Dixie Heights Camera Club

Composition is the key to every great image. Framing your photo in the right way can make the difference between a boring snapshot and a photograph with the WOW factor.

Look at the image above. (It was taken during the first-ever DHHC photo shoot on Sept 18.) There are several elements of this photo that make it such a cool image. First, the faces of the two subjects fill the frame. There is some background, some information about where these two are (a hammock), but it is slightly out of focus and does not distract from the real subjects. Second, the photo adheres to the rule of thirds. Imagine a tic-tac-toe board drawn on top of the photograph.

The subject(s) of an image should ideally be placed at the intersection of the lines. Notice how Becca’s eyes and Jake’s mouth (the two attention-grabbers of this photo) are roughly aligned with the intersections? This composition is visually appealing and leads the viewers’ eyes into the photograph.

As a bonus, the subjects’ faces are relaxed and playful. Looking at this picture, you can almost hear Becca and Jake, swinging in this hammock and laughing. Jake’s sunglasses and expression give this image a whimsical feel.

At the next meeting of DHHC, we’ll discuss other members’ photos. If you’d like to submit your photo for constructive critique, add it to the Dixie Heights Flickr group and tag it with DHCCCRIT. Then, send me an email with a link to your photo. Critique is a positive discussion of the elements that make an image work, and how it could be made even better.

Some other important links:

1. Dixie Heights Flickr Group
2. Amber’s Minneapolis photography workshop photos
3. Listen to Amber on the Tips from the Top Floor podcast