Homework 2
The challenge is to compose by controlling how the subject is seen and what emotions are felt by the viewer. This is done through composition—the relationship of the elements in an image with each other and with the frame. You know that good feeling you get when you snap a great shot? Well, just follow these guidelines, and you’ll start to see things differently through the viewfinder—and take great shots more often. Take a little time to compose each picture into the masterpiece it could be. Remember that you are trying to develop mastery in concept composition as well as in technique. [C2]
Visit the following sites and make notes in your blog about each topic. Include an image to illustrate what you are talking about. If one of your assignments from last year photos fits—then use that as your image. Cut and paste links to your browser or right-click to open:
www.kodak.com...
(Links to an external site.)
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| Erin McNulty |
1)Get Down on Their Level:
Hold your camera at the subjects eye level. This means getting down on the subjects level. To do so the photographer will need to bend down, get on one knee, or even lay down to match the subjects height.
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| Alaei |
2) Use a Plain Background:
Always check the surrounding area of your subject before snapping a picture. A cluttered background can be distracting. Using a plain background can enhance the focal point of your photo.
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| Mike Criss |
3) Use Flash Outdoors:
Use flash outdoors to enhance the photo. Use it in bright sunlight to illuminate dark shadows in your image. And on cloudy days to brighten up a subjects face.
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| services.flikie.com |
4) Move in Close:
Fill your image with the subject. To do so, use the zoom on your camera or take a few steps closer. This will help better show the details in your subject.
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| theamazingpics.com |
5) Take some Vertical Pictures:
Some subjects are better suited for vertical pictures. This can be achieved by turning your camera sideways to better accommodate the subject.
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| givensdj.blogspot.com |
6) Lock the Focus:
Lock the focus to create a sharper image of off center subjects. You can do this by either manually focusing the camera or holding down the button halfway, centering the subject, and then pressing down the button fully.
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| exposureguide.com |
7) Move it from the Middle:
Add more character to your photo by simply moving the subject off center. You can do this by using the grid on your camera and placing the subject on one of the lines.
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| 2heartsphoto.com |
8) Know your flash's range:
Subjects beyond the flash's maximum range will appear dark. For most cameras it is ten feet but check your camera's manual to be sure.
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| imgarcade.com |
9) Watch the Light:
For people, try and use soft light like on cloudy days instead of hard lighting which will create harsh shadows. For scenic pictures use long shadows such as in the early morning.
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| George |
10) Be a picture director:
Add some props, show people where to stands, or try a different viewpoint. Bring out the personalities of your subjects.
Edward Weston was a 20th-century American photographer. He has been called "one of the most innovative and influential American photographers.." He was born in Highland Park, Illinois. As a present for his 16th birthday, Weston's father gave him his first camera, a Kodak Bull's-Eye #2. And in the April of 1906, the magazine Camera and Darkroom published a full page reproduction of his picture. He later enrolled in the Illinois School of Photography to follow his passion. Years later Weston agreed to allow Mather, a new friend he had met, to become an equal partner in his studio. For several months they took portraits that they signed with both of their names. This was the only time in his long career that Weston shared credit with another photographer. By 1948 Weston was no longer physically able to use his large view camera due to Parkinson's disease. That year he took his last photographs. His final negative was an image he called, "Rocks and Pebbles, 1948". Weston died at his home on Wildcat Hill on New Year's Day, 1958.
