While anyone can point a camera and take a photo, composition is key to making your photos stand out. By keeping some tried and true guidelines in the back of your mind, you’ll be able to capture images that are not only visually appealing, but that hold your viewer’s attention as well.
In This Lesson
Photo Composition Guidelines
- What is Photo Composition?
- Rule of thirds
- Repetition
- Point of view
- Filling the frame
- Using a frame within a frame
- Leading lines
- Knowing your subject
- Don’t cut off limbs
- Create depth
- Rule of space
[Click here to view and use the Google Slide Presentation “Photo Composition Guidelines”]
Activity
Photo Composition Compilation
This activity can take place entirely during class time, or as a take-home assignment. Start by dividing students into pairs. The pairs will then be tasked with leaving the classroom and taking a total of 10 photos. Each photo should demonstrate one of the 10 photo composition guidelines that are outlined in the presentation. Once the photos are collected, students should compile them into a slideshow to present to their peers.
Upon reconvening in class, students should present their slideshows and discuss how keeping the 10 photo composition guidelines in mind influenced the shots that they took. Reserve time for more in-depth discussion or critique of photos if interested.