David Durbak Academia Erudition: Assignment 04 - Landscapes, Seascapes, and Urbanscapes

Assignment 04 - Rules of Composition

UPDATE: Be sure to use the Rule of Thirds when composing your images for this assignment. The basic idea of the Rule of Thirds is to NOT place your subject or an item in the center of the image, either vertically or horizontally. Rather, place the subject your item (building, horizon, person, etc.) in the upper or lower third when thinking horizontally, or in the left-hand third or right-hand third of the image, as show in the examples below:

Successful location photography, which includes landscapes, seascapes, and urbanscapes, is dependent upon several factors:

1.) Learn about the location; i.e., the sun positions (morning or afternoon?), weather conditions (morning fog, afternoon showers?), tides (high tide or low tide?), parking spots, facilities.

2.) Arrive earlier than when you expect to photograph so that you can be ready for the "perfect" moment.

3.) Don't always use your widest lens; there might be details and vignettes that are worth photographing, as well.

4.) Have your selection of filters ready; i.e., neutral density, gradated, etc.

5.) Don't just photograph during the 'best' weather; sometimes, stormy weather can produce magnificent clouds and dramatic skies. Be sure to bring protection for your gear if you're out in stormy weather.

6.) Don't just shoot from eye-level; try lying on the ground or climbing a hill or tree for a different viewpoint.

7.) Don't try to include too much in your photo (which points back to Rule 3; study and find the most interesting subjects and focus on them.

8.) Shoot an entire roll of film of any combination of landscapes, seascapes, and/or urbanscapes, for this assignment.

9.) Have fun!