SIMPLICITY

Frequently, the simplest arrangement of your subject matter makes the most interesting presentation. Although each photograph consists of numerous small parts and contributing elements, none of these should appear conspicuous or portray more interest than the main object. The main object is the reason for making the photograph in the first place; all other elements should merely support and emphasize it. The scene should not be cluttered with a confusing number of objects and lines that detract from the subject. You should select a viewpoint that eliminates surrounding distractions so the principal subject is readily recognized. If numerous lines or shapes are competing for interest with the subject, it may be difficult to recognize the main object or determine why the photograph was made.

Study the scene from all angles and decide exactly what you want to show; then strive to maintain this single idea as clearly as possible by eliminating unimportant or distracting elements from the photograph. Keeping the arrangement simple makes the job of composition easier and the photograph more interesting.

POINT OF INTEREST

With few exceptions, most photographs should have a single point of interest that tells the viewer this is the reason for taking the photograph. All other details support the point of interest. The point of interest is the point to which the eyes are drawn (fig. 12-8). If there is

Figure 12-8. - The eyes of the viewer are drawn to the point of interest.

nothing in the photograph to attract attention to a particular area, the eyes wander throughout the scene. The point of interest maybe a single objector numerous ones arranged so that attention is directed to one definite point.

Lines, shapes, human figures, and so forth, should be directed so that they look or move toward the point of interest in the picture. If you have a group of people gathered around a table, keep the interest intact and centralized by having them look at each other or at one individual of the group. A perfect example of this is The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci. This unity of interest causes the observer's eyes to be drawn to the same point. Human figures attract attention more strongly than most other subject matter.

For instance, a photograph showing a person standing at a distance in front of a building may leave the observer wondering whether the person or the building is the main subject. When you include people in a scene, do not photograph them looking directly at the camera. When people look directly at us, we normally return the gaze by looking directly into their eyes. However, when they look in another direction, our attention is drawn from them to the point at which they are looking. Thus if people are grouped around a piece of machinery or an aircraft (the main object of the photograph), have them look at the object, rather than at the camera.

Rule of Thirds

Point of interest, as used in this section, is Frequently called the center of interest. It is called "point" at this time simply to prevent giving the impression that it would be located in the center of the photograph space.

Although good composition can at times be obtained by placing the point of interest in the geometrical center of the photograph area it is a good idea to avoid placing it there. The frequently it divides the photograph into equal halves and makes it difficult to create a feeling of balance. Some photographers draw lines on the ground glass, dividing the photograph into thirds both vertically and horizontally, and thereby locate the point of interest at one of the four intersections of these lines. This division is sometimes referred to as the rule of thirds (fig. 12-9) - a concept briefly covered in Chapter 8. You will find that one of these intersections is the best location for the point of interest and gives the best feeling of balance to the composition of the photograph. Most of the attention should be attracted to and held at this point. An artistic feeling for

Figure 12-9. - The rule of thirds

arrangement is an invaluable aid in composing a scene in order to make a striking photograph.

If the principal object is too close to one edge, appears top-heavy or if it in any way leaves the observer feeling that it is misplaced in the photograph, the point of interest should be moved to another location. You also may change the camera angle to include another object and balance the composition.