Composition Shooting Assignment

DSLR Camera

DSLR and some iPhone

Elements and Principles of Photography

Image	E/P of Design	Rational
	Framing	Framing is when something in the photo surrounds a scene so as to focus the viewers attention to a specific part of a scene. This photo is a good example because I have fences around my house I could potentially use for my project.
	pattern/repetition	Pattern or repetition is when a photographer captures an image that has a design that duplicates throughout most of the photograph. I like this photo because I never thought of auditorium seats like this. I have been performing since age three and to me a picture like this shows the audience in an interesting way. It reminds me that there are patterns and repetition in places you wouldn't immediately think of
	birds eye view	Birds eye view is when the photograph is taken directly above the subject. This often portrays authority over the subject. I think this picture exemplifies bids eye view well, because it displays the view necessary, but also clearly shows dominance with the subject being a child. My baby cousins are close to me for the holidays, so I have the chance to take a photo like this.
	movement/rhythm	Movement can be shown in an image through blur and implied motion. In addition, it causes the eye to move around the photo. I like this photograph because I used to dance and it shows the importance of each part of a step. I may be able to take a picture like this of one of my friends, and capture different parts of their movement.
	horizon line	Horizon line makes use of the line between earth and sky. The picture is split upon the horizon line of the composition into two distinct parts. I always take pictures of the sunset because it is so beautiful. The pictures always end up coming out the same and with no comparison to what I actually saw, so I hope to take one that lives up to my expectations.
	vertical lines	Vertical lines make use of lines that run up and down. This photograph is not taken very well, but I like the idea of setting up art supplies. I think I may recreate this with markers or crayons and improve it.
	unity	When a photographer makes use of unity, they are connecting the entirety of their photo with some unifying effect. I think this is a good example because there is not really one subject of the photograph, other than the idea of unification. I want to take a photo like this with something other than hands.
	rule of thirds	The rule of thirds is used when objects are placed on the third lines as well as the focal points. The composition can also be split into thirds regarding the scene. Here, the kiss is placed on the focal point. I have a lot of holiday candy at my house right now, which would make a shot such as this possible. I like the idea of one thing being a different color, or standing out in a certain way being placed on a focal point.
	leading lines	Leading lines lead the eye to specific point or subject. The lines in this photograph lead the eye to a specific focal point in the distance. I have taken photos like this in the past, and there is a road that is not often too busy that I would have the chance to use if I wanted to recreate this scenario.
	horizontal lines	Horizontal lines are created from the lines going from left to right throughout the photograph. Horizontal lines usually portray a sense of tranquility and rest. That can be displayed in this picture, as the woman is resting on the stairs. I think stairs are a good example for horizontal lines and it would be easy to find some to photograph.
	texture	Photographers use use texture to portray the way something would feel. I like this picture as an example because the viewer is able to perceive the feel and consistency of the fur. I plan to photograph my animal's fur up close to create the same effect. e
	proportion/scale	Proportion is used to show the true size of something with something else as a reference. Often, a photograph masks the reality of an object but proportioning allows the photographer to show the viewer the actuality in size, usually in order to portray some type of theme. I like this picture because it shows that the object doesn't have to be a mini-version of something. You can use your hand, or anything to scale an object and make the photograph interesting.
	diagonal lines	Diagonal lines usually draw a viewer's eye through the photograph. It makes use of slanted lines to move the viewers eye. I chose this picture as my example because I have taken a photo like this before. I did not realize I used a specific technique, and I can now recreate it with more advanced knowledge of my camera.
	curved lines	Curved lines move the eye around the photograph and direct the eye in different ways. The eye usually follows a path of the curved lines. This photograph demonstrates curved lines well, as the curved edges of the leaves draws the eye and moves it down the photo. I have a plant like this at my house that I would be able to use to recreate this picture.
	symmetrical balance	Symmetrical balance refers to the photograph being equal on both sides. This photo exemplifies it well, and it reminds me of my driveway. I would be able to use my driveway to take a picture similar to this one.
	worm's eye view	Worms eye view shots are taken from a lower angle and look up at the subject. Worms eye view shots portray power and superiority. I like taking pictures like this, because its a view that people don't normally see. During the spring, I have taken many photos like this, and I plan to find things outside to photograph in the winter.
	emphasis	Emphasis is used to accent a single object or subject. This can be done through color, texture, size, or anything that is different from the rest of the photograph. This photograph exemplifies it well because it shows emphasis both visually and theoretically, with the flower growing through concrete. I really like this idea, and plan on recreating it with a flower in snow.
	variety	Variety is when the photographer captures objects varying in color, size, or shape. This can make for a interesting composition and allows the photograph to stray away from uniformity. I chose this picture because I had taken a picture very similar to it for a previous project. I like the way it is taken, and plan on taking one like it using other objects.
	simplicity	Simple compositions usually contain few objects or subject, and force the viewer to focus on the few things depicted. This allows for little distraction and draws all attention to one subject. This photograph is simple, as it contains a single subject and has minimal distractors. It would be easy to recreate with any subject of my choice.
	asymmetrical balance	Asymmetry is when there is a difference between the two halves of a photograph. This photo demonstrates asymmetry well, as the right side is significantly heavier than the left due to object placement. I love seeing hot air balloons and I hope to photograph them well some day.

