Introduction to Photography

INTRODUCTION TO PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPOSITION

Composition refers to the content of a photograph--the way everything in the photo is laid out.

Includes the subject matter, the relative size and positions of objects within the photo, lighting and tonal balance, etc

Most rules about composition are simple

The more you follow the rules at the beginning—the more natural you will become.

THE RULE OF THIRDS

the frame is divided into into nine imaginary sections

creates reference pointswhich act as guides for framing the image

Points (or lines) of interestshould occur at 1/3 or 2/3of the way up (or across)the frame

KNOW YOUR SUBJECT Make sure you know exactly what it is you

are photographing, i.e. have a clearly defined subject.Ex. If you are photographing a person and not the stuff in the background—concentrate on THEM—get closer or zoom.

Don't have unnecessary empty or useless space in the photo (i.e. lots of sky)—if it serves no purpose.

THE FRAME Check the edges of the frame! Partial objects can be awkward or

even confusing try to have a reason for including

or excluding partial objects. It's especially important to notice

how people in the background are framed—best not to cut them off in an unflattering way.

Adjust frame to include them comfortably or leave them out altogether.

AVOID DISTRACTING OBJECTS If something in the photo attracts the eye

more than the subject, try to compose the photo differently.

CLOSE-UP SHOT A certain feature or part

of the subject takes up the whole frame.

Usually means a close up of their face (unless specified otherwise).

A close-up of a person emphasizes their emotional state.

CAMERA ANGLES

MEDIUM CLOSE UP SHOT

Half way between a Mid Shot and a Close Up.

This shot shows the face more clearly, without getting uncomfortably close.

MID SHOT Shows some part of

the subject in more detail while still giving an impression of the whole subject.

Gives the feeling of you were having a casual conversation. You wouldn't be paying any attention to their lower body, so that part of the picture is unnecessary.

LONG SHOT The subject takes

up the full frame, or at least as much as comfortably possible.

EXTREME CLOSE UP SHOT

The Extreme Close Up gets right in and shows extreme detail.

OVER-THE-SHOULDER SHOT Looking from behind

a person at the subject.

helps to establish the position of each person

get the feel of looking at one person from the other's point of view.

POINT-OF-VIEW SHOT

This shot shows a view from the subject's perspective.

HIGH ANGLE SHOT “Bird’s Eye View” Shows the subject from

above, i.e. the camera is angled down towards the subject.

has the effect of diminishing the subject, making them appear less powerful, less significant.

LOW ANGLE SHOT shows the subject from

below, giving them the impression of being more powerful or dominant.

EYE-LEVEL SHOT This is the most

common view. It shows

subjects as we would expect to see them in real life.

REVERSE ANGLE SHOT TWO separate video shots. “Coming and going”

Ex. Filming a shot of a person walking down the street.A) Shot 1—person walking towards and up to cameraB) Shot 2—person walking away from camera and further down the street.

TILTING a vertical camera movement in

which the camera points up or down from a stationary location.

For example, if you mount a camera on your shoulder and nod it up and down, you are tilting the camera.

BALANCE

many types of "balance" in a photograph

Ex. a mix of close and distant objects, a mix of light and dark, technology/nature.

LINES Look for different types of lines in the

compositionEx. Buildings, poles, horizon

Different lines have different effects: *Vertical lines emphasise strength,

power and height.*Horizontal lines emphasise width,

stability and security.*Diagonal lines have a more dramatic, dynamic effect than vertical and

horizontal.*Curved lines reflect nature, relaxation, sensuality, etc.

Lines can be used to:*direct the viewer's interest, *emphasize parts of the frame,*generally create interesting effects.

VIDEO TECHNIQUES

Basic photography techniques are used in video as well as a few special additions.

DOLLYING A dolly is a cart which travels along tracks Camera is mounted on the dolly and records the

shot as it moves. Camera allows focus of shot to move IN and OUT

while being followed. **Different from a Tracking Shot**

Dolly shots have a number of applications and can provide very dramatic footage

TRACKING Usually, a video shot in

which the camera is mounted on a cart which travels along tracks.

often more narrowly defined as movement parallel to the action, or at least at a constant distance

PANNING a horizontal camera

movement in which the camera moves left and right about a central axis.

This is a swiveling movement, i.e. mounted in a fixed location on a tripod or shoulder

LIGHTING High Key:

Dim background, bright light from above the subject, usually used in comedies.

Super High Key:

Dark background, bright light from above. Starkness, sterile environment, lifelessness

Low Key:

Dim lighting (glowing candlelight). Sombre lighting, usually used in film noir or mystery films.

Backlighting:

Dark background. The source of light is behind the object being filmed. We only see his/her silhouette.