The document discusses several rules of composition for taking better photographs, including the rule of thirds, getting different angles above and below subjects, worm's eye and bird's eye views, natural framing, being aware of lighting, using repetition and leading lines. It concludes by assigning the reader to take 8 photos using these composition rules to tell a story about themselves.

1. Rules of Composition

2. Composition Composition is all about planning, positioning and arranging elements in a photograph so that the image communicates as powerfully as it can. There can be more than one element in a photo

3. Rule of Thirds The Rule of Thirds is based on the fact that the human eye is naturally drawn to a point about two-thirds up a page. Crop your photo so that the main subjects are located around one of the intersection points rather than in the center of the image

10. Different Angles Get above and below your subject for a different view. Capture all views: above, below, left and right. Move Around! Take more than one photo of your subject

11. Worms Eye View From below Get down on the ground and look up Get on the same level (if down low) as your subject

21. Birds Eye View From above Look for ways to get above your subject and look down Standing on things (carefully) Holding your camera up (and still getting a good shot)

27. Natural Framing This means to frame the center of interest with objects in the foreground. This can give a picture the feeling of depth it needs to make it more than just another snapshot.

37. Lighting Always be aware of the light sources around you! Where you stand changes how the lighting affects the subject Keep in mind that the weather outside has an effect on the lighting Watch for ugly fluorescent lights on the ceiling Don’t backlight your subject unless it adds to the photo

47. Repetition Elements of the photo repeat. Look for people in uniforms, people lined on fences, sitting in rows or standing in a line.

51. Leading Lines Leading lines are natural objects in a photo that lead to the main subject They should draw the readers eye up or across a photo right to a subject Just because there are lines in a picture does not make them leading lines! They must have a purpose!!

54. Photo Assignment #1 (yay!  ) Take 8 photos using the rules of composition Use the photos to tell a story about yourself Family Pets Things that show who you are NO “facebook” or “myspace” photos!