A slideshow to explore design principles when taking photographs.

1. Comm 130: Visual Media
Photography Activity

2. Lighting: Indoor
We couldn’t see without light.
It gives color and shape to
everything we see. Light adds
depth to objects. It sets the
tone, or mood of a design.
Lighting is different inside and
outdoors. With limited light
indoors, it may be helpful to
place your subject by a
window for better lighting.

3. Lighting: Outdoor
We couldn’t see without light.
It gives color and shape to
everything we see. Light adds
depth to objects. It sets the
tone, or mood of a design.
Lighting is different inside and
outdoors. Depending on the
weather, it can greatly vary
outside too. It helps to take
photos on a cloudy day, or
placing your subject in the
shade for softer light.

4. Composition
A design is pleasing when the
main subject or focal points
are composed along lines
dividing the design or image
into thirds — both horizontally
and vertically.
This design principle is called
the rule of thirds. Using the
rule of thirds to compose our
design creates balance.
Take a look at the example to
the left. The focal points
effectively intersect the rule of
thirds guides.

5. Composition

6. Lead Room
A designer leaves space in
front of moving or stationary
subjects. Designs with proper
composition leave space in
the direction the subject is
facing or moving.
This design principle is
essential to prevent a viewer
from feeling like the subject
is trapped. It helps with flow
in a design.
This isn’t just important with
portraits, but also applies to
subjects such an airplane or
animals. Take a look at the
examples to the left. Which
one is poor, and which is a
good example of lead room?

7. Lead Room