Page 262 - 2024 Look Book

NOTABLE PHOTO ELEMENTS

BACKGROUND SIMPLICITY HEIGHT OF ACTION SILHOUETTE
A controlled background is free from Captures the perfect moment — the peak of A subject that appears dark in contrast with
unnecessary elements like trees or people that the action, reaction or emotion. a bright background. Often photographed
distract from the main subject. By repositioning several minutes before or after sunset, as well
themselves even slightly, the photographer LEADING LINES as sunrise.
can impact the background. Natural lines lead the viewer into the photo.
Leading lines can be literal, like arms, or STORYTELLING
CENTER OF VISUAL INTEREST (CVI) implied, like eye contact. Lines can pull you Capturing a moment in time that makes
The most important element of the photo is into the main subject or on a journey through the viewer curious about the story behind
that the main subject is most prominent in the the scene. the photo.
photo. The viewer’s eye is naturally drawn to
the center of attention. LIGHTING SYMMETRY
Control over how light affects a photograph The left and right side of the photo are
COLOR HARMONY by taking advantage of highlights and balanced. Add a main subject to the symmetry
A good mixture of color, producing dramatic shadows that distract or enhance the image. for interest.
effects and pleasing to the eye. Effective lighting places the light source to the
side or behind the photographer. UNIQUE IDEA
CONTRAST Unlike anything else in comparison. Very
The range between the lightest and darkest PORTRAIT special or unusual. This could include lighting,
tones. Contrast provides more detail, shape, A dramatic, tight headshot of a person in the composition or a different perspective.
pattern and texture. environment of the story.
VIEWPOINT
CROPPING REPETITION Bird’s-Eye View is an elevated view
Eliminating wasted space around the edges Geometric shapes like curves, triangles and photographing from above. Worm’s-Eye View
to keep the viewer’s attention focused on the circles add energy to the photo. Any shape is photographing from below, looking up.
main subject. Fill the frame. or subject that is echoed three or more times
creates a pattern.
DEPTH OF FIELD
A shallow depth of field creates emphasis on RULE OF ODDS
the main subject. For instance, a wide f-stop Images are more visually appealing when
such as f/2.8 or f/4 isolates the subject by there is an odd number of subjects.
focusing on it while blurring the background.
RULE OF THIRDS
EMOTION Placing the main subject in the hot spot where
The photo communicates a feeling or evokes imaginary tic-tac-toe lines intersect adds
a mood. Examples often include hugging, balance and interest to your photo. Some
crying or celebrating. cameras offer an LCD screen grid option to
guide you into placing your main subject in
FRAMING intersecting lines.
Using natural frames, like doorways, trees and
human arms, to accentuate the importance of SHARPNESS & SHUTTER SPEED
the main subject. A slower shutter speed captures movement
and will give the photo a different look and
GOLDEN HOUR feel. A fast shutter speed will freeze the
A period of time shortly after sunrise or action. A shutter speed of 1/125 or faster
before sunset where the daylight is diffused, is recommended to keep your subject
providing a natural, warm golden tone. focus sharp.