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