Lesson - 2 -Composing

Composing is where you apply your creativity. It involves idenitfying the scene, selecting the angle of view, selecting the right equipments (lenses etc) and finally framing it.

The following are the general guidelines for composing a photo

(a) A strong subject - that should be in focus. Avoid distractions which keep the viewer's eyes away from the subject

(b) Keep the subject off center : Imagine two vertical lines and horizontal lines on the frame dividing it into 9 rectangles. Keep the subject on the intersections of the lines (rule of third)

(c) Keep the horizon horizontal (not tilted)

(d) ....


Basic Camera Settings
You need to master your camera's controls - the user manual is the best reference for this. The objectives of your settings are
1. Change the mode from Auto to one of the creative modes - Programmed (P), Aperture Priority (A), Shutter Priority (P),  Manual (M)

2. Change the auto focus mode to the one which sets the focus on the subject in the center of view (or a single spot). Avoid the face detection mode and other "automatic" features. You should be able to tell the camera where to focus on - not the camera dictating you.

3. Set the ISO to the lowest. Lowest ISO gives you the lowest noise, bump up the ISO only when you really need it - the Aperture and Shutter settings hit the bounds.

4.