Learning Event 2
STATE THE PRINCIPLES OF COMPOSITION
1. Composition may not always follow definite rules.
There are several
guiding principles based on common sense which help a photographer develop
an eye for good composition. These basic principles are: Simplicity, Center
of Interest, Balance, Direction, Details, Tonal separation, Lighting, Depth,
Camera angle, Format, Foreground, Lines, Background, Framing, and Image
size.
2. Simplicity. The purpose of a photograph must be clear. It must not be
confused with a mass of elements which compete or distract from the main
purpose.
Simplicity adds dignity and supports the purpose for a detailed
and functional photograph.
3. Center of Interest. Every photograph should have one definite center or
point of interest which is supported by the remaining elements.
The
placement of the principle subject or action to gain its center of interest
allows the viewer to absorb the meaning of the photograph more clearly and
quickly.
a. To locate the ideal site for the center of interest, consider the
scene as a tick-tack-toe chart. Place the principle subject on one of the
intersections, Figure 4-1.
Figure 4-1.
Location of center of interest
b. Another point to consider is which of the four intersecting points
to place the principle subject.
The following rule should help.
If the
subject is facing left, place it on one of the two points on the right. If
facing right, place it on one of the two points on the left. If the subject
is looking up, place it on one of the two bottom points. If looking down,
place it at one of the top two points. If the subject if facing right and
looking up, place him on the bottom left point and so on, Figure 4-2.
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