Matching Game

Elements & Principles of Design:

Image	E/P of Design	Rational
	Framing	A scene is framed by the hole within the composition.
	pattern/repetition	There is a specific repetitive pattern that takes up the entirety of the composition.
	birds eye view	The camera is looking down on the subject as a bird.
	movement/rhythm	movement is highlighted through the rhythmic ripples from the crane. Goal is to have eyes move.
	horizon line	The picture is split upon the horizon line of the composition into two distinct parts.
	vertical lines	Vertical lines are highlighted with the building, people, and fence.
	unity	The pencils come together and are unified by their shape and coloration. Complete a whole
	rule of thirds	Objects are placed on the third lines as well as the focal points. The composition can also be split into thirds regarding the scene, as the ground takes up one third and so does the sky.
	leading lines	The lines in this photograph lead the eye to a specific focal point. Lead eye to specific point or image.
	horizontal lines	Horizontal lines are created from the vines, and take up a large portion of the composition.
	texture	Use of texture can be seen in the water and slide. Represents idea of movement and direction.
	proportion/scale	The size of the men can be proportioned from the well known syrup bottle cap.
	diagonal lines	Diagonal lines repeat throughout this photo and take up the entirety of the composition.
	curved lines	Th lines of the steps curve to focus the photograph to one point.
	symmetrical balance	This photograph is balanced through coloration as well as placement of the flamingos.
	worm's eye view	the camera angle is looking up as a worm would see
	emphasis	through coloration, emphasis is put on the small tree that contrasts against the grey brick.
	variety	the photographer captures objects varying in color, size, and shape.
	simplicity	this composition contains only an egg and is a simple composition.
	asymmetrical balance	This composition has much more blue then green, and also has more going on on one side of the composition than the other.  Not same on left then on right but still symmetrical.

What is Composition?

    What is composition?

   Composition is the the arrangement of the subject within the photograph that is ultimately used to convey some meaning. 

     Why is it important to understand & utilize composition in photography?

     It is important to use the line, texture, shape, light, motion, and perspective aspects of your composition work to achieve a common theme.  When these aspects are used in a certain way, they can collectively have a great effect on the viewer. 

     Describe aspects of a “snapshot”.

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      A snapshot is used for reserving a memory, and  disregards compositional aspects. The main goal is to capture a moment, and usually depicts a subject portrayed in a conventional way.

    Describe aspects of a “photograph”.

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     In a photograph, elements are carefully selected and the composition of the things within the frame is made in such a manor to evoke a specific, predetermined response from the viewer. 

  

    “Photography is the art of "discovery”

Camera Quiz Group B

1. Photograph a subject and incorporate a large depth of field

Before, I had taken a picture like this, but unknowingly used a small depth of field. Since the camera was so close to the tree and I had a low f stop, the bark was very clear, and the leaves were blurry. In this picture, I demonstrated my understanding of a large depth of field, as I recreated the picture with a a larger f stop. This caused the entirety of the branch to be clear. 

2. Photograph a moving subject and create blur (while keeping the background in focus)

Here, I photographed by dog playing fetch. The blur of her running contrasts with the peaceful and stagnant background. I put the camera on shutter priority so the camera would automatically change the aperture for me to match the shutter speed I wanted for my shot. Since I wanted her to be blurred, as opposed to frozen in motion, I chose a slower shutter speed. Because the shutter was open for longer, her motion caused the blur around her. Since nothing else was moving, the rest of the picture looks clear.

3. Photograph a subject and incorporate grain

I know to incorporate grain, I must set a higher ISO. I used an ISO of 6400 to cause a grainier quality. 

4. Take a portrait-style selfie using a timer and aperture priority/value (small depth of field)

To take this picture I set a 10 second timer, and set the camera on the aperture priority setting, so the camera would change the shutter speed to the aperture I chose. I changed the aperture to the lowest possible so as to create a small depth of field. 

What I Learned

This unit revolved around camera basics. We learned about ISO, Shutter Speed, Aperture, Exposure Modes, White Balance, and Focal Length. By changing these different features, the photographer is able to control the way his or her picture is taken. Since we learned these aspects of the camera, we are able change these settings according to how we want the picture to look. We can affect blur, grain, exposure, coloring, focus and clarity by changing these features. Within the exposure triangle, ISO, shutter speed, and aperture affect the value of the other ones needed to create a good photograph. Ultimately, learning these different options will allow me to completely control the way my camera operates and captures a picture.