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Choosing an effect .. Composition .. Basic elements of the image .. Book of photography

Choosing an effect

The elements of a composition allow for the expression of an atmosphere and the translation of a formal composition or also by indicating the different aspects of a scene. For example, you can be sensitive to the way the main subject is placed in the vicinity by creating a dramatic or mysterious atmosphere. To achieve this, you must know what the dominant elements are and give each element the importance it deserves in the composition. Usually, one element dominates the other elements, knowing that there are occasions when the same repeated element gives a special quality to the image.

In any case, your sense and taste will push you to choose good and captivating elements or elements that bring important details to the subject being treated. You will choose the point of view, the lens burner and the film according to your experience and ambitions, and especially the essential nature of the subject.

When you direct the focus towards the scene, put the image in a frame by removing everything that is foreign to the subject itself. Sometimes some elements of the subject can be moved - in the case of interiors or still lifes, for example - to arrange the elements of the image. Note that some subjects can lead to irregular composition or even to exaggeration of the subject. Whatever the method of treating the subject, the composition must be prepared based on the location of the machine and the lens used.

After taking a picture we can frame it while zooming in to give it more impact. Some photographers boast about not framing their pictures when zooming in. And indeed it often happens - for moving scenes, for example - that there is not enough time to carefully compose the picture. So we do not bother because we can improve the composition or framing in the laboratory.

When the rules of composition were first described they were based on laws similar to those governing written or spoken speech: like words, pictures must be arranged in order to best convey the message they contain.

Suggesting an atmosphere

The subject, the artist Graham Suterland in the above picture, has been placed at a moderate distance between objects in the foreground and background to create a psychological atmosphere. Every part of the picture is important in itself. But no part is so strong that it prevents the eye from remaining focused on the subject as it blends in with its surroundings. The soft lighting perfectly suits the atmosphere of the scene.
Leica Flex 1/60 sec long focal length

8 sec Ectachrome X .

Vertical lines balance diagonal lines

In every composition, diagonal lines tend to lead the eye away from the main subject and even out of the picture. The vertical lines of the trees in the picture to the right meet the diagonal lines of the mountain and thus allow the viewer to focus on the church: the centre of attention. The contrast between the cohesion of the church and the detailed composition of the trees is clear. The limited range of tones gives a sense of isolation.

Leica Flex 1/125 sec long focal length 8 sec Ectachrome EX .

A dominant strong point

The small building near the dirt slope is the strong point of the picture no matter where it is in the composition. This subject dominates because its colours and details stand out well against the uniform surface of the fields. The slope and the light green traces in the fields help to give a nice composition to the image.

Leica M3

1/250 sec Ectachrome EX .

Balance of light and shadow

The point of view for this composition was chosen to give a special atmosphere to the wide surface of the water between the rocky mountains. The light hits the elements of the scene in a scattered way. Some of these elements are well lit and others remain in the shadow. Because of this difference in lighting they appear different.
Leicaflex Large Narrator Lens 1/125 sec
Aperture 8 Octachrom EX.