Our last lesson was on very basic non-technical aspects of taking a picture. This lesson also is non-technical, the idea given here are described as “ Composition and Framing”. To frame is to set up the camera to include only the desired subject area of the photograph and to compose is arrange the different elements in the photograph so that the whole picture is meaningful, pleasant and above all has impact. Composition and framing is in essence subjective or about foeltings, but through the ages of the practice of fine arts by human beings certain rules have evolved for composition and framing. As you expect, these rules can not be rigid, but for guidance.

By Tarak Ch. Sarma,  Ex-Senior Faculty, PVTI

The basics

A Picture has a subject

Sometimes also called the main subject, which is what you want to show the viewers.

There will be other elements (things) in the picture too. The subject and the other elements of the picture should be so arranged so that the main subject stands and the other elements draw the attention to it creating an atmosphere. Avoid the ‘Peeping Toms’ or the like jutting out posts etc. they invariably detrorct the viewer.

Location of the main subject

For this we have the ‘Golden rule of Thirds’ : Imagine two vertical lines dividing the picture rectangle in three equal vertical sections. Imagine two horizontal lines the same way. ‘Any of the four points of intersection of these four lines is the main centre of interest in the picture. Place the main subject or its prominent feature at or about these main points of interest. In arts the dead centre of the picture area is not the centre of interest.

The View Point

It is the point (spot) from where you look at the scene or take the picture. For a successful picture you have to choose the correct view point.

Make a habit, initially at least, to take a hard look at you subject – move to the right and to the left, climb to a higher point or bend down or even lie down, go nearer or recede further away. Thin also if the picture should be horizontal or vertical. The subject with its surroundings will show up in different looks. You choose one view point you think is right.

The View Point-2

 It is the point (spot) from where you look at the scene or take the picture. For a successful picture you have to choose the correct view point.

Make a habit, initially at least, to take a hard look at you subject – move to the right and to the left, climb to a higher point or bend down or even lie down, go nearer or recede further away. Thin also if the picture should be horizontal or vertical. The subject with its surroundings will show up in different looks. You choose one view point you think is right.
Perspective : Perspective relates to looking through or towards in a scene, i.e, to How the scene looks to us in shape or size in relation to the distance of the objects from the viewer. Its result; i.e. see a straight board road tapering to a point in the distance, the electric poles along the roadside becoming dwarfish and more and more congested as the distance increases

Perspective

In the photograph the same illusion is created – long buildings photographed from one side looks tapering towards the distance, a tall building photographed by tilting the camera upwards looks also tapering into the sky.

a) Think of the Golden rule of thirds, i.e. your subject or its important features like the eye, should not be placed at the dead-centre of the picture, place it at or about any one of the points of interest. The other elements may be arranged to form circles, a rectangle, a triangle, etc and will create different moods and feelings while giving prominence to the subject.

b) Let not the horizon cut your picture in halves, place it one-third or two-thirds from the

bottom according to the importance of the foreground or the background.

Likewise a river, a road, or the like must not cut the picture in halves, place it somewhat diagonally, through not to lead the eye out of the picture, something else should lead the eye into the picture space again.

Rule of thirds

c) A subject in motion or suggesting motion should move obliquely into the picture space and not out of it.

d) S or C curves made by rivers, roads, walls etc, not only cureate ynamism, but at the same time gives the feeling of gentleness and quiet, think of the diagonal composition too.

Diagonality

Z Composition

Z, L, T, etc with sharp angles create moods of rigidity strength and harshness.

e) Some more hints :

i) Reflections in calm water gives feelings of tranquility, see that water looks wet.

ii) Respective forms make interesting picture, especially of light and shadow for abstraction.

iii) Let your subject be framed by unobstrusive object like trees or branches of comparatively darker tones, especially in case of distant views for giving intimacy and depth.

iv) Flowing shadows are wonderful for creating moods atmosphere. Use to your advantage.

v) Soft lighting with shadows brings out details and solidity especially in portraits and sculpture.

vi) In photographing people the take picture at eye level of the subject or slightly from below – at higher level (high viewpoint) the subject will look dwarfish, at lower level (low viewpoint) tallish.

Soft lightinng

vii) When you use colour films for day light and use early morning or late afternoon the picture will have reddish cast, for natural colour (may be lightly bluish) take picture from about 10 AM to about 2 PM.

This is for today. In our lesson 3, we will be talking about films, both black & white and colour.

Happy Shooting.