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Center of Interest
Viewpoint and Camera Angle

Photography (Basic) - Introduction to photography and other graphic techniques
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Figure 5-5.–Principle of thirds. Figure  5-6.–Dynamic  symmetry. main object of the photograph should probably be kept out of the picture; for instance, a photograph showing a person standing at some distance in front of a building may leave the observer wondering whether the person or  the  building  is  the  primary  subject.  When  people  are included in a scene for comparative size of objects or just for atmosphere, keep them from looking directly at the camera. When people look at the camera and therefore at the viewer of the picture, the viewer tends to return their gaze by looking directly back into their eyes. When they are not the intended point of interest, we miss the statement and purpose of the picture. When people are subordinate elements within the picture and they are looking in a direction other than at the camera, the viewer’s attention is directed from the people to what they are looking at, which should be the center of interest; for example, when people are grouped around a piece of machinery that is the center of interest of the picture, have them look at the machine, rather than the camera. SUBJECT PLACEMENT Sometimes good composition is obtained by placing the center of interest in the geometrical center of the picture; it is generally not a good idea to place it there. Too frequently it divides the picture into equal halves and  makes  the  picture  uninteresting  and  difficult  to balance. By dividing the picture area into thirds, both vertically and horizontally, and locating the center of interest at one of the intersections of the imaginary lines, you can usually create a feeling of balance to the composition  (fig.  5-5). In photographic composition there are two general guides for determining the best location for the center of interest. The first is the principle of thirds. The other is  dynamic  symmetry.  In the principle of thirds, the intersection of lines that divide the picture area into thirds are marked by O’s. These intersections are good locations for the center of interest in most photographs. Notice we said THE center of interest. Remember, have only one center of interest to a picture-keep it simple. The  principle  of  dynamic  symmetry  is  a  similar  idea.  A good location for the center of interest is found by drawing or imagining a diagonal line from one corner to  an  opposite  corner.  Then,  draw  a  second  line perpendicular to the first from a third corner (fig. 5-6). The intersections of the lines are the location for the center  of  interest. SIMPLICITY Simplicity is the key to most good pictures. The simpler and more direct a picture is, the clearer and stronger is the resulting statement. There are several things to be considered when we discuss simplicity. First, select a subject that lends itself to a simple arrangement;  for  example,  instead  of  photographing  an entire area that would confuse the viewer, frame in on some  important  element  within  the  area.  Second,  select different viewpoints or camera angles. Move around the scene or object being photographed. View the scene through  the  camera  viewfinder.  Look  at  the  foreground and background. Try high and low angles as well as normal eye-level viewpoints. Evaluate each view and angle. Only after considering all possibilities should you take the picture. See beyond and in front of your subject. Be sure there is nothing in the background to distract the viewer's attention from the main point of the picture. Likewise, check to see there is nothing objectional in the foreground to block the entrance of the human eye into the  picture. A last point of simplicity-tell only one story. Ensure there is only enough material in the picture to convey 5-7







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