More Than Kids

Photo Composition Rules

I have already written about my three favorite rules of composition, but I want to create a new list of composition rules so that my photography students can choose their own favorites. In no particular order, here are some photo composition guidelines.

 

1. Rule of Odds

For some reason, when there are an odd number of objects in a picture, the picture looks better. I learned this concept from landscaping. When planting, use 1, 3, or 5 of the same plant, color or shape. Above, I am illustrating the rule of odds with this picture of three yellow posts in front of the orchard from Fresno County's Blossom Trail.

 

2. Repetition and Pattern.

 

In early February of 2020, I was walking through Manhattan with my 16 year old daughter. We saw this scene outside Nello on Madison Avenue. There is a repetition of color and shape. If you look closely, you can see red throughout this picture. In the foreground, you can see the red clearly. If you look to the far right upper corner, you can also see the red in the street parking sign. 

There is also a repetition of shapes with the bears and hearts and rectangles.

 

Isolating the Subject

Simplicity and Minimalism

Groundhog Day at the Iowa Caucus

Four years ago, I wrote this about Trump on the night of the Iowa debate before the Iowa Caucus.

 

The Night The Press Loses Debate To Trump

I did not think I would become a Trump fan, but it has happened. This does not mean that I will vote for him, but I appreciate him the way I would if John Stewart and Sacha Baron Cohen created a satire on the United States Presidential campaign. Trump's campaign is a mirror that keeps reflecting.

 

Somehow, I could see the rest of the 2016 Presidential campaign unfolding, although I thought the Republicans would eventually stand up to Trump. As of today, minutes before the 2020 Iowa Caucus starts, Republicans have not openly questioned his "perfect call."

Maybe I do know what is going to happen this time, despite all the candidates and confusion. I don't see how Biden loses. I imagine that he will chose Harris or Stacy Abrams as a running mate. Bernie is stronger than I thought, and he has done better despite the heart attack. I wanted to like Harris and Booker and Warren, but I don't think that they are strong enough to win the primary or the Presidency.

Four years ago, I ran through a list of all the candidates and how the election would unfold. I am not interested in predicting the outcome, and if I am not interested, I don't think the rest of the party cares either... and I think that is important. I think that most voters will eventually choose Biden, because it makes sense. Does it make sense? I don't know. Four years ago, I said that Bernie could never win. Perhaps he could win now. Maybe Bloomberg?

It's Biden. He escapes Iowa. He escapes New Hampshire. When he starts winning in South Carolina by a lot (and maybe Nevada), it could be over... although it will go on forever or until March, when the book and Super Tuesday happen.

btf

I did not think I would become a Trump fan, but it has happened. This does not mean that I will vote for him, but I appreciate him the way I would if John Stewart and Sacha Baron Cohen created a satire on the United States Presidential campaign. Trump's campaign is a mirror that keeps reflecting.

 

Somehow, I could see the rest of the 2016 Presidential campaign unfolding, although I thought the Republicans would eventually stand up to Trump. As of today, minutes before the 2020 Iowa Caucus starts, Republicans have not openly questioned his "perfect call."

Maybe I do know what is going to happen this time, despite all the candidates and confusion. I don't see how Biden loses. I imagine that he will chose Harris or Stacy Abrams as a running mate. Bernie is stronger than I thought, and he has done better despite the heart attack. I wanted to like Harris and Booker and Warren, but I don't think that they are strong enough to win the primary or the Presidency.

Four years ago, I ran through a list of all the candidates and how the election would unfold. I am not interested in predicting the outcome, and if I am not interested, I don't think the rest of the party cares either... and I think that is important. I think that most voters will eventually choose Biden, because it makes sense. Does it make sense? I don't know. Four years ago, I said that Bernie could never win. Perhaps he could win now. Maybe Bloomberg?

It's Biden. He escapes Iowa. He escapes New Hampshire. When he starts winning in South Carolina by a lot (and maybe Nevada), it could be over... although it will go on forever or until March, when the book and Super Tuesday happen.

btf