Chapter 1: Photographic Composition: The Overview.......9
Chapter 2: Developing an Eye for Composition.......21
Chapter 3: Getting to Know Your Equipment........33
Chapter 4: Introducing the Elements of Photographic Design....51
Chapter 5: Arranging Visual Elements in a Frame According to the 'Rules'...67
Chapter 6: Paying Attention to Color in Composition......85
Chapter 7: Using Focal Points to Tell a Story.......103
Chapter 8: Finding Your Perspective..........117
Chapter 9: Backgrounds: As Important as the Subject.....135
Chapter 10: Using Light to Tell Your Story.........153
Chapter 11: Adding Interest through Framing and Formatting.....179
Chapter 12: Exploring Other Compositional Ideas......193
Chapter 13: Showing People in Their Best Light.......215
Chapter 14: In Nature: Landscapes and Wildlife........231
Chapter 15: Shooting Still-Life Photography........247
Chapter 16: Capturing (Or Stopping) Motion through Photography....263
Chapter 17: Artsy Photos: Fine Art, Composite Pictures, and Abstracts...279
Chapter 18: Improving Composition through Postproduction Editing..293
Chapter 19: Ten Ways to Improve Composition........311
Chapter 20: Ten Tips for Finding Photographic Inspiration....317
Chapter 21: Viewing Ten Compositions of One Scene......325
Table of Contents
About This Book............1
Conventions Used in This Book.........2
What You're Not to Read..........3
Foolish Assumptions...........3
How This Book Is Organized..........3
Part I: The Basics of Composition........3
Part II: Elements of Photographic Design.....4
Part III: Arranging the Key Elements to Compose
a Successful Shot..........4
Part IV: Composition in Action.......4
Part V: The Part of Tens........4
Icons Used in This Book.........5
Where to Go from Here...........5
Chapter 1: Photographic Composition: The Overview...9
Getting a Grasp on Good Composition.......10
Defining photographic composition......10
Leading the eye to important elements......12
Achieving balance..........13
Gaining Control of Your Compositions.......15
Working your basic camera settings.......15
Choosing the lens that fits your message.....16
Using perspective to enhance your message.....16
Pulling together the elements of composition.....18
Chapter 2: Developing an Eye for Composition....21
Studying What the Eye Sees.........22
Contrast...........23
Distance...........23
Patterns...........23
Relationships between subjects and supporting elements..24
Seeing What the Camera Sees........26
Revealing three dimensions in a two-dimensional medium...27
Paying attention to everything in the frame.....29
Finding and Creating Effective Compositions......31
Chapter 3: Getting to Know Your Equipment....33
Making the All-Important Lens Choice........34
Working with a fixed lens........34
Saving time with a zoom lens.......35
Exposing Your Images Properly........36
Taking a closer look at aperture, shutter speed, and ISO..37
Using a histogram to check exposure.......40
Discovering your camera's light meter.....42
Relying on your camera's automatic modes....43
Putting Together an Effective Toolkit.......44
Finding a camera that fits your photography style and budget..45
Looking for a lens to suit your needs......46
Selecting memory cards........46
Getting the right external flash........47
Trying a tripod...........47
