Guest speaker Mr Jon Exel - Photography

Thank you to Mr Jon for coming to speak with us today about photography.

Mr Jon (Hannah's dad) is an Engineer but loves taking photos. Photography is something he is passionate about and enjoys doing in his spare time.

Mr Jon showed us pictures and asked us to select our favorite. He referred back to these pictures at the end of his presentation. Each one told a different story and used different techniques.

These are some information he shared with examples from many photographers...

Photo composition

Rule of three
Mr Jon explained the rule of three and showed examples where it is done well.
When we are taking pictures we can imagine there are 3 equal parts / lines on the screen. Focus on the places where the lines connect and try to take pictures where the focus is these points.
This helps the photo have balance. It is not exactly in the middle but is not too much empty space.

Get in close

Don't be shy. Get in close to the subject and fill the frame.

Focus on the eyes. 

If taking a full face photo - you often focus on the eyes. The eyes are in the connecting spaces (rule of three).

Leading lines

Bring you to a point in the picture. Try to find leading lines / natural lines that lead the eye into the picture. Ie Railway line, road. 

Diagonals

Diagonals can help you try to capture movement or excitement into the picture. 

Mr Jon also discussed how contrasts can be effective. Patterns are aesthetically pleasing but when a pattern is interrupted it really catches your attention. Symmetry can also be pleasing but is not always essential. We can also use natural frames - ie doorways, windows for effect. 

We will put all this wonderful information to use after the break when we start taking photo's and editing them further for effect.