Photography basics document discusses photographic composition and how the camera sees differently than humans. The camera only captures a small isolated part of the scene in two dimensions and freezes it without discrimination, unlike humans who selectively see. Backgrounds may be more cluttered or subjects smaller than remembered. Effective portrait photography for magazines makes a quick positive impact with varied shot types giving different views, keeping the audience interested long enough to buy the magazine.

1. PHOTOGRAPHY BASICS
Photographic composition is the pleasing arrangement of subject matter elements within the picture area.
Creative photography depends foremost on the photographer's ability to see as the camera sees because a
photograph does not reproduce a scene quite the way we see it. The camera sees and records only a small
isolated part of the larger scene, reduces it to only two dimensions, frames it, and freezes it. It does not
discriminate as we do. When we look at a scene we selectively see only the important elements and more
or less ignore the rest. A camera, on the other hand, sees all the details within the field of view. This is the
reason some of our pictures are often disappointing. Backgrounds may be cluttered with objects we do not
remember, our subjects are smaller in the frame or less striking than we recall, or the entire scene may
lack significance and life.
Portrait photography for music magazines must make a positive impact on the target audience within
seconds. A variety of shot types gives the eye different viewpoints, and the star needs to ensure that their
performance keeps the audience interested long enough to buy the magazine.
TASK:Use google images to find examples of the following shot types
and make your own document.

2. Canted shot (often hand held)
A view in which the frame is not level, causing the objects in the scene to
appear slanted out of an upright position.
Angle of framing is the position of the frame in relation to the subject it
shows.
HA – High angle: above the subject looking down.
LA – Low angle: below the subject looking up.
EL – Eye level: horizontal, on the same level.
Asymmetrical Composition
Elements of the shot are unbalanced e.g. the star is to one side of the frame
Framing
Using an element of the image to draw attention to the main feature e.g.
photographing your star in a doorframe