Composition & Notes

First Set Up Your Paper To Take Cornell Notes

What makes a good composition?

Photo Photojournalism

Composition

What is composition?

Composition refers to the way a photo is constructed or planned to make the biggest possible impact.

Composition rules are ingredients that a photographer may use, but just like a chef wouldn’t use all of the ingredients in his pantry in one meal, a photographer won’t use every composition technique in one photograph.

 

Rule of Thirds

If you divide your picture into a tic-tac-toe board, your subject should not be located in the center square

 

Repetition

A repeating pattern works well to emphasize your subject.

A little bit of variance (changing it up) within the repetition is even better.

 

Angle

If you can change the angle or viewpoint of your photograph, you automatically make it more interesting.

Changing the angle does NOT mean tilting the camera.

 

Strong subject (or “filling the frame”)

Photos should have a strong, dominant focal point and/or center of interest.

Keep your background simple to avoid distractions.

 

Framing

Use natural elements to create a frame or border around the subject of the photo, so your audience knows exactly what your focus is.

 

Leading lines

Lines in a photo direct a viewer’s focus to the photo’s subject.

 

Selective focus

When a photographer narrows a picture’s depth of field so that only part of the picture is in focus, it draws attention to that particular area. 

(Combine this with rule of thirds to create an awesome photo!)

 

Photocomposition errors

(Photos submitted by Rutherford B. Hayes High School students)

Error #1: Mergers

This error occurs when two objects in a photo overlap strangely and therefore appear to be connected.

Error #2: Intrusions

This error occurs when objects intrude onto the edge of photograph unintentionally, which causes a distraction to the main subject.

Error #3: Bright Spots/Holes

Bright spots are unintentionally bright or washed out areas of a photograph. 

Holes are unintentionally dark areas of a photograph.

Error #4: Cropping of body parts

This error is exactly what it sounds like. When a photo cuts off small amounts of someone’s body, it looks unintentional or awkward or unnatural.

Error #5: Directional Errors

This error occurs when a subject is facing the edge of the photo rather than the middle of the photo. There isn’t “room” for the subject to look or move.

Cornell Notes Part 1

Grading Rubric:

1pt Heading - Student's name, course, period, and date are shown in the upper right corner.

1pts Layout - Cornell notes page includes lines dividing the page for questions, notes, and summary.

1pt Essential Question - The essential question is written at the top of the page.

2pts Notes - Notes summarize content and may include headings, bullets, and sentences.

------

5pts Total