Katy Photograph Meetup Group. Photography 101Session 2: Composition and Creative Settings

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1 Katy Photograph Meetup Group Photography 101Session 2: Composition and Creative Settings

2 Agenda What are the creative modes? Program Mode Explained Aperture Priority Explained Shutter Priority Explained Manual Mode Explained Composition What is composition? Why is it important? Composition guidelines (use em or break em)

3 What are the Creative Modes? In the automatic modes of the camera, your camera has full control of your image settings CREATIVE MODES Creative modes permit you to control some or all of your camera settings These modes are: Program mode (P) Shutter Priority (S/TV) Aperture Priority (A/Av) Manual mode (M)

4 Program Mode Explained Aperture and shutter speed are set by the camera Both can be adjusted via the control dial while exposure remains the same Unlocks more settings in your camera ISO White Balance (later session) Exposure Compensation Used for when you want to get the shot and not think about the settings

5 Shutter Priority Explained Shutter priority permits you to set a particular shutter speed and the camera calculates the matching aperture A faster shutter speed will freeze the motion A slower shutter speed will permit motion blur Tv (Canon) / S (Nikon)

6 Aperture Priority Explained Aperture priority permits you to set a particular aperture and the camera calculates the matching shutter speed Used when Depth Of Field is key to the image Preferred mode for landscape photography

7 Manual Mode Explained Full control over camera settings ISO Shutter Speed Aperture White Balance (future session) Exposure Set the shot your way Can result in creative and non-traditional images

8 Composition

9 What is composition? Composition is defined as the placement of relative objects and elements in a work of art In photography, it is defined as arranging elements within the image in a way that suits the core idea or goal of your work Composition can make or break your image

10 Why is it important? In photography it s not just what you shoot that makes the image The way that you shoot it is very crucial Bad composition can make a subject dull and boring Good composition can create fantastic images from dull subjects

11 Static Composition Static composition is when the majority of the lines are horizontal and vertical The subject is usually in the middle of the frame with symmetry around it Symmetry, horizontal and vertical lines are somewhat soothing, calm, and tranquil

12 Dynamic Composition Dynamic composition creates a more interesting image which may contain some or all of the following: Leading/converging lines Interesting perspective Interesting foreground, mid-ground, and background elements Vivid color or incredible light Suggestion of movement

13 Composition Guidelines: Rules Powerful composition technique for making images more dynamic and interesting The image is more pleasing when the subject is composed along imaginary lines which divides the image into thirds Creates a sense of balance w/o being static Creates a sense of complexity w/o making the image appear to busy of Thirds

14 Composition Guidelines: Simplify the Scene Keeping the scene simple can make the subject the center of attention Look at a scene Your brain quickly picks out the subject Your camera captures everything in front of it May lead to a busy/cluttered image Use a focal length or view point that will make the viewer look for and at the subject

15 Composition Guidelines: Fill the Frame Too much empty space can detract from the image Makes subject smaller Viewers can be confused not knowing what to look at Zoom in to fill the frame Get closer to the subject Excellent for close up, macro, and portrait photography

16 Composition Guidelines: Aspect Ratio It is easy to get used to shooting horizontally or landscape mode Try shooting images in the vertical position or portrait mode Adjust your position and zoom setting as you experiment with this new style

17 Composition Guidelines: Avoid the Middle Putting the subject in the middle may make your composition boring or static Place the subject off-center for a more dynamic and interesting look Don t hesitate to shoot higher/lower to the subject for interesting point of views

18 Composition Guidelines: Use Diagonals To introduce a feeling of drama or movement, look for diagonal lines Horizontal lines gives a static/calm image Vertical lines suggest stability and permanence Can be achieved by a shift in position or focal length and a slight tilt of the camera

19 Composition Guidelines: Backgrounds When taking an image, don t just concentrate on the subject Look at what is happening in the background You can t exclude it completely but you can control it It is achieved by changing your position, focal length, depth of field Ensure that the background complements the subject

20 Composition Guidelines: Breaking the Rules Photography is a visual language and you can make a statement by breaking the established norms/rules If done on purpose, you can create stunning and interesting images (and then breaking the rules don t count as a mistake) Experiment and make it yours <- Only rule you can t break!

21 Review We talked about Camera Creative Modes Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual modes Composition What it is and why it s important Static vs. Dynamic Composition Composition Guidelines

22 Homework for Session 2 Go out each day and shoot what ever subject you like Shoot in each creative mode of your camera Shoot with static composition Shoot with dynamic composition Utilize each of the composition guidelines (especially the changing of your aspect ratio [horizontal/vertical]) Review your images Look for leading lines, filling of the frame, simple or cluttered image, busy or blurred background, etc. Familiarize yourself with what works (compositionally) for you Post your favorite images

23 Questions?

24 Fin (for now)