COMPOSITION
Various Photography Types
© Tracey Garvey Photography
www.tgarveyphotography.com
COMPOSITION
The photographers visual arrangement of the
subject and surrounding elements as seen
through the viewfinder.
 Composition is very important to taking quality
pictures.
 The following rules of composition should be
learned but not necessarily used in every photo.
 Learning these rules will open up a world of
photo opportunities you may not have seen
before.
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RULE OF THIRDS
The rule of thirds is the most recognized rule and
has been used for centuries
 This rule directs that the frame be divided into 3
vertical and 3 horizontal sections, where ever the
lines connect is an ideal spot for your subject.
 By placing your subject at one of the four
intersecting points you are emphasizing your
subject to the viewers eye
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SIMPLICITY
This rule directs you to keep the items in your
photo simple
 If your main subject is close to your lens your
background should be blurry or very plain
 There should be no distractions in your photo
 Avoid object or lines that lead the viewers eye
away from the subject
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SIMPLICITY
Plain Background nothing to distract from the subject matter
CONTRAST

This rule directs that light subjects should be
placed against dark back grounds or dark
subjects are against light backgrounds
FRAMING
This rule directs using your surrounding to add
more focus to your subject or to “Frame” your
subject
 This could be anything from trees, a door way or
window.
 When using this rule make sure the focus is on
your subject and not the object surrounding it
 It is a good idea to use a high f stop when using
this rule to create a high depth of field
(everything in focus)
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FRAMING
The leaves in the photo frame the subjects face
TEXTURE
This rule can add a lot of interest to your photo
especially when taking photos of things in nature
 Texture can help make the photo more real to life
 Texture can be used when taking photos of rocks,
walls, surfaces, hands or leaves,
 In order to create texture try to compose your
photo so the light is coming from the side, this
will cast shadows giving you the look of texture.
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TEXTURE
DIAGONALS AND LEADING LINES
Diagonal elements or lines can make your photo
more interesting, you can use diagonal lines to
create points of interest in your photo.
 Diagonal lines can also give an image depth or
suggest a sense of action.
 Leading lines similar to diagonal lines can be
used to direct the viewers eye deeper into the
photo
 Leading lines can be roads, rivers, trees,
branches or bridges.

DIAGONAL LINES AND LEADING LINES
SYMMETRY AND PATTERNS

Symmetry and Patterns can make for a very eye
catching composition particularly in situations
where they are not expected.
COLOUR
The rule of colour can add interest or emotion to
your photo, you can use colour to grab the
viewers attention.
 Different colour combinations can be used to
accent certain parts of your photo when done
properly colour can be very effective at conveying
a mood in an image.
 Warm colours – yellow, orange reds (earthy
colours)
 Cool colours – blue, gray, purple

COLOUR
TYPES OF PHOTOGRAPHY
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Landscape Photography – Shows spaces within the
world typically captures the presence of nature but
can include urban and industrial areas
Wildlife Photography – Focus on animals in their
natural habitat, mostly used for magazines and
exhibitions, patience is very important for this type of
photography.
Aerial Photography – Photos captured from a higher
altitude such as planes or helicopters.
Architectural Photography – This type of photography
deals with taking photos of houses and buildings
usually from different angles.
Sports Photography – Capturing a moment in a
sporting event, this is on of the most difficult types of
photography and requires a lot of practice and various
equipment.
TYPES OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Portrait Photography – This can range from
taking photos of family, friends and pets.
 Wedding/Event Photography – Photographing
weddings and events, capturing moments for a
client. You will need to be very good in
portraiture and have some photo editing skills.
 Baby/Family Photography – Portrait
photography with a focus on a Baby or Family,
capture a moment in time for a family.
 Fashion Photography – Captures models in
glamour's lighting usually displaying fashion
items such as clothing, shoes and accessories,
used in advertisements and fashions magazines.
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TYPES OF PHOTOGRAPHY
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Macro Photography – Capturing a photo at a very
close range to show of the details of the subject.
Interesting subjects in macro photography
include, flowers, insects, and textures.