Assignment:
Perspective & Composition
We can make our photography better simply by changing our perspective and composing the image in the viewfinder. You don't need to make the image tight in the viewfinder; you can crop it later but have an idea of the cropping as you shoot.
Perspective
You need to find a subject and look around to find a better place to shoot from. Your cameras viewpoint can get lower or higher. We can frame the subject with a tree or branch or people or objects which will give us depth in the image. For this assignment you will find an everyday object or setting outside and create a different view by changing the height of the camera.
Your first shot will be the "snap shot" look. Don't do anything special, just record it. Take two more shots with different perspectives.
Perspective is also a story teller. Shoot a subject with a foreground or background that pertains to the primary subject. Good time to use your wide lens. What are you trying to say in this image? You can create comparisons or concerns. You can show anger or joy by planning and using perspective.
Photograph a person at eye level with them looking at the camera. Take another photograph at a different height. Now take a shot of them not looking at the camera, like a candid shot. Your subject doesn't need to be standing and could be inside or outside. Add a prop or clothing to add interest. Variety on your part will improve your creativity.
Composition
Composing your image is a necessary action in creating an image that flows comfortably and draws your viewer to what you want them to see. A primary subject does not have to be the largest portion of the image. Using lines, color, light and shadows will help with your composition. You want to lead the eye into the frame and not get caught with too much unnecessary clutter. Clutter is fine as long as it pertains to the image and is separated from the subject by light, color, contrast and or focus. remember to use the rule of thirds. Don't place your subject dead center using the rule of thirds.
We are going to shoot some everyday scenes using composition and perspective. You decide to use a wide or telephoto according to the scene. Here are a few ideas to look for. Railroad tracks, picket fence, water tower, downtown buildings. doorways, windows, steps or walkways, natural scenes, piles of wood or stone. When shooting outside you may also want to consider what time of day as part of the image.
We need to combine what we have learned about depth of field, color, shadow and use of wide or telephoto views.
Sit on the ground outside on the lawn or in the woods, create compositions within a ten foot square area. Shoot items within that area and you will be surprised at how much you find. If you can take closeups, sit inside by a window and take images of your free hand. These are learning exercises to help train your eye.