Composition & Framing

1 Corinthians 14:40

“Let all things be done decently and in order.”

What Is Composition?

Have you ever taken a photo of something interesting, but the picture still did not look very good?

The problem may have been composition.

Composition is how you arrange everything inside your photograph. It includes where you place your subject, what you include in the background, the angle you choose, and how your viewer’s eyes move through the image.

A good photographer does not just point the camera and take a picture. A good photographer thinks:

Where should my subject be? What should be in the background? What angle would make this more interesting? Where do I want the viewer to look first?

This connects with 1 Corinthians 14:40:

“Let all things be done decently and in order.”

Just like order is important in our lives, order can make a photograph stronger too. Good composition helps everything in the photo feel like it belongs.

Technique #1: Rule of Thirds

Imagine that your screen is divided into nine equal boxes, like a tic-tac-toe board.

Instead of always putting your subject directly in the center, try placing the most important part of your photo along one of the lines or near one of the four points where the lines meet.

For example, if you are photographing a classmate, try placing them on the left or right third of the picture instead of directly in the middle.

This can make your photograph feel more balanced and interesting.

Try it: Turn on the grid setting on your camera or phone if it has one.

Technique #2: Leading Lines

Leading lines are lines within a scene that guide the viewer’s eyes toward your subject.

Look around the building. You may find leading lines almost everywhere:

Hallways, railings, rows of chairs, walls, doors, windows, floor patterns, sidewalks, and tables can all create lines.

Position yourself so those lines appear to point toward your subject.

If your classmate is your model, for example, you could have them stand at the end of a hallway and use the walls or floor lines to lead the viewer's eyes toward them.

Technique #3: Angles

You do not always have to take a photograph while standing straight in front of your subject.

Change your angle!

Try taking a photo from:

A low angle
A high angle
The side
Close to the ground
Through a doorway or opening
From farther away

Changing your position can completely change the way an ordinary subject looks.

Before taking the picture, ask yourself:

“Is there a more interesting place I could stand?”

Sometimes moving only a few feet can turn an average photograph into a great one.

Class Activity

Composition Challenge

You will have 7 minutes to explore the hallway and designated open areas of the building and practice composition.

You may ask one of your classmates to be your model.

Your challenge is to capture:

Photo 1: Rule of Thirds
Take a photo where your subject is intentionally placed using the rule of thirds.

Photo 2: Leading Lines
Find lines in the building that guide the viewer's eyes toward your subject.

Photo 3: Creative Angle
Take a photograph from an angle you would not normally use.

Before You Take Each Photo

Do not rush!

STOP → LOOK → COMPOSE → SHOOT

Ask yourself:

What is my subject?
Where should I place it?
Is the background distracting?
Could I change my angle?
What technique am I using?

I will be choosing one of your photos to showcase in the Classes Gallery

Hallway Challenge Rules

We are sharing the building with other classes, so photographers must be respectful.

Be quiet and considerate of the other classes. Do not enter or interrupt another class. Walk instead of running. Stay in the approved areas. Ask permission before using someone as your model.

You have 7 minutes, so use your time wisely.

Remember, part of being a photographer is learning how to work professionally without disturbing the people around you.

If time allows play Kahoot

Homework

3 Well-Composed Photos

Take 3 photographs, with each photograph demonstrating a different composition technique:

Photo 1: Rule of Thirds
Take one photo that clearly demonstrates the rule of thirds.

Photo 2: Leading Lines
Take one photo that uses lines to guide the viewer's eyes toward your subject.

Photo 3: Creative Angle
Take one photo from an interesting or unusual angle.

Your subjects can be people, objects, buildings, nature, or anything appropriate that clearly demonstrates the technique.

Submit Your Homework

Upload all 3 photos to Google Classroom under the Week 3 homework assignment.

Before clicking Turn In, make sure:

✓ You uploaded all 3 photos.
✓ Each photo uses a different composition technique.
✓ Your photos are clear and in focus.
✓ You intentionally thought about the composition of each photograph.

Do not email or text your photos. Your homework must be submitted through Google Classroom. Individual photos if yours get chosen to be added to the Classes Gallery.