Beginning Photography: Composition

The rule of thirds is merely a suggestion. Try breaking the rule of thirds, then using the rule of thirds. Which is more successful?

Too much negative space refers to an excessive amount of empty or unused space in a design. This can create a sense of emptiness or lack of visual interest, often referred to as deadspace. Therefore, the statement "Too much negative space creates deadspace" is true, as an excessive amount of negative space can result in a design that feels empty or unbalanced.

Including an environment in a photograph helps to provide contextual information about the subject. By capturing the surroundings, such as the location, time of day, and time of year, the viewer can better understand the setting and atmosphere of the image. This can enhance the overall storytelling and impact of the photograph, allowing the viewer to connect more deeply with the subject.

Deadspace refers to empty space that serves no purpose or has no functionality. It is a term commonly used in various contexts, such as in video games or real estate, to describe areas that are unoccupied or lack any meaningful activity. This term implies that the space is wasted or unutilized, adding no value or contributing to any specific function or purpose.

Composition in relation to photography refers to the skillful arrangement of various elements within the frame of a photograph. It involves considering factors such as the placement of subjects, the use of lines, shapes, colors, and textures, as well as the overall balance and harmony of the image. A well-composed photograph captures the viewer's attention, conveys a message, and creates a visually pleasing and cohesive piece of artwork.

Getting in close to the subject helps eliminate deadspace because it allows you to fill the frame with the subject, leaving no empty or uninteresting areas in the photo. By physically moving closer to the subject, you can capture more details and create a more engaging composition. This technique is particularly useful when photographing people or objects, as it helps to emphasize their features or unique characteristics.

Snapshots are merely recordings of memory, and photographs are artistic interpretations of objects, places, or events. This explanation highlights the main difference between photographs and snapshots by emphasizing that snapshots are simple recordings of a memory, while photographs involve a level of artistic interpretation.

You don't want anything drawing the viewer's eye out of the frame. Distractions on the edges will pull the viewer out of the photograph instead of keeping it in.

Horizon lines need to be horizontal and vertical lines need to be vertical.

The rule of thirds is a gridding system which divide the frame into 9 equal sections. The intersects are considered sweet spots, which is a good place to align your focal points.