Frame and Composition
Elements and Principles of Photography Due Dates: Classwork & Exercise - January 29 Assignment -February 19 Reflection - February 19 Frame and Composition in a photograph go hand in hand. For this assignment, Framing is the best way to communicate what you are trying to say with your photography. There are a number of different approaches to composing a photograph in interesting ways. What you include in the photograph and what you leave out will determine the success of any photograph, so pay close attention to the methods listed! Rule of Thirds: Imagine a small tic-tac-toe grid and frame your subject to the left or right of the center (where the lines cross). This can work horizontally or vertically. The off balance of your subject gives the whole picture a dynamic design. Frame with the Edge: By pushing the rule of thirds to an extreme, you will find that lining your subject up to the edge of the frame can create a pretty interesting design. When you find a picture you think might be interesting, think about what elements would fit as part of the frame. Go extreme, but don't let the edge take up too much of the picture! This also works with all four sides of your frame. Directional Line:Directional lines are also called Leading Lines because they draw the viewer from one side of the frame to the other, or into the background of the photograph. In painting and drawing these lines are used as perspective lines. Close Up Photography: Moving closer to your subject will change the way it looks completely. It is the difference between reality and abstraction. Try to photograph your subject so that it no longer looks like what it is normally. Even better, photograph your subject from a straight on, then as an extreme close up. Contrast and Focal Point: Contrast in any form may be used to create balance in your frame. We observe contrast in textures, sizes, colors and values. The more distinct the contrast the more effectively it will add to your composition. Element as Frame: This is also known as a frame within a frame. This also adds more layers to your photo, which makes it more interesting! In your viewfinder screen, look for architectural elements; windows, doors, fences, screens |