This list is an abbreviated version of a brochure offered to our correspondents and a few high school photography classes a few years ago.
It's a list I put together, and it might not work for you. Build your own list.
Let me know how you did.
T.H.E. B.E.S.T. R.I.C.E. is 11 steps toward good composition-- each letter corresponds to a point..
These aren't the final answer, and it's just one list. Spend some time with
a camera and take plenty of pictures.
T. 360 Degree Rule.
h. Human Interest.
e. Expression.
B. Balance.
e. Entrance and Exit.
s. Simplicity.
t. Thirds, Rule of.
R. Rhythm and Repetition.
i. Interest, Center of.
c. Contrast.
e. Eye-Level Syndrome.
360 Degree Rule
When looking at a possible subject of a picture, try to imagine it
from every angle, walk all the way around it -- 360 degrees. This can
mean time, too. Imagine the subject being shot in the morning,
afternoon or late at night.
Human Interest
We've seen them -- the old man with plenty of character lines
and a personality we can feel; the little girl cuddling her kitten; a
50th-anniversary couple with sparkling eyes that tell a dozen
stories. These are the pictures that "grab" us for no good reason
other than emotion.
Expression
A graduation picture, empty of anything but solemn faces,
stands little chance of being noticed. Put a grin, scream, tear or
laugh on one or all those faces, and bingo, it's a winner.
Balance
Generally, a face, runner, boat or anything suggesting
direction should be facing into the picture. The photograph should
appear balanced.
Entrance and Exit
This is the "old farm road leading into the barn" picture we've
seen in the art shops. It's a road, river, sidewalk, step, fence or
footprints that take us right into the main center of interest.
Simplicity
Don't try to get everything in the picture. The simpler we keep
the picture, the easier it is to view. Generally, the less in the
picture, the better it is. Especially when it comes to people. This
rule is especially true in sports photography.
Thirds, Rule of
Divide a film frame into thirds both horizontally and vertically.
The intersections of those lines are strong places to put the
photograph's subject. Remember balance when composing a picture along
with "thirds" and the subject will soar into the photograph.
Rhythm and Repetition
Utility poles, fences, people, cars or other objects lined up
to give a design make interesting pictures
Interest, Center of
A pretty scene can be an eye-catcher at first. But it loses appeal
after the eye wanders from point to point if the photo has nothing on
which to anchor itself.
Contrast
We're not talking merely black and white, big and small, tall
and short, fat and thin, dry and wet, pretty and ugly, hot and cold.
A basketball player and a jockey.
Eye-Level Syndrome
This is a photo fault that shows every picture at our eye level. Our
readers shouldn't know how tall we are. Bend down or climb a step or
two to get away from everyone's normal point of view.
Leave a comment