ELEMENTS OF DESIGN. During the course so far we have not spent a lot of time considering how a photograph should be constructed before the film is exposed.

ELEMENTS OF DESIGNELEMENTS OF DESIGN

During the course so far we have not During the course so far we have not spent a lot of time considering how a spent a lot of time considering how a photograph should be constructed before photograph should be constructed before the film is exposed.the film is exposed.

However the way a photograph looks is However the way a photograph looks is one of the main keys to its success.one of the main keys to its success.

How often have you seen an excellent photograph of How often have you seen an excellent photograph of something very simple something very simple

or of an every day type of subject and wondered why it or of an every day type of subject and wondered why it works?works?

Rarely are great photographs ever the result of a fluke and Rarely are great photographs ever the result of a fluke and even if this does happen it doesn’t necessarily mean even if this does happen it doesn’t necessarily mean

that they were taken by a great photographer.that they were taken by a great photographer.

The answer will usually lay in the way that The answer will usually lay in the way that the photograph has been composed.the photograph has been composed.

The right lens selection and focal lengthThe right lens selection and focal length The right depth of field and careful focussing.The right depth of field and careful focussing. Good lighting.Good lighting. Clever placement of the objects in the frame.Clever placement of the objects in the frame. The right camera angle and camera format.The right camera angle and camera format.

Combine these with the use of – Combine these with the use of –

Line, Tone, Pattern, Shape, Texture and ColourLine, Tone, Pattern, Shape, Texture and Colour

and it is possible to achieve consistent great and it is possible to achieve consistent great results.results.

Part 1Part 1

We will explore the design elements in 2 We will explore the design elements in 2 parts with the aim of helping you to parts with the aim of helping you to develop better understandings of the way develop better understandings of the way that image composition and construction that image composition and construction can make a huge positive difference to the can make a huge positive difference to the photographs that you take. photographs that you take.

Rule of ThirdsRule of Thirds Using the Rule of Thirds concept is one of the Using the Rule of Thirds concept is one of the

easiest and quickest ways to make an easiest and quickest ways to make an improvement to your photography.improvement to your photography.

The concept is very simple to understand and use. You need to divide the view finder screen into a grid and then rather than place your point of focus in the centre of the frame, it is moved towards the lines and intersections.

Rule of Third ExamplesRule of Third Examples

Rule of Third - Example 2Rule of Third - Example 2

Other examples that Other examples that use the use the

‘‘Rule of Thirds’Rule of Thirds’

Rule of Thirds – other points to Rule of Thirds – other points to rememberremember

Also endeavour to place and visible Also endeavour to place and visible horizon line so that it does not cut a horizon line so that it does not cut a photograph in half.photograph in half.

If we look at the Rule of Thirds diagram If we look at the Rule of Thirds diagram the horizontal lines are encouraging you to the horizontal lines are encouraging you to either place the horizon above or below either place the horizon above or below the middle to create good visual balance.the middle to create good visual balance.

Horizon Placement – example Horizon Placement – example 11

Horizon Placement – example Horizon Placement – example 22

Point of FocusPoint of Focus

This is also known by the tern Centre of This is also known by the tern Centre of Interest.Interest.

One of the easiest ways to achieve this is One of the easiest ways to achieve this is by using a short depth of field. Ie. Use a by using a short depth of field. Ie. Use a low aperture f2.8 – f5.6 and then move in low aperture f2.8 – f5.6 and then move in or zoom in the fill the frame.or zoom in the fill the frame.

Another way to create a centre of interest is Another way to create a centre of interest is by using simple backgroundsby using simple backgrounds

Camera AnglesCamera Angles

Every time that you take a photograph you choose a position or camera angle to take it from. The camera angle and your position is an important consideration that should be given careful thought before the shutter is released.

Worms Eye ViewWorms Eye View

Birds Eye ViewBirds Eye View

Normal ViewNormal View

Taken from a standing position. The most Taken from a standing position. The most obvious and common camera angle.obvious and common camera angle.

Understanding the mechanics of photography Understanding the mechanics of photography is important but this alone will not enable you to is important but this alone will not enable you to take great photographs.take great photographs.

Great photographs are the result of Great photographs are the result of observation, good composition and the correct observation, good composition and the correct use of the camera and its accessories.use of the camera and its accessories.

Devoting the time to learn some of the basic Devoting the time to learn some of the basic skills of composition and elements of skills of composition and elements of photographic design will make an immediate photographic design will make an immediate improvement to the photograph that you take.improvement to the photograph that you take.

This must then be followed up by This must then be followed up by

practice and critical analysis of the practice and critical analysis of the photograph that you take.photograph that you take.