Class3
- 1. Course on In Embassy of Finland, Nairobi, June 2012 Seppo Toikka
- 2. Composition Photo with a good composition gets your attention even from far away Respect the frame! Without cropping, you have two options: horizontal and vertical orientation
- 3. Levels of composition Abstract – graphical elements Message – what is this photo about? Details – how to keep the viewer’s attention in the picture
- 4. Composition elements Alignment – lines aligned with frame borders create stability Diagonal lines create tension and direct the eye (perspective) Convergence – perceived or imaginary convergence of diagonal lines
- 8. Composition balance Rule of thirds & Golden ratio (1,6:1) Continuity ”Natural” positioning of subjects Compensating objects, left-right balance
- 14. High graphic style Clear geometry, high contrast Symmetry Extreme angles Opposite colors
- 21. Contrasting elements Separate layers, depth Tonal contrast, colors, focusing Extreme angles Opposing colors
- 26. Leading the eye Diagonal lines Changing brightness Changing focus Subject ”viewing vector”
- 31. Tips Frame action tighly Opposing dynamics are powerful Try different angles, go higher or lower With three subjects, form a balanced triangle
- 36. Photographer’s mindset Think in frames – what happens if I move closer or to the side, higher or lower? What will change? Look for powerful compositions and interesting subjects – be patient! Build your own ”composition bank”
- 37. Photographer’s checklist When you stop to take a photo, think what exactly caught your eye Compose the frame around that exact thing Do a ”perimeter check” for any distracting details that don’t belong
- 38. Hard work pays off Don’t settle for the first ok photo, think how the composition could be improved Come prepared, have an idea what you want and how to get it The more you shoot the more you get better pictures (just put your mind to it!)
- 39. Example exercise Look around your home, try to find new perspectives to your everyday surroundings Pay attention to light, shapes, pairs or groups of objects Don’t settle for the first ok photo, think how it could be improved
- 43. Example photoshoot 3 days, 600 photos taken (not Counting technically failed photos) Resulted in 3 photos that I’m satisfied with Great success!
- 45. Any camera, same advice All cameras have strengths and weaknesses, use the strengths! Keep composing until you have eliminated all distracting elements and have the most pure composition