Pillar #5 - Framing & Composition in Photographs

1. MR. BERDINKA
DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
NORTHERN LEBANON HIGH SCHOOL
Photographic Composition

2. Composition in Photography
 Composition is the concept used to arrange detail
when capturing an image
 There are no fixed rules in photography, but there are
guidelines which can often help you to enhance the impact and
viewer interest of your photos.
 There are a number of established composition guidelines
which can be applied in almost any situation, to enhance the
visual appeal of an image.
 These guidelines will help you take more compelling
photographs, lending them a natural balance, drawing
attention to the important parts of the scene, or leading the
viewer's eye through the image.

3. Proper Framing & Composition
 Techniques:
 Rule of thirds
 Simplicity/Fill the Frame
 Selective Focus
 Leading Lines
 Symmetry/Patterns
 Framing Elements
 Point of View – POV
 Merge/Cropping

4. #1 - Rule of Thirds
Places important detail along the
third lines/intersections of the frame
• Helps brake up the frame
• Avoids using the center
• Uses the “Golden Rule” layout to
provide better balance
• Align the horizon properly across
one of the horizontal 1/3 lines

5. Why Rule of Thirds?
 It uses the “Golden Rule”

6. Rule of Thirds Examples

7. #2 – Simplicity
Clean frame with no distraction
• No distraction in fore/background
• allows viewer to focus on the subject
• provides clear detail of the
photographer’s intended purpose
• generally occupies a larger portion
of the frame

8. Simplicity Examples

9. #3 – Selective
Focus
One object is clear while others lack
clarity in the frame
• Directs the viewer’s attention on the
intended subject/important detail
• Contrast in clarity provides unique
appearance
• Helps eliminate unwanted detail or
distractions

10. Selective Focus Examples

11. #4 – Leading Lines
Using lines or detail elements that help
direct the viewer’s eye
• Helps dictate visual progression
• Motivate attention toward subject
• Divide the frame into sections
• Can be vertical, horizontal, diagonal,
and “S” curves

12. Leading Lines Examples

13. #5 – Symmetry &
Patterns
The appearance of detail that helps
get/retain viewer’s attention
• Symmetry vs. asymmetry
• Repeating objects
• Can be natural or man-made
• Generally many details within frame

14. Symmetry & Patterns Examples

15. #6 – Framing
Elements
Unimportant objects/detail that direct
the viewer toward relevant detail
• Can be vertical, horizontal, or both
• Generally along the edge of the frame
• Trees, fences, columns, grass, tables
generally work well
• Should be colorless and uninteresting
• Must be closer to the camera that the
subject (within 2-10 feet)
• Framing elements do not have to be
clear or in focus

16. Framing Examples

17. #7 – POV Point-of-
View
Vary the camera angle to alter the
view point providing a unique
appearance
• Simply being different can entice
the viewer to look longer
• Avoid doing the same old thing
• Alter camera angle, camera
position and camera direction
• Try new things…especially getting
on level with your subject

18. POV Examples

19. #8 – Merge
(cropping)
Process used to create a unique spin on
a subject or scene
• Cut off a significant part of your
subject using the edge of the image
• Not cropping out something near
the subject to add context to the
scene that may seem bizarre
• remove important or revealing
detail to add sense of mystery or
require greater thought

20. Merger Examples

21. The Theory of Rule of Thirds
Avoids using the center
Scientific proven proportion
for balance

22. Rule of Thirds

23. Analyzing Image #1

24. Analyzing Image #2

25. Analyzing Image #3

26. Analyzing Image #4

27. Analyzing Image #5

28. Analyzing Image #6

29. Analyzing Image #7

30. Why do some pictures just look better?
What separates this
image from your average
snapshot?
• Vibrant color
• Clear detail that all
works together
• Complexity that causes
the viewer to think
• Specific timing
• Clear intended goal
• Good balance and use
of composition