Composition Terms

Assignment Document: (for Clagett)

Composition in Photography The overall arrangement and organization of visual elements on a 2 dimensional surface.

 Focal Point -  aka fill the frame A composition device emphasizing a certain area or object that draws attention to the piece. Sharp/Crisp images in the foreground make great focal points

Framing-  The subject of your photograph is framed by something within the image.  This is not an actual picture frame.

Diagonal-  Something within the picture frame that cuts across the page.

Rule of thirds-  Divide your photo into thirds, both vertically and horizontally.  Your subject should fall into one of the intersecting points.  Your subject should weigh the picture to one side or the other.

Leading lines-  Lines in a picture that lead your eye toward the subject matter or focal point.  

Depth of Field-  The amount of space around the subject that is in focus.  A wide depth of field allows the subject and a background that is far away to be in focus while a narrow depth of field will only allow for the subject to be in focus.

Center dominant eye- in a close up portrait putting the one eye in the center of the shot

Symmetrical- a composition using equal symmetry on 2 sides.

Figure to Ground- Find contrast between subject and background.

Pattern and repetition- find patterns and patterns that get broken up 
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