Composition Basics

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Composition Basics

• Mahlon Stacy
• my.photoshelter.com/mahlonstacy

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There are no rules for good photographs, there
are only good photographs

• Ansel Adams

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Simple rules

• Background Foreground
• Rule of Thirds (aka The Golden Ratio)
• Lines
• Curves
• Framing

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Background Foreground

• Background is the foundation
• Consider the background first
• Simplicity yields better photos

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Background yechhh!
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Background OK
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Rule of Thirds

• Having your main subject off center generally
  yields more interesting photos
• Divide the image into 9 equal parts
• Place elements along lines or at interesections

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Rule of Thirds
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Rule of Thirds
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Rule of Thirds
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Lines Curves

• Vertical lines create tension
• Horizontal lines create peace
• Diagonal lines are dynamic they draw the eye
  into the image
• S-curves are graceful they draw attention

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Vertical Lines
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Horizontal Lines
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Diagonal Lines
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Diagonal Lines
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Diagonal Lines
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S Curves
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S Curves
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S Curves
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Framing

• Adding a frame adds depth to an image
• Additional interest when frame associates with
  elements

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Framing
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Framing
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Framing
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References

• Mastering Landscape Photography Alan Briot
• Working the Light A Landscape Photography
  Masterclass Joe Cornish, Cherlie Waite, David
  Ward, Eddie Ephraums
• Taking your photography to the Next Level George
  Barr
• http//photoinf.com/General/KODAK/guidelines_for_b
  etter_photographic_composition.html

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What I use

• Nikon D80
• 18-135mm kit lens
• 70-300mm VR Zoom
• 50mm f1.8 E Series
• SB600 Speedlight
• Panasonic FZ30
• Circular Polarizers
• ND Filters

• PS Elements 7
• Premiere Elements 7
• Adobe Lightroom
• Epson R340
• Epson 1900
• Photoshelter web site