Composition Techniques for Better Photographs

Photo by  Reportergimmi

Last week we started with the basics of composing a photograph. But there is more to it then just framing your subject. You're not trying to just take a picture. You're attempting to tell a story. Here are some great tips to get you started on the right path.

Think about colors and tones. If you remember from a few months back, photography lighting equipment is crucial and can really impact a photograph. Light produces both color contrast and tonal contrast. Color is the hue you see, like blue, red, green, etc. Tone refers to brightness –how light or dark the color is. We often associate colors and tones with specific moods and emotions. Red typically evokes passion, while an orange sunrise shows intensity and heat. Darker tones obviously bring about “darker” emotions and light tones are more uplifting.

Color and tone go hand in hand with lines. By lines I mean any boundary created by two contrasting colors. Our brain automatically follows lines without us really knowing. Use lines to guide the audience's eyes. But be sure not to mistakenly place lines that could distract the focus of the image.  

Check back next week when discuss filters for digital camera lenses.