Skill sharing session by School of Data Fellow Dona. How to take a great picture: rule of three, composition, cropping, etc.

1. Photography

2. Nicely composed
photographs require
careful planning and
sometimes patient waiting.

3. A clear purpose why
the photo is made
is crucial.

5. Choice:
What part of the subject to include in the photo?
Should it be framed horizontally or vertically?

6. Horizontally framed photos
They are best for:
• When an object is horizontally placed
or is wider than it is tall.
• For objects in motion, since it leaves
room for movement
• To visually enlarge the space
(landscape photography)

7. Vertically framed photos
They are best for:
• When the object is taller than it is
wide
• When the object is moving vertically
• When the goal is to focus on a
particular object (decreased
distraction from the surroundings)

14. Simplify and enhance the focus
on photos with using
uncomplicated backgrounds,
avoiding unrelated elements,
using contrast.
Greater dynamic - placing the
object outside the center

19. Generally, pictures with
objects directly in the
center are experienced as
more static and less
interesting from the photos
that set the object outside
the center.

22. Composition
The rule of three thirds

23. Rule of thirds
• The most basic rule for good balanced
photography
• The photo is divided in thirds
horizontally and again vertically, so you
get 9 parts
•
• The idea is to place the object in one of
the thirds
*Tip: place the eyes in an intersection of
two lines

33. Trajectory of the moving object
-
leave extra space where they
can move

37. Vertical horizon and
vertical objects - outside
the center

42. Lines
Powerful tool in photography

43. Lines:
• Lead the eye through the photo
Dictate the mood:
• Horizontal lines: static and
constant through time
• Vertical: stability and peace
• Diagonal: action and dynamics

46. Diagonal lines as leading
lines that indicate the
direction of the photo -
easier to follow the
subject

49. Lines that are repeated in
order to draw attention to
the center of interest

51. The „S“ Line
Curved lines are slow and calming;
Melancholic or encouraging depending
of the direction

54. Balance

55. The Fibonacci
spiral and golden
ratio

60. Geometric shapes

64. Symmetry

70. Framing

71. Setting the center of
interest in a frame with
the help of other objects
in the foreground to
achieve depth (depth of
field)

77. Finding "fresh"
angles

83. Children photography

84. Lower yourself to
their level

88. Horizontal
horizonts

92. Fill the
photography

97. Patterns

101. Crop / Cut

105. Badly cut
objects

107. The main skill is where to
stand and when to push the
button.

108. Some of the best photos
violate the rules of
photography, but you have to
know the rule first in order
to break it wisely.