Distortions occur when photographing people, similar to those with tall buildings.
These distortions can be used intentionally to convey a feeling.
A lower camera angle makes a person look taller, enhancing their stature and demonstrating power or authority.
Higher camera angles foreshorten a subject, giving the impression of dominance or innocence (especially with children).
Camera Angles for Portraits
Heavier Subjects: Lean the face into the camera to make it closer to the lens, with the body further back.
Full Length Portraits: camera at waist level or slightly above to avoid distortion.
Head and Shoulders Portraits: camera at chest area or slightly above.
Rule of Thirds
Divide the viewfinder into nine equal sections (like a tic-tac-toe board).
Place the center of interest on one of the horizontal or vertical lines.
The intersecting points of these lines are also strong positions.
It is okay to break this rule, but avoid placing the subject directly in the middle unless it enhances the composition.
Visual Composition
Diagonal lines are dynamic and create movement.
The eye enters an image from the left (for left-to-right readers) and follows a visual path.
Diagonal leading lines direct the viewer’s eye to the subject.
Positive Space
Area occupied by the subject.
Compositional decisions must be made to best present the subject.
Negative Space
Area surrounding the subject.
Highlights the subject.
Is crucial for visual success.
Emphasizes the subject, drawing the viewer's attention to the positive space.
Considerations for Negative Space
Background color.
Background textures.
Tonal values (light and dark).
Light values.
Balance of negative space with positive space.
Examples of Negative Space
High Key Negative Space: Light values used to make a subject stand out against dark clothing and hair.
Contrasting Tonal and Color Values: Use a location to set the subject apart, with uniform hues in the negative space to complement the model.
Balance of Positive and Negative Space: Creates a visually pleasing image.
Vertical Lines: Can serve to emphasize diagonal lines within the subject. Black Mat*: Surrounding the image helps focus attention on the tonal values of the subject.