Basic Composition

by Tom Hicks

"The Human eye is seldom, if ever, at rest while the observer is looking at anything. It darts rapidly from one point of interest to another, focusing at different planes if a three-dimensional object is being viewed. And usually the observer is unaware that this is happening. Artists, including photographers, have always been cognizant of this rapid eye motion. Deliberately, even subliminally, they direct the eye to focus on the subject they wish to emphasize. One basic fact must be remembered: The human eye sees selectively, or subjectively: the camera sees objectively. The camera records three dimensions as two-- height and width: depth can only be implied. Still cameras take still photographs; motion is lacking, although it can be suggested. The emphasis must be supplied; the viewer must be forced to see what the photographer wants him to see. The emphasis is achieved through subject placement , lighting, shading, framing, simplifying, perspective, scale, motion direction, repetition, balance, form, selective focus. " Leonard Lee Rue III The following pics are my interpretation of the above. Tom Hicks

Subject Placement

Lighting

Shading

Framing

Simplifying

Perspective

Scale

Motion Direction

Repetition

Balance

Form

What I saw was the curve in the body of the fly, and the curve in the leaf, also a good example of balance.

Selective Focus

Plus...

Also practice the most basic rule of composition, the rule of thirds. But also remember: rules were made to be broken.

Tom Hicks