Basic Photography Course

one single idea. Although each picture is composed of
numerous small parts and contributing elements, none
should attract more of the viewer's attention than the

primary object of the picture. The primary object is the
reason the picture is being made in the first place;
therefore, all other elements should merely support and
emphasize the main object. Do not allow the scene to be
cluttered with confusing elements and lines that detract
from the primary point of the picture. Select a viewpoint
that eliminates distractions so the principal subject is
readily recognized. When numerous lines or shapes are
competing for interest with the subject, it is difficult to
recognize the primary object or determine why the
picture was made.

VIEWPOINT AND CAMERA ANGLE

The proper viewpoint or camera angle is an

important factor in good composition. Repositioning
your subject within the viewfinder frame and changing
the camera viewpoint or camera angle are two simple
ways of controlling composition.

Photographing from a different viewpoint or

camera angle can often add drama and excitement or
even bring out an unusual aspect of a subject. Most of
the subjects you photograph are three-dimensional and
should be photographed from an angle (to the right or
left of and/or from higher or lower than the subject) that

allows the viewer to see more than one side of the
subject. The photographer should study the subject from
different sides and angles. Walk around the subject and
look at it from all viewpoints. See it from elevated and
low positions as well as from eye level to find the best
composition. This greatly assists in composing the
subject for the best balance and helps to select a
background that compliments, not distracts from the
subject.

The terms viewpoint and camera angle are often

used in conjunction with one another and sometimes
used interchangeably. They can also have different
meanings depending on how they are applied.
Viewpoint" is the camera position in relationship to the
subject. "Camera angle" is the angle in which the camera
lens is tilted; for example, a picture of sailors marching,
made from ground level with the camera held horizontal
with reference to the ground, may be referred to as a
"low viewpoint" (or camera position); however, when
this picture is made, again from ground level, but with
the camera pointed up, it may be referred to as a "low
camera angle."

Likewise, a picture made from an

elevated or high position, with the camera again held
horizontal with reference to the ground, or even pointed

straight down, can be referred to as a "high viewpoint";
however, if the camera is not held horizontal to the
ground or pointed straight down, but pointed at some
angle between horizontal and vertical, the camera
position could be referred to as a "high camera angle."

Eye-Level Shots

With the camera held horizontal, eye-level shots are

usualIy made at a height of about 5 1/2 feet, the height
from which the average adult sees, and with the camera
horizontal. With the camera held at eye level but pointed
up or down, the camera position changes and you have
either a low or high camera angle, respectively.

Low Viewpoint and Low Camera Angle

Low viewpoints and low camera angles can add

emphasis and interest to many ordinary photographs. A
low viewpoint can be used to distort scale or add strength
to a picture or to emphasize certain elements within the
picture. A low camera angle is achieved when the
camera angle is located below the point of primary
interest and pointed upward. Low angles tend to lend
strength and dominance to a subject and dramatize the
subject. Low angle shots are used when dramatic impact
is desired. This type of shot is very useful for separating
the subject from the background, for eliminating
unwanted foreground and background, and for creating
the illusion of greater size and speed (fig. 5-7).

High Viewpoint and High Camera Angle

High viewpoints and high camera angles help orient

the viewer, because they show relationships among all
elements within the picture area and produce a
psychological effect by minimizing the apparent
strength or size of the subject (fig. 5-8).

BALANCE

Balance in photographic composition is a matter of

making pictures look harmonious. Each element in a

picture has a certain amount of value in respect to all the
other elements. Every tone, mass, shape, tree, rock

figure, building, line, or shadow contributes a certain
amount of weight that must be arranged correctly in the

composition to give the impression of balance. The
subject placement within the picture area is the factor
that must be carefully considered.

Composition is kept in balance by two different

methods: symmetrical, or formal, balance and
asymmetrical, or informal, balance.

