Photo Composition Guide

PhotoAbility PhotoAbility Image Selection Guide V 1.02 © PhotoAbility 2012

A good image A picture is worth a thousand words....... A good image • Has emotional appeal • Is well composed • Has spontaneity Key elements of a good image • Lighting • Environment/ location Colour • Talent • Emotional appeal Engaging subject matter Spontaneity Composition & scale

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Good Lighting • Adds drama and emphasis to the subject • Creates mood • Strengthens the composition • Enhances the experience PhotoAbility

A Good Location • Engages • Inspires • Motivates • Invites

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PhotoAbility Image Selection Guide V 1.02 © PhotoAbility 2012

Colour • Gives life and energy • Creates mood • Enhances the sense of place • Colours should reflect the natural surroundings

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PhotoAbility Image Selection Guide V 1.02 © PhotoAbility 2012

Talent • Look for shots with real people – they should be authentic, welcoming, engaging, inviting. • Do not over stage shots so that they look posed or artificial • Take shots of people with a disability on their own, with friends or partners and in groups • Avoid modelling type images

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PhotoAbility Image Selection Guide V 1.02 © PhotoAbility 2012

Emotional Appeal • Engage the viewer and stimulate them to want to know more. • Demonstrates immersion • Tells a story • Inspires and motivate • Breaks through preconceptions

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PhotoAbility PhotoAbility Image Selection Guide V 1.02 © PhotoAbility 2012

Engaging Subject Matter • Sometimes you need to look a bit harder to find a picture that the viewer can’t ignore • Combines and contrasts elements • Finds the story in the detail • Can be a bit unusual

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PhotoAbility Image Selection Guide V 1.02 © PhotoAbility 2012

Composition Guide • Composition makes or breaks a photo • A photo has to draw the eye through it • It has to have a context • It has to have a sense of place • Above all else it must convey a message and captivate the viewer.

Rule of Thirds

The most common mistake in photography is to put the subject into the centre of the frame. The eye is immediately draw to that subject and does not then explore the depth of the picture, as a result the photo can appear flat and lifeless. A photograph should be imagined as being cut into thirds in both directions. The subject of the photo should be placed on one of the four intersecting points. The horizon, or natural scenery breaks should be placed on one of the two horizontal third lines, not across the centre of the picture.

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PhotoAbility Image Selection Guide V 1.02 © PhotoAbility 2012

Action Shots Action shots should follow the rule of thirds. Place the subject at one of the four intersection points. The direction of travel should then follow the diagonal line to the opposite intersection. This draws the eye through the photograph and creates a sense of involvement. PhotoAbility

Framing a Context

A photo should have a sense of purpose and context. It must be recognizable and the eye should be drawn from the subject into the background.

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Create a Sense of Drama - Get in Close

Photography is about involvement and captivating interest. Sometimes the background is clutter and doesn’t provide a context. The whole activity doesn’t need to be captured, and can often result in a boring or static image. Don’t be afraid to get in close or experiment to create dramatic effects. Even in these cases the rule of thirds creates balance in the image, in the example the rear wheel and helmet provide the anchor points and the riders torso the balancing line.

PhotoAbility Image Selection Guide V 1.02 © PhotoAbility 2012

Commercial Photography Legalities Commercial photography differs greatly from images that may be used for personal use or social networking. As the images are being sold and used in a commercial context then everyone with an interest in the photo must be protected. Copyright The copyright of all photographs resides with the photographer regardless of whether he was paid for the assignment or not, unless there is an assignment of copyright agreement. Any photo offered for sale must be offered by the copyright owner only. People appearing in photos. Unlike social networks, commercial photos cannot contain any person, who is identifiable, without their express written permission. This normally takes the form of a model or talent release. A proforma document is available for download at http://www.photoability.net/ contributions.html. Photos taken on private or public property Most private property and some national parks and other open spaces have restrictions on photography for commercial purposes. You should check with the property owner before conducting a commercial photoshoot. A property release proforma document is also available at http://www.photoability.com.au/contributions.html Logos, brand names and clothing The maximum value for a photograph is obtained when it appeals to the widest possible audience of commercial clients. Many bags, clothing items, wheelchairs and even props like wine bottles have manufacturers logos or brand names on them. Where possible it is better to shoot photographs that do not contain any visible brand names or logos. It is far easier to remove the items before the shoot than in post production.

Upload and sell your portfolio with PhotoAbility Your photograph(s) can be used in marketing, media, and advertising campaigns used by such entities as resorts, cruise lines, vacation properties, travel venues, home communities, tourism bureaus, lifestyle products, corporate employers and more! Media and advertising professionals, web/graphic designers, as well as small and large companies will purchase photos from stock photo libraries to represent their or their client’s message and image. To upload your images go to http://photoability.net/contributions.html There you can register as a photographer and upload your photos. Our two prefered methods are: • Our easy upload facility or • Our YouSendit drop box

PhotoAbility Image Selection Guide V 1.02 © PhotoAbility 2012