So, what do I BELIEVE are the components that make a good or great image?
This will be relatively short as I see this as an introduction of this topic, from my perspective.
1) First and foremost the viewer of the image should not have to guess what the subject of the image is. The eye of the viewer should go straight to the subject or be led, uninterrupted to the subject, very quickly.
2) The image should provide “balance” for the eye. To me this means that the composition of the image should feel natural to the eye, unless the goal is abstract.
3) There should be contrast between the subject and the other elements of the image. This does not mean that it needs to be a high contrast image but there should be a difference colour, lighting, toning, etc. between the subject and the other elements of the image so the subject stands out. This is very similar to No. 1.
4) The use of Lead In (Leading) Lines. This is when there is a distinct “line” within the image that leads the viewer’s eye through the image to a specific element in the image. The most obvious one would be using railroad tracks leading to a train, there is no doubt where the tracks are leading. This creates intrigue andn the eye wants to follow these lines to “see” where they lead.
How to meet these components:
Use of aperture to “isolate” the subject. A larger aperture will have the subject in focus with other, less important elements, out of focus……..this is Bokeh
Use of the Rule of Thirds. Divide the focus screen, either mentally or by turning on the grid within the viewfinder, and place the subject within one of the thirds. Many will say the subject should not be placed directly in the middle third, but there are occasions where it is effective to place the subject in the middle, for example, when capturing a portrait in portrait orientation most of the subject will likely be in the middle but the characteristics, the eyes, may be “off-centre”. For landscape images where there is a clear horizon I would say determine which area of the scene shall carry the most weight, the sky or the ground. This determination can made based on where the most interesting elements are. For example, if you are wanting to portray dark storm clouds then it would be appropriate to give the clouds the most weight. If you are wanting to show the lights of a city you will minimise the sky.
With regard to contrast, make certain your subject does not blend into the background by being the same colour thus “getting lost” in the background.
Use something within the image that will causes the viewer’s eyes to be directed through the frame to a specific location of element.
I have added a few images of mine that I believe are strong images and meet the parameters mentioned.
In the first image of the swimmer, I have placed him (key element is his goggles/eyes) in the upper left third and have left enough negative space, camera right, to allow for him to swim into.
In the second image I have used the Rule of Thirds in two ways, clearly the sky has more interesting elements than the water so I have given the sky more prominance. The use of the Coconut Tree, right third, has given a place of reference and works with the water to say, “Welcome to the Tropics, come on in”
In the third image the subject is very, very clear, it is the observation tower and the horizon leads the eye to the subject. I have also used the Rule of Thirds again and there is “contrast” between the subject and the background.
In the fourth images, again I have used the Rule of Thirds but more pronounced is the use of the rocks as a Lead In Line. The rocks start in the lower left third and lead the eye into and through the image to the sailboat, giving the feel of this is where you go to unwind and relax.
The final image is essentially a portrait of a Flamingo and while the bird is relatively centered its head sits in the upper left third creating balance in the image. I have used a large Aperture, the smaller the number, the larger the Aperture and greater the background will be out of focus. Note that the key focus is on the eyes of the Flaming, that is because whenever you take a photo of something with eyes, a person or an animal the eyes must be the focal point.
