Lesson Three: Composition- Part 1

Welcome to one of my favorite topics in photography….composition!

First, I’m so proud you’re sticking with this course and you’re still here, eager to learn! Hopefully you’ve shared in the Facebook Group, but if not, don’t feel bad! We all get busy and have life going on, so no worries! Maybe THIS will be your week to share the new photos you’ve been working on!? So, this topic will be broken up into two lessons over two weeks! In this lesson we will cover the definition of composition, rule of thirds and framing!  I’m excited to get started, and hope you are too…so let’s jump right in!

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

First of all lets discuss what composition is. The dictionary definition of Composition is:

Composition:

1. the nature of something’s ingredients or constituents; the way in which a whole or mixture is made up.

 

Take a look at the synonyms. Construction, configuration, formation, arrangement, framework….layout…. What do those words make you think of?

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Plainly speaking,

composition is how you

frame, pose, arrange and configure your subjects in the photograph within the frame of the camera.

__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Just like any other art form, there are rules…and yes, rules ARE made to be broken, BUT in general we need to learn the rules and master them in order to know when to break them…and make it work. So, lets chat about the rule of thirds.

Rule of Thirds

This is one of my favorite rules, and I use it often. This rule will make your images stand out for sure. It instantly gives your photos an “artistic look” and often times I think it lends to storytelling very nicely because you’re composing the subject with more context around them. People who are just snapping images willy-nilly with their iPhone rarely, if ever, know about the rule of thirds and hardly ever implement it unless you’re educated in photography or fine art! So what is it all about?…

If you haven’t set up the grid on your phone, now is the time to do so! This will help you understand the Rule of Thirds! (GO to settings >camera > turn on grid)

The Rule of Thirds is the idea that your image should be imagined to be divided into nine different equal parts by two equally spaced vertical and horizontal lines. The idea is to place your subject or compositional element on the lines or even better, where they intersect making your image stronger and more visually interesting, creating tension and interest rather than simply centering a person. Others claim its a more natural and easier way to view and focus on a subject.

Now lets start looking at images without the grid and see if we can spot the rule of third points….the first one is kinda a cheat…LOL

When I first started photography I wasn’t aware of this “rule” but recognized other photographers compositions and began shooting in their style and then later learned this rule and a lightbulb clicked on for me! I never shot on my iPhone with the grid until recently and I feel like having that really helps keeps lines straight, and keeps composition at the forefront of your mind. Practicing the rule of thirds with the grid should be a fun and easy practice this week! Just remember to place your subject or focal point on a vertical or horizontal line or intersection and BAM! Rule of thirds!

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Framing

This concept of composition is to draw your viewer into the subject point in your image. Framing is called framing because well, you’re finding elements to “frame” your subject. You (the artist) have full creative freedom to use ANYTHING to frame your subject. Think of the possibilities!

So by anything I literally mean anything: Branches, leaves, flowers, anything in nature. It could also be fog in a fogged out mirror, water droplets on a window that your subject is looking through, a door frame, a window, a display at an art museum. It could even mean light, or something you’ve created around someone. AN-E-THING!!! How exciting is that!!!

Keep your eyes out for these types of frames:

Structures:

Doors, arches, walk ways, even just a pop of color to surround your subject could “frame” them in your image…keep your eyes peeled for cool structures to pop your subject in.

 

Nature:

Trees, bushes, grasses, flowers, light, dark…

 

Do it yourself:

Get creative! I’ve found fun ways to frame myself and my kids by creating frames around us within our selfies and milestone projects.

 

RECAP:

Lets review what we discussed this week at a glance…

1. We learned the definition of composition which is how you frame, pose, arrange and configure your subjects in the photography within the frame of the camera.
2.  We discussed the concept of “rule of thirds” within composition, imagining a grid of nine equal parts divided by two equal horizontal and vertical lines. We talked about how placing your subject on those lines and intersections makes for a more interesting image.
3. We talked about framing and the many ways you can find creative frames to make your subject stand out within the image.

 

Homework:

Please make sure to post all homework to our Facebook group page or email to me personally!

1. Post one this week that demonstrates the “rule of thirds” idea. Make sure it’s your very best one!
2. Post one photo demonstrating framing! Make sure to mention and describe what form it is and how you came up with it!

Also if you’re posting to Instagram or social media make sure to give this class a shout out by mentioning me @kelseyarrowood and use the #kelseysiphoneclass. That way we can find each other easily as well!

 

Can’t wait to see what you all post and of course have a blessed week my friends!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance and Symmetry

 

 

 

Framing