Digital PhotographyFebruary 8, 2006

http://www.picturecorrect.com/photgraphytips/composition.htm

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The Rules of Composition

• Rule of Thirds

• Simplicity

• Framing

• Texture

• Colors

• Leading Lines

http://www.picturecorrect.com/photgraphytips/composition.htm

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Rule of Thirds

• Divide photo into thirds– horizontally and/or vertically

http://www.picturecorrect.com/photgraphytips/composition.htm

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Simplicity

• Keep information in photo relatively simple

• If main object is close – keep background simple to avoid distraction

http://www.picturecorrect.com/photgraphytips/composition.htm

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Framing

• Use natural surroundings to add meaning

• Keep focus on subject, not just surroundings

• Avoid “clutter”

http://www.picturecorrect.com/photgraphytips/composition.htm

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Texture

• Adds interest• Allows viewer to imagine the touch

http://www.picturecorrect.com/photgraphytips/composition.htm

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Colors

• Adds heart and emotion• Adds effect and accents• Use with caution – can draw attention away from subject

http://www.picturecorrect.com/photgraphytips/composition.htm

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Leading Lines

• Lure the eye deeper• Promote interest– Straight

– Curved

– Parallel

– Diagonal

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Lighting

• Don’t use excessive lighting

• Don’t use direct lighting

• The Golden Hour– The hour at sunrise and sunset

http://www.picturecorrect.com/photgraphytips/composition.htm

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Angles

• Creates effect• Adds depth and

coloring• Watch for shadows

http://www.picturecorrect.com/photgraphytips/composition.htm

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GIF & JPG

• File formats most often used for Web pages

• GIF - Graphics Interchange Format

• JPG / JPEG - Joint Photographic Experts

http://www.picturecorrect.com/photgraphytips/composition.htm

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GIF

• Used to create:– Line drawings, Animated figures– Images with transparent backgrounds

• File size small

• Use only 256 colors

http://www.picturecorrect.com/photgraphytips/composition.htm

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JPG / JPEG

• Used to create:– Full-color and gray-scale photos– Natural, “real world” scenes

• Not well suited for: – Cartoons, – black & whites – line drawings