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The
art of underwater photography
Composition
& form
by
David George
Reproduced
from in focus 8 (Feb. 1985)
A
résumé of the Basic Course talk given at the
January Meeting.
Some
people believe that the "aesthetics of a picture"
(awareness of good composition) is founded upon an inner awareness
(genetically inherited). I believe that it is more likely
an awareness developed and clarified by years of observation
(a learned response). It is possible to gain a knowledge of
certain principles of composition that will make your photographs
more attractive.
Simplicity.
Keep your photographs as simple as possible. You will nearly
always need a centre of interest.
'Rule
of Thirds' -placing the subject in the most pleasing position.
If you imagine your viewfinder or framer is divided vertically
and horizontally by lines one third of the width and height
respectively from the edges of the picture.
These lines are in the thirds position.
a)
Keep your main subject in the thirds position. Away from the
centre of the picture. Away from the edge of the picture.
Moving or leaning into the picture, not out.
b)
Keep horizontals or verticals in the thirds position . Avoid
strong lines dividing the picture into two equal halves. Try
to disrupt strong verticals or horizontals even if they are
in the thirds position.
Viewpoint
a)
A high viewpoint, looking down works occasionally. It is good
for symmetrical animals or plants and for patterns.
b)
A low viewpoint, looking up does two things. Gets rid of fussy
backgrounds. Gives the subject power and dominance.
c)
Getting as close to a subject as possible cuts out surrounding
matter, which could tend to distract.
Selective
focusing.
Isolate
the subject from potentially intrusive objects around it by
increasing the aperture and reducing the depth of field.
Framing
and lead lines.
a)
Break up the sharp edges of the picture by using natural objects
such as the reef edge, cave roof or overhangs to lead the
eye into the scene.
b)
Similarly the inclusion of objects in the foreground can lead
the eye towards the subject.
Repetitive
lines, patterns, forms and textures.
a)
Diagonals
b)
Diverging lines
c)
Patterns
Balance
and arrangement.
a)
Objects should in some way relate to each other. This makes
for unity, both visual and mental.
b)
Balance principle shape by another smaller less intrusive
one.
c)
In general avoid symmetry unless making a deliberate feature
of it.
Contrast.
Can heighten awareness.
a)
In Black & White -by highlighting subject against background,
either black on white or white on black.
b)
In Colour -strong colours such as reds and yellows lift the
subject from the background.
Cropping.
a)
To improve position of objects in frame
b)
To make subject of interest larger in the frame
c)
To cut out unwanted or distracting matter.
Retouching.
a)
Removal of distracting material before the photo is taken
i.e. beer cans, polythene bags and other non-animate objects.
b)
Cut out unwanted objects after the picture is taken by spotting
with dye, knifing or bleaching.
Visual
appeal and impact
a)
Something that catches the eye or holds the attention can
transcend the artistic merit of a picture.
a)
Clarity or novelty impact i.e. photograph of a Coelacanth.
b)
Emotive i.e. Dolphins, whales, sharks, turtle, manta rays,
wrecks etc.
Appeal
of money or seeing your photograph on book covers.
a)
Vertical format
b)
Colourful with impact
Reproduced
from in focus 8 (Feb. 1985) |
