The Rules of Composition

For this week's project, we were given the 10 Rules of Composition and were tasked to take photos representing each one. Two of these rules, Merging and Cropping, required a before and after shot. In short, 10 rules, 12 shots. Now for two of these rules, my initial photos did not quite fit the description - Biggest, Boldest, and Most Favorably Placed and Rule of Thirds. For this reason, I will - at a later date - post the originals of these photos and the redos. Enjoy.

Balance. The line of red taxis created a very visible line slightly diagonal through the middle of the photo. After looking further, this picture fulfills a few other rules such as Impact, Room for Logical Movement, Leading Lines, and even Framing. Taken on Sunday, 2/9/2020.

Cropping: Before. My emphasis for this picture is to have the red CUA banner as the main subject of this piece. Taken on Tuesday, 2/11/2020. 

Cropping: After. For the post-cropped version, the Light the Way piece of the banner was kept in to emphasize that message alongside the dome of the Basilica. Notice how there are a few mergers such as the bar protruding from the banner into the Basilica. This should be removed for future reference. Taken on Tuesday, 2/11/2020.

Framing. The clear focus of this picture is the word "Emergency" running down the post and use of the hands as framing exemplifies this. Taken on Tuesday, 2/11/2020.

Impact. I used double exposure twice as the metro car came towards me on the track to emphasize the motion of the train moving forward. Taken on Monday, 2/10/2020.

KISS. Keep It Simple Stupid. Not much explanation needed here! Taken on Monday, 2/10/2020.

Leading Lines. My friend Daniel stood in the archway of Union Station and it provided a great example of this rule. Taken on Sunday, 2/9/2020.

Merging: Before. The arts walk sign protrudes from my friend Lily's head. Taken on Tuesday, 2/11/2020.

Merging: After. I moved so that the sign was now next to her instead. Taken on Tuesday, 2/11/2020.

Room for Logical Movement. I wanted to use double exposure for this to further emphasize the action of walking. Taken on Tuesday, 2/11/2020.