Image Concept
Just like an interface design a digital image needs to have a Theme or Metaphor that the concept is based upon. This is developed using the same design methods that are used for developing interface designs.
That means do a concept sketch first !
Focal Point
When taking a picture or creating a composition try to make one object the focal point of the image. If in doubt, zoom in closer to fill the entire frame. You can also use your knowledge of Photoshop when taking pictures and think of how you will use the software to combine them, for the final composition.
Distracting Elements
Before taking the picture have a look at everything that is in the frame. Keep an eye out for distracting elements. Try to move the frame away from them or keep them to the edge of the frame so they can be easily cropped out later.
Shapes and Lines
When lining up a photograph in the view finder or LCD screen of a digital camera, take some time to have a look at the shapes of the objects that you are about to take a picture of. Think about the positive and negative space that is formed by the object or by the shadows caused by the time of day/night. Also look at the natural lines created by objects within the scene. They can be horizontal, vertical, diagonal and curved, all of which create a sense of depth.
Colour
When taking a picture or creating a composition consider the range of colours that are within the frame. Remember that you can use Photoshop to change the colour of objects, if they clash. Warm colours - red, orange and yellow will bring things forward, whereas cool colours - green, blue and violet will make objects recede back into the picture.
Rule of Thirds
When looking at a scene, the frame can be broken up into nine equal sections, by overlaying a set of two vertical and horizontal lines. Where the lines intersect are considered to be “power points”. Placing the focal point of the image at or near these points will strengthen the composition.
Point of View (pov)
Because photography has been around for over a century, certain compositions have been repeated and become clichés. Be bold and think different. Look for new and imaginative points of view for framing the photo or composition. Think about depth, perspective and the available light or shadows.
Rhythmn & Patterns
Consider the patterns of nature or man made objects. Many things have lines, shapes and levels of repetition or scaling - large and smaller versions within the same object. These are usually the textures of the materials that the object is made of or patterns made by the forces of nature - clouds, mountains etc.
