COMPOSITIONAL STRATEGIES
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The Art of Composition: Framing Your Vision
The Art of Composition: Framing Your Vision
Composition is the way you arrange elements within your frame. Use these techniques to move beyond "snapshots" and start creating art! :)
Shot Sizes: Choosing Your Distance
Wide / Long Shot: Shows the subject in their environment. Focuses on the setting.
Full Shot: Captures the subject from head to toe. Focuses on form and posture.
Medium Shot: Shot from the waist up. The "storytelling" shot—great for action and gestures.
Close-up: Fills the frame with a face or a detail. Focuses on emotion and texture.
Camera Angles: Changing Perspective
Eye-Level
Eye-Level
The camera is level with the subject's eyes. It feels honest and equal
Bird’s Eye View
Bird’s Eye View
Looking straight down from high above. Makes the subject look small or patterned.
Worm’s Eye View
Worm’s Eye View
Looking straight up from the ground. Makes the subject look heroic, tall, or powerful.
Placement: Where to Put the Subject
Rule of Thirds
Rule of Thirds
Don't just center everything! Imagine a 3x3 grid. Place your subject on the lines or intersections for a more balanced, professional feel.
Center / Symmetry
Center / Symmetry
Placing the subject exactly in the middle. Use this for bold, formal, or architectural shots where you want to show perfect balance.
Dynamic Techniques: Adding "Pop"
Leading Lines
Leading Lines
Use natural lines (roads, shadows, railings) to point the viewer’s eye toward your subject.
Framing
Framing
Use a window, branches, or a doorway to create a "frame within the frame." This adds depth and focus.
Action
Action
Capture a moment in motion.
Pro Tip: Use a fast shutter speed (1/500 or higher) on your Nikon D3300 to freeze a movement perfectly in time.
As a side note, compositional strategies aren't laws; they are tools. If a photo feels right but breaks every rule on this list, press the shutter anyway. Feel free to experiment and take as many pictures as you want!
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