Basic Photographic Principles

Most Popular Courses

• What is the “rule of thirds” in photography?

  The rule of thirds is a composition method in photography where a subject is placed on the left or right third of an image, allowing the space to guide the viewers' eyes and highlight the subject.

• What makes a “good composition” in photography?

  

  Good composition integrates visual harmony with story to create photography that’s not just pleasing to the eye but also carries depth and meaning.

• How to use color effectively in photography?

  

  A few ways to use color effectively in photography include creating harmony using complementary colors, creating contrasts, or highlighting dominant colors.

• How to use leading lines to create great photos?

  

  “Leading lines” are a technique in photography where line elements are used to frame and highlight a subject, leading the viewers eyes to the point in the photograph you want them to focus on.

• How to use compose a photograph using “frames within frames”?

  

  Frames within frames is a compositional photography method where elements in the surroundings are used as a border to emphasize a subject or create a story with layers and context.

• How to tell a story with a photograph?

  

  There are many ways to tell a story with photography, such as capturing moods and emotions, making use of photographic techniques, and finding compelling subjects.

• How to use reflections for creative compositions?

  

  One way to make intriguing and layered images is to use reflections. With this method, reflective surfaces such as mirrors, windows, water etc. are used to create captivating images.

• How to use subject isolation in photography?

  

  There are many ways to isolate a subject in a photograph, such as blurring the background and reducing/removing clutter by using negative space to create a cleaner image.

• What is depth of field?

  Depth of field relates to the parts of an image that are in or out of focus. It is an important tool for photographers as it allows for further creative control.

• What does “shallow focus” mean?

  

  Shallow focus is a photographic technique where only one small area of a photograph is in focus, and the rest is blurred.

• What is the 'decisive moment' in photography?

  The “decisive moment” is a phrase coined by legendary street photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson, to describe the moment in photography when all the elements of a scene – composition, story and emotion – come together perfectly.

• How important is light in photography?

  Light gives our images life, depth and emotion, and is the heart of every photograph. It is the most important ingredient in creating a photograph.

• What is a negative?

  A negative is an image that is an inversion of the original. The colors are reversed and areas of the photograph that were light now appear dark, and vice versa.