5-8

contents

Basic Photography Course

<- previous page

next page ->


DOFMaster for Windows On-line Depth of Field Calculator DOFMaster for Mobile Devices On-line Depth of Field Table Hyperfocal Distance Chart Articles FAQ Recommended Books Support Contact Links Home As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.	contents <- previous page next page -> one single idea. Although each picture is composed of numerous small parts and contributing elements, none should attract more of the viewer's attention than the primary object of the picture. The primary object is the reason the picture is being made in the first place; therefore, all other elements should merely support and emphasize the main object. Do not allow the scene to be cluttered with confusing elements and lines that detract from the primary point of the picture. Select a viewpoint that eliminates distractions so the principal subject is readily recognized. When numerous lines or shapes are competing for interest with the subject, it is difficult to recognize the primary object or determine why the picture was made. VIEWPOINT AND CAMERA ANGLE The proper viewpoint or camera angle is an important factor in good composition. Repositioning your subject within the viewfinder frame and changing the camera viewpoint or camera angle are two simple ways of controlling composition. Photographing from a different viewpoint or camera angle can often add drama and excitement or even bring out an unusual aspect of a subject. Most of the subjects you photograph are three-dimensional and should be photographed from an angle (to the right or left of and/or from higher or lower than the subject) that allows the viewer to see more than one side of the subject. The photographer should study the subject from different sides and angles. Walk around the subject and look at it from all viewpoints. See it from elevated and low positions as well as from eye level to find the best composition. This greatly assists in composing the subject for the best balance and helps to select a background that compliments, not distracts from the subject. The terms viewpoint and camera angle are often used in conjunction with one another and sometimes used interchangeably. They can also have different meanings depending on how they are applied. Viewpoint" is the camera position in relationship to the subject. "Camera angle" is the angle in which the camera lens is tilted; for example, a picture of sailors marching, made from ground level with the camera held horizontal with reference to the ground, may be referred to as a "low viewpoint" (or camera position); however, when this picture is made, again from ground level, but with the camera pointed up, it may be referred to as a "low camera angle." Likewise, a picture made from an elevated or high position, with the camera again held horizontal with reference to the ground, or even pointed straight down, can be referred to as a "high viewpoint"; however, if the camera is not held horizontal to the ground or pointed straight down, but pointed at some angle between horizontal and vertical, the camera position could be referred to as a "high camera angle." Eye-Level Shots With the camera held horizontal, eye-level shots are usualIy made at a height of about 5 1/2 feet, the height from which the average adult sees, and with the camera horizontal. With the camera held at eye level but pointed up or down, the camera position changes and you have either a low or high camera angle, respectively. Low Viewpoint and Low Camera Angle Low viewpoints and low camera angles can add emphasis and interest to many ordinary photographs. A low viewpoint can be used to distort scale or add strength to a picture or to emphasize certain elements within the picture. A low camera angle is achieved when the camera angle is located below the point of primary interest and pointed upward. Low angles tend to lend strength and dominance to a subject and dramatize the subject. Low angle shots are used when dramatic impact is desired. This type of shot is very useful for separating the subject from the background, for eliminating unwanted foreground and background, and for creating the illusion of greater size and speed (fig. 5-7). High Viewpoint and High Camera Angle High viewpoints and high camera angles help orient the viewer, because they show relationships among all elements within the picture area and produce a psychological effect by minimizing the apparent strength or size of the subject (fig. 5-8). BALANCE Balance in photographic composition is a matter of making pictures look harmonious. Each element in a picture has a certain amount of value in respect to all the other elements. Every tone, mass, shape, tree, rock figure, building, line, or shadow contributes a certain amount of weight that must be arranged correctly in the composition to give the impression of balance. The subject placement within the picture area is the factor that must be carefully considered. Composition is kept in balance by two different methods: symmetrical, or formal, balance and asymmetrical, or informal, balance. 5-8 contents Basic Photography Course <- previous page next page ->	As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
	WWW.DOFMASTER.COM © 2006 Don Fleming. All rights reserved.