Composition or...Taking better pictures
Composition is concerned with what you put into your picture and where; its final control lies in your
hands. A slight amount of extra thought and/or effort on your part can often turn what would have been
an otherwise ordinary-looking photograph into one which is stunningly attractive. There are so many
factors involved that probably thousands of books have been written on this aspect alone however here
are some basic picture-taking tips that will help you take better pictures starting right from your very
first roll of film .
· Isolate your subject - Concentrate your viewer's attention on the subject of your photograph, move in
as close as possible, filling the viewfinder frame and eliminating all extraneous foreground and
background detail. Remember that you can safely compose direct in the viewfinder, you see what the
lens sees (in fact there'll be a little more actual film image as previously mentioned due to the
viewfinder's built-in safety margin). Another way to eliminate extraneous detail and gain impact for
your subject is to use the 'differential focus' technique described on page 20. With some subjects (e.g.
sporting events, wildlife, distant objects of all kinds) you're unable, or it's inconvenient, to get in close -
here a telephoto lens scores as it "compresses" space making distant objects appear closer. Taking in less
of the field of view it also teaches you to be selective in choice of subject and viewpoint.
· Keep it simple - a few bold masses nicely contrasting with each other are more pleasing to the eye than
a confusion of small detail. Aim to achieve balance more than symmetry. Have objects of uneven size
balancing each other rather than a geometric arrangement of equal sized objects. Choose surroundings
and backgrounds carefully those that complement your subject rather than take interest away from it. A
person standing in front of a fussy background such as a building (unless it is 'thrown out of focus') is
seldom as attractive as a close-up of the same person against a background of trees or clear sky.
·With color - Complementary colors suggest harmony - clashing colors suggest conflict. Pastel shades
with a tiny, brightly-colored accent can be more effective than masses of strong color. The camera is
not as selective as the eye, which is why a bed of mixed flowers is rarely a good subject or color film.
o
Try to include something in the foreground of landscapes. A pictures include something in
the foreground of landscapes. A picture of distant scenery will often be improved just by a
bush, a rustic gate or trees in the foreground. People too, add life and impact to all kinds of
outdoor photography--a photograph of a winding country lane is
good,
add a person walking
down that lane and the picture may very well be
great.
(If nobody's around get into the scene
yourself by using the cameras self-timer).
o
Shoot from higher and lower angles -- Taking pictures of small children ? Get down to their level
-- literally. Kneel down, so that your camera is at eye-level with the child (instead of aiming
down). The result again, will be a much more interesting, natural-looking photograph. Taking
