Photography Guidelines

Snapshots vs Photographs

• Snapshots are quick, spontaneous shots taken to record a moment in time.
• Photographs are planned images taken with care and thought.

 Rules of Composition

• Rule of thirds: imaginary lines drawn dividing the frame of your camera into thirds, both horizontally and vertically. Avoid placing the focus or subject in the center. Place the horizon line at the top or bottom horizontal divider. Also can fill up the frame with the subject for a close up image.

Leading Lines

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

Point of View

• Change the way that the subject is perceived by changing the camera position. To make the subject appear very tall, take the shot so that the camera is looking upwards.

Simplicity

• Keep the 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.