Digital Photography [period two]: March 2012

Just remember: Rules are there to guide you, not to live your life by.

The Rule of Balancing Elements:

You should balance the weight of your subject by including another object of less importance to fill the space.

photo credit: http://imgsrv.worldstart.com/ct-images/javali_balance1.jpg

This image is focused on the chair, but would be a boring image if the window did not provide balance by filling the empty space.

The Rule of Leading Lines:

When looking at a photo our eyes are naturally drawn toward lines. The placement of lines in an image can affect the way we view it.

Photo Credit: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2x780RrjUR7U-i3X89_meN6SuLcA6vyfiu4E1pGgOM9Tjxm3tt8yBO4ezdirb4bxH8y7N2NlJqwBm8GZCnUHseIEY1nMhWUJWAJ5wc0m1KDfsoTnby9qdvBYdYj4S95tjhxKQkUQcSRE/s1600/Leading+lines+-+Motojournalism-10.jpg

The archways in this composition draw the eye down the passageway, pulling the viewer into the picture and focusing their attention on the large band playing.

The Rule of Symmetry and Patterns:

Symmetry and patterns can be very eye catching in an image, especially when not expected. They can also be used to break symmetry in some way to introduce tension in an image.

Photo Credit: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_3LkbXwhuxhBy-KztLZn1DYrsMJ0XhC6L3Kxj0vSh2HVhyBKjQWxpvr4Eq4MO5PsTqeQcrBvJmi_gnN_W1j1w8kr7tyB-MtGtvi5L5SozNn_vKcrY6sVTJikzcldGdvNzsq50tTPnYw/s1600/symmetry+in+nature+images-3.jpg

The symmetry of these swans catches the eye of the viewer.

The Rule of Viewpoint:

Where you shoot the image from has a massive impact on the composition of the photo. It can greatly affect the message the shot conveys.

Photo Credit: http://thumbs.dreamstime.com/thumblarge_415/1246624613Sq185r.jpg

This image of the Statue of Liberty, taken from the ground looking up, shows the towering height of the statue. This viewpoint highlights all that the statue stands for and the enormity of its importance.

The Rule of Background:

Different elements of the scene need to be distinguished between, and choosing a plain and unobtrusive background won't distract or detract from the subject.

Photo Credit: http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4667765754_eb3e71b486.jpg

The absence of any buildings or other distractions in this image highlights the beauty of the tree, with only a few clouds in the background.

The Rule of Depth:

Because photography is two-dimensional we have to chose our shot wisely to convey the depth of the image that is actually present. This depth can be created be placing an object in the foreground, middle ground, or background.

Photo Credit: http://www.secondpicture.com/tutorials/photography/great_depth_of_field_in_landscape_photo.jpg

Including subjects at various distances from the camera in this image emphasizes depth.

The Rule of Framing:

Placing a natural frame around an object(such as trees, stones, or archways)helps isolate the main subject from the outside world. The result is a more focused image that draws the eye to the main point of interest.

Photo Credit: http://www.ispwp.com/wp-content/image/3-contests/2009summer/1508_photographer-re.jpg

The archway in this photograph draws the viewer's eye to the main point of interest: a happy couple waking on a summer day.

The Rule of Cropping:

Cropping a photo tight around the subject eliminates background noise and distraction, ensuring the subject is all the viewer is focused on.

Photo Credit: http://www.brianrose.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/rudiknew1.jpg

This photo was cropped so that only the hands in the image are focused on, and the viewer cannot be distracted by the people in the photo. The subject is their hands, and cropping to only show this ensures that is all the viewer focuses on.

Experimentation:

Possibly the most important "rule" of photography is experimentation. You don't know if a shot will work unless you take it, so shoot away and see what you get!