Photo Journal: Composing Perspective

Technique was the subject of today's photography class beginning with composition. Photographic composition is the arrangement of objects within the frame to produce an aesthetically pleasing photograph. There are several different principles and techniques you can apply to create a photograph that is visually appealing. Many of the techniques overlap and there is not just one rule that applies to everything, so here are just a few of the techniques you can utilize to compose a photograph.

Leading lines are an effective element in photography. Natural lines can be used to draw a viewer's attention to an object or a specific part of the photograph.

The Rule of Thirds helps position your subject where the eyes typically draws to in a photograph. Pictures are divided into thirds with two imaginary lines vertically and two lines horizontally equaling three columns, three rows, and nine sections. Objects are placed at the points where the lines intersect.

Perspective is the angle in which the photograph is taken for example, at eye level, birds-eye view (looking down at the subject), or bugs-eye view (looking up at the subject).

Framing is used to draw attention to the subject in a photograph by positioning items around the subject to create a framing effect.

Your ability to control the light in a photograph and direct it to where you want it to go can produce a mood or attract attention to or from an object.