Composition - Space

• Composition organises space.
• Must choose ratio for the frame.
• Position the subject within the frame - what size?
• Selective focus and lens aperture - sharpness indicates the importance of the subject.
• Early Kodak cameras created a circular image rather than rectangular.
• Aspect ratio: width divided by height.
• Must think about how the subject can be visually separated from the background.
• Subject central in the frame is predictable.
• Sizing - subject could dominate frame or merge with background depending on size.
• The horizontal rectangular frame gives an image a sense of stability and direction.
• The vertical rectangular frame emphasises any vertical line or plane as well as exaggerating foreground-to-background depth.
• Square images are strongly directed around the centre and diagonal can be used in composition.
• 'Panorama means an unobstructed view in all directions.'
• Frame your subject - multiple frames within an image.
• Strong balance needed from the distribution of tones in the image - strong concentration of light or dark to one side of the frame with no balance creates visual tension. Background objects with a stronger tone will balance larger objects in the foreground.
• Symmetrical compositions are aesthetically pleasing but can lack tension and let the viewers compare each half of the frame rather than interpret the image as a whole. Reflections can be used to create symmetry.
• Side lighting in portrait photography breaks up the symmetry of the face by emphasising its form and creating shadows. Window light and a reflector create the most flattering lighting. 
• In portrait photography, the eyes must be in perfect focus.
• The depth of field usually grows one third in front of the focus point and two thirds behind - the depth of field is where subjects will appear sharp - lens aperture can change this.
• Hyperfocal focusing maximises depth of field.
• Lowering the viewpoint increases the illusion of depth in the image.