LO1 - Photographic techniques

Composition:

composition is the way in which the photo has been arranged. This can be used effectively to create a good looking photo. Jerry N Uelsmann is a photographer who specialises in monochrome landscapes. 

This image is composed in a way so the main rock being held up is the focus point. This is as the sun is directly behind the rock and creates contrast making it the focus point. 

Format:

This is how the photo is orientated (portrait or landscape) and the size and shape of the photograph. the orientation is usually done while taking the photograph however the size and shape can be altered in software such as Lightroom and photoshop. 

Centre of interest:

Centre of interest photography is where there is a distinct point of interest in the photo. This could include having most of the image in monochrome while the focal point being a specific colour. 

This example shows the pink flower contrasting the monochrome background. This is a good way to focus on the flower.

Viewpoint:

Viewpoint is when the photo is taken from a different angle to eye level. It could be from above or from below, even at a slant.

The above image is a reflected image from a low angle. This gives a perspective that the buildings are large.

Framing:

When an image is looking either through something to see the point of focus or the point of focus is in between a specific object.

This example shows the White House through the gates. This looking through the gates could be symbolising being locked out and that the other side is of higher importance or class.

Rule Of Thirds

This is where the image is divided into three both vertically and horizontally. The point of interest of focus will fall onto one of these lines in the specific segment. This can create space in-front or behind the object to add effect of where it is looking and looking at.

For example the image above has a small lighthouse on the right third which draw attention to it.

Colour/Monochrome

The use of colour and monochrome can help highlight what the subject of the photo is. It could be complementary colours (opposite colours of the colour wheel) as they help each other stand out. However it may also be monochrome with the focus object in colour. 

The above example shows the background in black and white and the man in colour. This is to make reinforce the man being the point of focus.

Colour Landscapes

This is where colour in landscapes is used to make a picture look stunning.

This shows a photo, also using rule of thirds, using the landscape itself to create vibrant and good looking colours.

Silhouette Photography

Silhouette photography is the use of shadows and contrasting black and white colours to create an artistic and expressive photograph.

The image shows two young boys sitting on a large bike. It uses the bright background to create a shadow in the foreground making the image provoke emotions.

Light

Using light (natural or man-made) to help show the focal point and add a sense of drama to the image. This is what i would like to focus on withing my own work. Shadows and silhouettes can be created using light. Light can alter the way the photograph looks, as it could have dark contours or blown out highlights to create effect.

The above example denotes a dark room with bright sunlight shining through the windows. The contrast helps illuminate the focal point, the man, by adding light and dark sides to him.

Close Up/Macro

This is when the camera is zoomed into the subject to get a better, close up view of it. This technique is great for insects and small objects.

This shows a insect highly close up covered in pollen. This also prevents us from seeing much else in the photograph due to the shallow depth of field. Furthermore it could make the photo more abstract.

Leading Lines

Leading lines help draw your attention to the focal point. usually roads of tracks which draw your eyes in and make them follow it to the point of interest.

For example this image taken with a high dynamic range makes your eyes follow the bridge into the horizon.

Textures

When an image is made up of contrasting textures to add visual interest.

This image shows a feather with different colours made up of one texture which creates visual interest.

Narrative

When the photograph in question is used to tell a story and generate ideas about the image. This may also stir up conversations and debates about the true meaning of the narrative.

The image denotes a man in a low lighted room, with boxes around them. This may make the audience question why and how they ended up there and.