SA Grain April 2017

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Composition, the act of composing the image in the view-
finder, is a visual process of organising the elements and
individual details of a scene into a balanced and pleasing
arrangement.
According to the website there is
no right or wrong composition in photography. A composition
that conveys a photographer's intended meaning is an effective one.
A composition that doesn't convey it or that confuses the viewer
is not.
A photograph that communicates its message – that says what you
want it to say, says it clearly and that interests its viewer – is an
effective composition.
How you arrange a scene‘s elements in your camera‘s view-
finder will not only determine the effectiveness of your picture‘s
graphic design, but will also contribute to how well its message
is conveyed.
There is more to good composition, though, than the placement
of elements. Lighting, shutter speed, depth of field and other con-
siderations contribute to a picture's mood and clarity of what
the picture is saying – and therefore the effectiveness of its com-
position.
Rules of composition
Over time great photos showed patterns and trends in the organi-
sation and inter-relationships of lines, shapes, forms and colours
that were recognised to contribute to the effectiveness of the works.
It was found that others could employ these patterns as techniques
in improving their own works.
When they were defined, they became known as the rules of com-
position.
The ten top photography composition rules according to www.
photographymad.com are:
Rule of thirds
Balancing elements
Leading lines
Symmetry and patterns
Viewpoint
Background
Depth
Framing
Cropping
Experimentation.
Source
The previous winner: Emelde von Caues
from Bloemfontein was selected as the winner
and received R1 500 in cash in the February
competition, for her photo of two guineafowl.
RELEVANT Photo competition
Learn more about
COMPOSITION
SA GRAAN/GRAIN EDITORIAL STAFF
In third place is Ria van Wyk from Worcester with her photo ‘Op ver
paaie’. The photo was taken on a farm between Barrydale and Riversdale.
Marina Pierneef from Bapsfontein’s photo ‘Die ou plaashuis se venster
maak ‘n mooi raam’ earned her a second place.
3rd
2nd
Scan to read more about
photography composition
rules.
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