make the photograph any more than a paint brush makes a painting. The camera is a tool of the photographer just as the paint brush is a tool for the artist.
In this newsletter, I will be talking about composition.
As always, if you have any comments or questions, feel free to
">contact me
.
This Months Main Topic - Basic Photographic Composition
In the last newsletter, a good photograph was defined as one having:
1. A subject or theme.
2. The composition of the photograph emphasizes the subject.
3. The photograph is simple and uncluttered.
This does not mean that basic technique is ignored. Certainly, a photograph that is out of focus would not be considered a good photograph (unless the photographer is using out of focus to create a theme). Also, a photograph should be properly exposed. These are technical considerations. In this series, we will be concentrating on the artistic considerations, beginning with composition – i.e., how the image is laid out on the film plane.
Composition in photography has its basis in classic art. The same rules apply.
The most basic “rule” of composition is known as the rule of thirds. This
rule, simply stated, says if you divide the plane of the film into three equal
rows and three equal columns like a tic tac toe board, you should locate your
main subject at one of the intersections of vertical and horizontal lines. (See
figure below) Unless your camera viewer does this for you, you will have to
visualize it as you compose your photograph.
Remember, this "rule" is only a guideline. Sometimes, the subject works best
in the center. Put it there.
What about the horizon? The rule of thirds can be used and the horizon can
be put at any of the cross lines. If the sky is more important to the
photograph, put the horizon low in the picture to add more sky. If the ground
is more important to the photograph, put the horizon higher. What if they are
equally important, or it doesn't matter? Put the horizon in the center or
where you think it works best. Here is an example of the placement of the
subject and the horizon using the rule of thirds:
Note that the subject, the swing, is slightly off to the left and low. The
horizon is high in the photograph because the ground is more important than
empty sky.
When photographing nature – birds, animals, insects, etc. - always leave some
space in front of the animal so that it appears they have someplace to go in
the frame like in this photograph of a cardinal:
So, these are the
basic
guidelines for composing your photographs. Try them out and see if they help
you take better pictures. As always, if you have any questions or comments,
">contact me
.
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Latest Update:
I have added a
Specials Page
to offer selected merchandise for discount each month. This month, several of
my note cards in specific formats are on a great special of $1.75 each instead
of the normal $2.70.
Also, this month's cover photo, an Amaryllis flower is on special in all sizes
Contact Information:
Dave Collins
D. C. Photographic Images
PO Box 8834
Norfolk, VA 23503
Phone: 757-583-1115
Email: