PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPOSITION

Photographic composition has much in common with other forms of artistic expression. However certain elements require the photographic composition to be considered in different ways. Photographs are often seen briefly rather than studied for long periods as painting are. Focus and depth of field are of great importance in photography but are of little importance in other forms of art. That said it is a good idea to examine other works of art for composition and lighting to allow a clearer idea of “good” and “bad” composition. Look at early painting and photographs for the use of light and formal composition. Try to have a good idea of what you wish to produce, as this will help you achieve it. Be sure to remember to produce photographs that you like.
Work hard to improve your technique, but without getting hung up on it. Read and fully understand instruction manuals. Equipment is not as important as the ability to use it. Equipment should not form a barrier to the photographic process but frequently does. Try not to acquire more equipment than you really need. Equally important is an understanding of the materials you use and their properties. All of these things affect the final result, for best results, try to understand how.

Points to think about when composing an image

(In no particular order).
1. Decide what your subject matter really is - a person or a point on that person. The majority of people's compositional problems are to due the lack of a definite subject.
2. Be sure that the subject is in focus. If the subject has depth try to cover this with depth of field or make sure the principal point of interest is in focus. In a portrait the nearest eye of a person should be in focus. With auto-focus cameras it is important to know how to use the function correctly or the result may be arbitrary.
3. Fill the frame. Later cropping helps but lowers image quality. Remember however space in a photograph is also a part of the composition.
4.Learn the rule of thirds.This is particularly useful in 35mm composition (Composition 2).
5. If something does not add to a photograph it probably detracts from it. Try to get rid of it.
6. A good sturdy tripod is perhaps the best aid to improving composition and quality.
7. In black and white photography tones are important. They can be altered using filters to lighten or dark areas of colour. In colour, filters and choice of film together with careful processing can control the rendition of colour.
8. Contrast and density can be altered during printing. Digital imaging can work wonders. Remember a poor negative/positive is never likely to turn into a great image!
9. Always take care to examine the edges of the frame. Be careful to exclude intrusive elements.
10. LIGHT is all-important. However quality not quantity is the part to concern yourself with.
Often it's a good idea to start with a plan to give you something to focus your attention. If you're not sure if a photograph is worth taking -it probably wont be. Try to find a good subject and work hard on it; use a lot of film carefully. This may produce one or two good photographs. This much better than 50 mediocre pictures of mediocre subjects. Small differences in viewpoint or distance can make remarkable differences to the strength or weakness of a photograph.
Examine your failures carefully as this may yield more information than your successes. Make your own rules and break them as needed. Try to be original.
Display your best photographs for yourself and others to see. Other people's opinions can help you or damage you. You need to develop a thick skin and filtering process for their comments!. YOU need to be the person who enjoys your photographs.

QUALITY

Try to improve your quality all the time. High quality photographs do not just happen, they require effort and understanding! A careful consistent approach is required. Small formats such as 35 mm require even greater care to produce high quality results. Make sure you can focus accurately with your camera. Great care is needed at all stages to produce fine results. Carefully expose film with under and over exposure shots for choice. Use appropriate film choices, with low speeds for fine grain and sharpness.
Carefully develop film your-self or get it done by a good processor even if it costs more. Try different films and developers to find combinations to best suit your purposes.

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