'Learning composition is like learning a language. Once you've learnt a language, it is not something you consciously think about as you talk' (Prakel, 2006, p. 14). This idea seems to be quite reasonable as only when somebody learnt foundations of photography and then practice them a lot, it starts to be a habit, which cannot be forgotten. In order to develop these photographical basic skills i decide to do some experiments with arrangement of subjects in space. Some images that i consider the best instances of my work are presented in given post.
The digital capture below is the example of dynamic symmetry, which suggests the use of the diagonals rather than grids. The reason why such composition was chosen is that it was easier to crop the frame after shooting. In order to attract spectators' attention and make them observe image as long as possible i placed focus of interest (roots) in the right corner of the bottom and applied F8(depth of field) with slow shutter speed(1/20), due to which roots (focus of interest) are clearly visible and continue lines in the form of branches that gradually became blurred growing to the left corner on the top.
'Geometry is to the visual arts what grammar is to the art of the writer' (Prakel, 2006, p.14). Such remark points out the importance of application of the compositional rules (it lets the photo be perceived by audience in a correct and necessary for photographer way), especially when you just start be familiar with camera.
Hence in image composition was carefully thought. Low viewpoint emphasizes the foreground, leading the gaze into the image from the bottom. Different indicators on the post are part of rules of thirds as all of them are of different shapes and sizes, so can divide picture into lines. Moreover, since indicators have diverse directions, it can have a dislocating, but at the same time designing effect.
From Basics Photography Space and Application
'Landscape composition is not simply the arrangement of elements in the camera frame, but an appreciation that the image can be transformed by changes in lighting over which the photographer has no control' (Prakel, 2006, p.136). In fact, i can certain of credibility of this statement when i started photo-shooting Jubilee building on the campus of Sussex University using landscape frame. After the reviewing of image-making, which i produced, i found that just several photos have initially intended light effects.
Fist of all, it must be mentioned that the image below i took with the selection of horizontal format to give a sense of stability. As well the stairs and building have symmetrical horizontal continuity that let viewers keep on lining and increase a feeling of direction. Then, as it seemed important to balance the image with distribution of light to make it more dynamic and strong, i preferred using low depth of field (F16) with fast shutter speed(1923/25000) (make both foreground and background clear)
'Shadows also provide clues about depth as they recede along the perspective planes of the image' (Prakel, 2006, p. 121).
To produce this photo i used the vertical format to make more dramatic diagonals than it can be with the landscape format. It was made to add depth to image and to bring more dynamic life to photo. Then, owing to slow shutter speed (5/8) with high depth of field (F5.6) shadows, which in result may generate a sense a dramatization and artistry, were created.
'Sharpness, by convention, signifies the importance of the subject' (Prakel, 2006, p. 92).
In given photograph close selective focus is chosen. Because depth of field is not enough high (F6.3) and shutter speed is low (1/5), small candle, which is located in background, is more blurred than big one, which is in foreground. All of this were employed to increase tension and make viewers compare 2 candles. As well, it was made to maximize sharpness of focus of interest (big candle).
Reference:
Prakel, D. (2006). Application. Lausanne: AVA Academia.
Prakel, D. (2006). Composition. Lausanne: AVA Academia.
Prakel, D. (2007). Lighting. Lausanne: AVA Academia.
Lausanne: AVA Academia. Space. Lausanne: AVA Academia.
