Photo composition notes

Snapshot- a quick shot, often spontaneous, taken to record a moment in time.
Photograph- an image taken with care and thought.

Rules of composition
Rule of thirds- imaginary lines drawn dividing the frame of camera into thirds, both horizontally and vertically.

• Place subject/ important elements where these lines intersect. 
• Place horizon line at the top or bottom horizontal divider. 
• Fill up entire frame with subject for a closeup image.

Leading lines- Use the lines created within the foreground or background of the composition to lead the viewer's eye through the photo. 

• Lines can draw attention to one or more intended subjects or a single focal point.

Point of view- Change the way your subject is perceived by changing the camera position

• If you are photographing a subject that you want to seem very tall, compose the shot so that the camera is looking upwards.
• Doing vice versa can also make a photograph look interesting.

Simplicity- Keep your background simple and clear of clutter.

• The mood and effectiveness of a photo can be altered by what is in the background.
• A chaotic composition will cause the viewer to look away.