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Assignment: Using the Rules

Don't be bashful! If you want comments, give comments. You don't need to be an expert photographer to express your opinion about the work of others. You don't need to go into great depth. A simple remark about cropping, composition, color, subject matter, etc. can be of just as much help to a budding photographer as an in-depth critique.

Take a series of portrait photographs incorporating one or more rules of composition in your images. Choose the most eye-catching image, post it online at www.pwsbooks.com, and tell me what interests you most about the photograph.

The photo I took to complete this assignment is a good example of breaking some rules and following a few others. My subject is not facing me, and having him right in the middle of frame is breaking the Rule of Thirds. Using leading lines, shapes, and symmetry to draw the viewer’s eye through the image is following the rules. I positioned my camera in back of my subject and under the middle of the pier to capture the symmetry and repetition of the pier pylons. This angle creates depth, and the contrast of a rounded shape within the square shape of the pier adds interest to the composition. I like the bold and abstract elements in this image. Taken at ISO 100, f/9.0, 1/125 sec. with a Nikon E950.

Remember to visit www.pwsbooks.com after you complete this assignment and share your favorite photo! It’s a community of enthusiastic photographers and a great place to view what other readers have created. You can also post comments and read encouraging suggestions and feedback.

05/12/2008
( 2 comments )

beach walk

04/18/2008
( 1 comment )

04/04/2008
( 2 comments )