Back to Basics
Every time I get deep into digital editing, as I did recently with many HDR processed images and some selective color work, I am always drawn back to the basics and simplicity in photographic technique. With all of the whiz-bang, special digital processing of imagery it is good to remember the fundamentals of photography and design/composition. As an exercise I went back to my library of images from Pedernales Falls State Park looking for images to process via monochrome that incorporates the fundamentals.
Fundamental Composition/Design Elements:
- Balance and off-balance elements
- Lines – leading, diagonal to create tension or not
- Rules – i.e. thirds, golden ratio, quadrants, etc.
- Color, shapes, textures, etc – all characteristics of the subject to gain attention
- Framing subjects
- Highlight lighting and defining by shadows
- Avoid distractions in image
Fundamental Photographic Elements:
- Quality of light, direction of light, resulting highlights, shadow
- Exposure decisions via shutter speed, aperture, and ISO sensitivity resulting in tonal range
- Focus point decisions resulting in depth of field with aperture, distance, focal length
- Composition elements above
- The biggest rule of all… finding that intangible that draws me in, creates a story, or in some way connects me and the viewer to the image
This exercise in image review on the computer helps with internalizing these fundamental photographic and compositional elements making it easier to apply them when we are with our camera in the field. Then later you can break all the rules after knowing them first except for the last rule above. It is the one rule to rule them all.
The Gallows, Pedernales Falls State Park, TX
