Emily Drummond Blog 1: Composition

Introduction and Theme:

For our first blog assignment, we learned about composition and several steps on how to take better photos. I read several articles explaining ideas on how to improve your photography skills. After reading, it made me realize how much work and effort truly goes into photography. For my theme, I chose to take photos of the beautiful greenery that I am surrounded by on this beautiful campus. I now feel as though I have a better understanding on how to “work with the shot” and will be able to take more professional looking photos from now on. 

My first subject:

My first set of photos  I chose to take pictures of this bush outside in my backyard! I really like how the bush is the main subject in this photo. I also think the lighting is really good which helps enhance the bush. I made sure my camera was centered and the bush was lined up correctly, that way viewers can have a clear view of it.  I wanted the bush to be the main focus of the picture and I think I did a really good job eliminating all background features.

                        

Difference in Lighting: 

Here is the another picture of the bush which I took later in the afternoon when the sun started to set. I thought taking the same picture with a difference in lighting would be really beneficial for viewers. That way, viewers will be able to get two different perspectives on what it looks like during the day.

            

         

Different angles:

Here is another picture of the bush that I took, but at a lower angle. By taking a picture at a lower angle it allows others to  get an idea of how big the bush really is. While reading I learned it’s important to see things from different angles and to try shooting at all types of angles (Kennedy). I think I did well achieving a lower angle and I think this photo's view came out good.

Rule of Thirds:

I then walked around my backyard and found this little tree and decided this would be perfect to include. I practiced the “rule of thirds” in this photo. The “rule of thirds” is when you move an object into frame and in thirds to help make key points of interest (Bray). Even though, I tried my best to position the tree into thirds, I feel as though it came out ok. I think need to practice this skill a little more, but I feel as though this picture really highlights key points of interest for the tree.

Depth and Viewpoint:

For this photo, I really wanted to include lots of depth and get a higher viewpoint. Right behind the fence surrounding our backyard is one of the main gates for High Point. I thought it would be interesting to incorporate that in one of my photos. I read that different viewpoints "has a massive impact on the composition of the photo" (photography mad). Therefore, I decided to raise my camera and get a higher view of the fence. I appreciate this photo for all it's depth. This photo is simple, but I feel like it’s a very pleasing picture. I read that simple is sometimes better when it comes to taking pictures and to accept it (Bray). A lot of times busy backgrounds can ruin a picture so many photographers recommend to look for a plain background.  

                                  

Eliminating Distractions:

Here is a photo of these pretty flowers I noticed while walking to class. Looking at this photo now I could have done a better job eliminating distractions here. In this photo the bench is a "intrusion". An intrusion is when "distractions come into the frame distracting the viewer "(Ultimate Photo tips). The bench draws away from the main focal point of this picture which is the flowers. Even though, I didn't succeed taking a clear picture of the flowers I am glad I took this because it allows me to recognize what an intrusion is and what not to do when taking pictures. I am going to make sure I go back to this spot and get a clearer picture of the flowers for my photo card assignment. 

Photos I want to use for Photo Card assignment: