Composition
Composition is how a photograph or slide is composed, how pleasing the picture is, to ones eye. There are a couple of rules to follow, however they can be broken.
These golden rules are as follows:
1. Rule of Thirds
The rule of third is quite simple. When looking through the view finder, split you rectangular view into thirds. You then place your horizon on the line of the horizontal thirds (if landscape). If it was a portrait, you would place the subject on the line of the vertical thirds. Lastly if it is a special feature in among it settings, you would further split the view into nine rectangles, and where the corners meet; that is where you would place your subject.
2. Use of Lines
When you look through the view finder, look out for lines or geometrical shapes that draw the eye into the main focus point. Lines are good for drawing attention to detail.
3. No Merges or Distractions
When composing you photo, look-out for distractions that would conflict with the main subject. Such distractions would be i.e. litter, telegraph pole, a cluttered background and other people.
4. Use of light
Try and make sure you have the correct light for the subject you choose to shoot. After all you do not want your subject to look flat and lifeless. Or perhaps unwanted shadows that spoil the main features. Also beware of shooting into the sunlight. Apart from it is dangerous, the sun can create flare which could ruin your picture. With good use of light you can create great sense of mood and emotion for a picture.
5. Framing
If you can try and frame the picture through your view finder with a natural frame, such as a drooping tree branch or an archway. It does add quality to the subject.
6. Be Creative
Use your imagination, try out ideas that pop into your head or techniques that you have learned. Such as reflections, night-photography, different weather or different film speeds and colour. After all a picture is what you make it to be.
examples coming soon!