one single idea. Although each picture is composed of numerous small parts and contributing elements, none should attract more of the viewer's attention than the primary object of the picture. The primary object is the reason the picture is being made in the first place; therefore, all other elements should merely support and emphasize the main object. Do not allow the scene to be cluttered with confusing elements and lines that detract from the primary point of the picture. Select a viewpoint that eliminates distractions so the principal subject is readily recognized. When numerous lines or shapes are competing for interest with the subject, it is difficult to recognize the primary object or determine why the picture was made. VIEWPOINT  AND  CAMERA  ANGLE The  proper  viewpoint  or  camera  angle  is  an important factor in good composition. Repositioning your subject within the viewfinder frame and changing the camera viewpoint or camera angle are two simple ways  of  controlling  composition. Photographing  from  a  different  viewpoint  or camera angle can often add drama and excitement or even bring out an unusual aspect of a subject. Most of the subjects you photograph are three-dimensional and should be photographed from an angle (to the right or left of and/or from higher or lower than the subject) that allows the viewer to see more than one side of the subject. The photographer should study the subject from different  sides  and  angles.  Walk  around  the  subject  and look at it from all viewpoints. See it from elevated and low positions as well as from eye level to find the best composition. This greatly assists in composing the subject  for  the  best  balance  and  helps  to  select  a background that compliments, not distracts from the subject. The terms viewpoint and camera angle are often used in conjunction with one another and sometimes used  interchangeably.  They  can  also  have  different meanings   depending   on   how   they   are   applied. Viewpoint”  is  the  camera  position  in  relationship  to  the subject. "Camera angle" is the angle in which the camera lens is tilted; for example, a picture of sailors marching, made from ground level with the camera held horizontal with reference to the ground, may be referred to as a “low viewpoint” (or camera position); however, when this picture is made, again from ground level, but with the camera pointed up, it may be referred to as a "low camera angle." Likewise, a picture made from an elevated or high position, with the camera again held horizontal with reference to the ground, or even pointed straight down, can be referred to as a “high viewpoint”; however, if the camera is not held horizontal to the ground or pointed straight down, but pointed at some angle between horizontal and vertical, the camera position  could  be  referred  to  as  a  “high  camera  angle.” Eye-Level  Shots With the camera held horizontal, eye-level shots are usualIy made at a height of about 5 1/2 feet, the height from which the average adult sees, and with the camera horizontal. With the camera held at eye level but pointed up  or  down,  the  camera  position  changes  and  you  have either  a  low  or  high  camera  angle,  respectively. Low  Viewpoint  and  Low  Camera  Angle Low viewpoints and low camera angles can add emphasis  and  interest  to  many  ordinary  photographs.  A low  viewpoint  can  be  used  to  distort  scale  or  add  strength to a picture or to emphasize certain elements within the picture. A low camera angle is achieved when the camera  angle  is  located  below  the  point  of  primary interest and pointed upward. Low angles tend to lend strength and dominance to a subject and dramatize the subject. Low angle shots are used when dramatic impact is desired. This type of shot is very useful for separating the  subject  from  the  background,  for  eliminating unwanted  foreground  and  background,  and  for  creating the illusion of greater size and speed (fig. 5-7). High  Viewpoint  and  High  Camera  Angle High viewpoints and high camera angles help orient the viewer, because they show relationships among all elements  within  the  picture  area  and  produce  a psychological  effect  by  minimizing  the  apparent strength or size of the subject (fig. 5-8). BALANCE Balance  in  photographic  composition  is  a  matter  of making pictures look harmonious. Each element in a picture has a certain amount of value in respect to all the other  elements.  Every  tone,  mass,  shape,  tree,  rock figure, building, line, or shadow contributes a certain amount of weight that must be arranged correctly in the composition to give the impression of balance. The subject placement within the picture area is the factor that  must  be  carefully  considered. Composition is kept in balance by two different methods:   symmetrical,   or   formal,   balance   and asymmetrical,  or  informal,  balance. 5-8