Assignment # 1 – Composition, Arrangement and Balance
Assignment: Design and create a slideshow using original photographs and a presentation software. Normally we would use Photoshop to help with this but you may not have access to it (Try Photopea or Pixlr - see the Links\online toolbox for links to these) It should include at least 18 photographs. The point is NOT to edit, but to TAKE good photos from the start that you don't have to edit. The number of photos per technique is given below: Quality not quantity. You can use powerpoint, google slides, prezi or any form you like to make a nice presentation of your work. IT MUST BE EMBEDDED INTO YOUR PORTFOLIO: No "Links to" this or that!
Materials: digital cameras, computer and some type of photo manipulator, Google slides (or powerpoint, prezi,..your choice of slideshow editor.) and a creative mind.
Using a digital camera, take a minimum of two photographs of the following compositional techniques (see below). Do not use photos from the internet: The whole point is for you to take the photos. Be sure to include the whole photo image. Do not cut out part of the photo or reshape it by cutting it. The point is not to EDIT or filter your photos; Include them raw, right from your camera or phone. Craftsmanship is an important part of your grade, so be neat and do label each photo with its composition type. Please ensure you have a title page and anecdotes on your slide show. Do not just include photos on one long web page! Slide show! Think about how you're going to get your photos from camera to computer.
TECHNIQUES:
Leading Lines – a line that leads you visually to the focal point. ( min. 1 photo)
Rhythm – Objects which repeat in a picture creating a feeling of depth or emphasis ( min. 1 photo)
Framing – shooting through something to get the main subject behind it. The subject is “framed” by something in the foreground or background ( min. 1 photo)
Horizontal – picture has a horizontal aspect ratio (wider than it is tall) ( min. 1 photo)
Vertical – picture has a vertical aspect ration (taller than it is wide). ( min. 1 photo)
Informal Balance – asymmetrical, not perfectly centered. ( min. 1 photo)
Formal Balance – both sides (or top and bottom) of the picture are similar (symmetrical)( min. 1 photo)
High Contrast – Using high colour or high value contrast to create interest ( min. 1 photo)
Low Contrast – Using low colour or value contrast to create interest ( min. 1 photo)
Silhouette – The lighting comes from behind the subject in your picture. ( min. 1 photo)
Angle – up, down, straight. Find one of each ( min. 3 photos)
Distance – Close, medium and far. Find one of each. ( min. 3 photos)
Focus – soft or sharp. Shallow depth of field or deep depth of field - Find one of each. ( min. 2 photos)
Your photos will be arranged in a slideshow, embedded in your portfolio and labelled to describe what composition technique the shot is. Make sure your pictures are labelled as they can be mistaken for other shots. You need to have all of the different types represented and labelled. Make sure the orientation of the photos are correct (not sideways or upside down. Make sure the photos are not vertically or horizontally distorted (stretched or squished). You cannot use the same photo for different headings/techniques. This assignment will be posted on your portfolio under Photography - Compostion Assignment (New page)
See the slideshow below for some examples as well as the youtube tutorial here.