ACC 2.1: Composition Techniques

2.1

Unit 2

Composition Techniques I

Overview

Objectives

Vocab

• identify the focal point of an image
• distinguish between the rule of thirds, leading lines, and filling the frame composition techniques

• identify leading lines in a frame

• categorize photographs based on compositional technique

• identify ways to fill a frame

• identify photographs using a specific compositional technique

• describe how the rule of thirds, leading lines, and filling the frame can enhance image composition

• composition techniques

• filling the frame

• focal point

• human-made lines

• L-arrangement composition

• leading lines

• natural lines

• rule of thirds

Composition

Techniques

Photography composition arranges frame elements & objects for appealing images. Techniques like framing, leading lines, and the rule of thirds direct focus to the subject. These methods enhance photography and apply to other art forms, serving as a foundation for creativity and expression.

We will explore three Composition Techniques in today's lesson:

• rule of thirds
• leading lines
• filling the frame

Composition with Steve McCurry

Rule of Thirds

When using the rule of thirds technique the photographer divides the image frame vertically and horizontally into thirds and places the subject in one of the lines or intersections of the lines within the frame.

Rule of Thirds

Rule of thirds

The rule of thirds technique moves the focal point from the center of the composition and relocates it off to the left or the right making a more dynamic composition!

BORING!

Placing the main subject off-center makes the image more pleasing the eye!

Rule of thirds

Also, notice how the horizon line and tree make an "L". This arrangement is called an "L" arrangement.

Notice how the horizon line is in line with the lower 1/3 of the grid.

The main subject in this photograph is the person situated on the right side of the frame. Notice the eye that is closest to the viewer is positioned at the intersection of two lines and employs the rule of thirds. Human faces, specifically the eyes, are often the focal points of photographs of people.

Rule of Thirds is used in movies to emphasize the emotional impact!

Leading Lines

Technique

When using the leading lines technique. photographers use natural or human-made lines to bring attention to the subject.

Leading Lines

Leading Lines

The leading lines technique can emphasize a focal point and lead the viewer's eye through an image to a particular point.

Leading Lines can naturally occur in a natural environment

Natural Leading Lines

In this photograph, the natural lines created by the outline of the lake draw attention to the mountain in the background.

Leading Lines can human-made

Human-madeLeading Lines

Human-made lines are those created by objects like bridges, roads, and doors. In this photograph, the leading lines come from the tops of buildings and the street, guiding the viewer's eyes to the center.

Human-madeLeading Lines

In this photograph, the diagonal blue human-made lines produce the effect of movement. The photographer could have positioned themselves so that the lines appeared straight instead of diagonal, but keeping the lines on a diagonal gives the illusion of movement.

Leading Lines are used in the movies!

fill the frame

When using the fill-the-frame technique, the photographer fills the entire frame with a subject.

Fill the Frame

Fill the Frame

Fill the frame in photography is a technique where the main subject takes up most or all of the space in the image, minimizing distractions from the background.

By focusing closely on the subject, this method:

• enhances detail
• emphasizes the subject's importance
• creates a more powerful, intimate, or dramatic composition
• helps guide the viewer’s attention directly to the subject
• produces more impactful and engaging photo

Compare

It's hard to tell what the subject is in this image because the frame is filled with competing elements of flowers and leaves.

The flower fills the frame, making it more defined. Distracting elements have been pushed out of the frame through cropping or by zooming in.

Fill the Frame

Get up close to your furry friends to capture their cuteness and personality!

Emotional Impact

In this photograph, the photographer focuses the viewer on the dog's gentle eyes by filling the frame with its face. This technique invites the viewer to focus on the dog's expression rather than on the whole dog and its surroundings.

Eliminate Distractions

In this photograph, the photographer fills the frame with the white petals of the flower in order to focus attention on the pistil in the center.

Did you see the bug?

Filling the Frame

DISTANCE

Decide what you want to focus on in your image frame.

SUMMARY

in this lesson you learned

• Rule of Thirds: divides the image into a grid & places the main subject off center, on an intersection or lines.

• Fill the Frame: enlarges a subject to take up the entire image frame which also eliminates distracting elements.

• Leading Lines: uses lines within the image frame to lead a viewer's eye towards the subject.

00:06

Questions

If you have questions stick around or book a time! If you don't, have a great rest of your day!