Qualities Important to Taking a Well Composed Photo

In my journalism class, Digital Storytelling, we were assigned to go on a photo scavenger hunt. During this assignment, we were asked to take photos that represented 8 qualities that a photographer should think about when taking a photo. As a photo minor, I tried to take a photo that really enjoyed this assignment and love exploring the fundamentals of photography.

This photo below represents the Rule of Thirds well because the trees break up the photos in roughly thirds. It’s not a single branch going through the center, but two trunks dividing it in a more visually pleasing way.

As summer begins to end, the vibrant green color remains present. The overlook of UMD’s campus will change soon as autumn approaches slowly. Photo by Sara Guymon

The photo below demonstrates balance well due to the distribution of light across the white box. The monochromatic photo allows the box to appear more even due to the weight given to it by the shadow. In addition to that, the shadow itself is roughly the same length as the box.

UMD Photography students were required to shoot white boxes in the VIZ Lab on Monday afternoon to learn about lighting techniques. The purpose of this exercise was to show students how to meter light and how to shoot it better in a controlled environment. Photo by Sara Guymon

The photo below represents pattern or repetition not only because of the wood grain of the planks, but because of the repetition of the grass that opposes it. Two patterns are present in the photo and it’s given a visually pleasing break between the two.

The wood grain of an old porch is slowly deteriorating with time. The fading gray of the wood compliments the blurred grasses green color beautifully outside my house. Photo by Sara Guymon

This photo represents viewpoint because I took it at an unusual angle. I stood above our aloe vera plant and shot a birds eye perspective straight down at the plant. The point of view is different then a straight on photo.

A small aloe vera plant in the early stages of its life. Photo by Sara Guymon

This photo represents leading lines because your eyes follow the lines of the rail across the photo into the blue of the lake and sky. This use of focus also draws your attention to the lines in the wood that help to direct your vision across the picture.

A wobble rail sits perched in the front yard of my house. The worn wood directs your vision to the faded background and muted colors. Photo by Sara Guymon

This photo represents framing due to the nice layer of trees that surround the house and patio set. The use of branches and leaves creating a mystic looking frame around this table and chairs, giving it a more homely look to it. The colors also frame the center of this picture well.

An unoccupied patio set sits vacant in the morning hours. The framing of the branches and leaves give the area a comforting feel along with the multiple colors present. Photo by Sara Guymon

This photo represents close-up. My thought process going into this was that I wanted to do something sharp and aesthetically pleasing. The sparkler creates a sharp image and the photo’s only focus is the pop of sparks and the hand. It’s a tight photo and gives off the perfect amount of negative space.

A lone sparkler serves as a beacon of light in the dark of night. Photo by Sara Guymon

The last photo represents depth. The primary focus is on the legs and shoes. However, behind the subject there is a foreground, middle ground, and background. You can see a ways beyond the subject.

A college student sits and enjoys the serene nature outside her house. The view of her campus is in front of her as she thinks about the upcoming year and how it is unlike any other school year she has every experienced. Even though she is so close to campus, most of her classes are online this semester. Photo by Sara Guymon