Objectives

Chapter 17 is an introduction to the basic elements of composition and design. Suggestions for framing, cropping, and dealing with backgrounds are offered. The fundamental design elements are identified and discussed in terms of the ways in which the eye reads them and they are interpreted. Recommendations for composition in landscape photography and portraiture are presented. Issues of concern for the photographer, such as managing motion, balance, and tension are broached. An index refers the reader to pages in the text that may be useful in contending with design problems. The chapter concludes with a brief discussion of ways in which to approach agencies and galleries with your work and speaking about photographs.

After reading this chapter you should be able to:

1. Understand the impact that framing and cropping have on an image.
2. Identify the fundamental design elements and know how to use them effectively.
3. Understand how to use contrast to enhance your images.
4. Understand how point of view can affect the interpretation of an image.
5. Identify some of the "rules of thumb" employed by photographers involved in portraiture and landscape.
6. Speak about photographs and present your work to agencies and galleries.