For the first week of class, we had an introduction to photography where we learned about the history of photography and different tips to help us get the best out of our images.
I was really happy that we had this introductory class because although we did a photography module in first year, I was rusty on my skills and felt this class really helped me sharpen up my memory.
I found this website really helpful in detailing and explaining the history of photography. Please find it attached here: https://www.photographytalk.com/history-of-photography-timeline-from-start-to-present-day
Below are some rules and tips and tricks to follow when you begin taking photographs. This will enable you to capture the most captivating shots. Happy snapping!
The rule of three:
The Rule of Thirds is a common compositional technique that divides your frame into an equal, three-by-three grid with two horizontal lines and two vertical lines that intersect at four points.
The human eye looks beyond the center of a photo and usually falls into the rule of three vision lines. By practising the rule of three in your photos, the viewer gets a more aesthetically pleasing image, creating stronger more powerful photography.
photo credit: capturelandscapes.
Leading lines:
Leading lines is another powerful photography tool that can be used to draw the eye into a certain subject in an image that usually has a strong visual impact. Leading lines are often used to create depth and symmetry within a photograph or when a particular subject wants to be identified or magnified. Common examples of photos using leading lines are bridges, train tracks and wooden floors.
photo credit: Josh Dunlop via expert photography.
Vanishing point:
Vanishing point is achieved in a photograph when elements of the image diminish in size the further away they are. Vanishing points can add a sense of scale to a photo or even distort reality. Photos can appear one dimensional however when vanishing point is used, depth is added to the image. Examples of photos that use vanishing points include rows of trees and long roads.
photo credit: digitalphotosecrets
Diagonals:
Diagonal lines create movement and action in a photograph by moving the viewers eyes across the entire image. Examples of photos that use diagonal lines include, people walking down a flight of stairs.
photo credit: storytellingonline
Frames:
Framing draws focus to one subject in an image by blocking out other parts of the image with something in the scene thus creating the “framing” effect. Frames are usually located in the centre of the image or along the outside. Framing is used in photos to limit the amount of ‘negative space’ and to put emphasis on the subject of the image.
photo credit: Callum Berry photography.
Contrast:
Contrast is used in photography to create different tones for example, highlights, textures, grain, shadows, colour, clarity and saturation. Contrast is used to convey different moods in your photos. For example, a sunflower would want to appear bright in a photo as it is colourful and happy.
photo credit: expertphotography
Golden rule:
The golden ratio adds dynamic and emphasises movement. It helps to lead the viewer through the entire photo. The composition will be more pleasing and balanced for the human eye.
photo credit: designwizard.
Towards the end of the class we looked up different images online individually and shared with the class what we liked and didn't like. I enjoyed this task as it reinforced all the different tips and photo compositions we had talked about.
Come back next week to see what else I get up to!
Kommentare