Assessment 1: Garden "After"

Following the application of compositional techniques, the "after" photograph provides us with a much better image. The birdhouse, which lay inside the intersection points of the "before" picture, has been focussed upon in this picture. The 'rule of thirds' has been applied in this picture, with the birdhouse acting as a makeshift buffer between the green bush on the left (two-thirds) and the uncovered fence on the right (one-third). The top of the fences could also be described as enforcing the rule of thirds. The angle of the shot gives the impression that the top of the fences are two diagonal lines meeting at a point to join them. The point at which they 'join' is two-thirds of the image. This shot is also much deeper into the garden than the "before" shot, again, using Robert Capa's idea of 'getting into the scene'.

Assessment 1: Garden "Before"

This is a photograph of my back garden. As is the case with all of the other "before" images, no compositional techniques have been used in the taking of this photograph. There are many points of potential focus wihin this shot, such as the tree (centre right), the birdhouse (centre), the bush (centre left) and the bird-bath (bottom right) - yet none of them are dominant. The intersection points in this shot do, however, lay upon the birdhouse. Regardless of this, because of the many points of interest within this image, the birdhouse doesn't have the dominant focus of anyone viewing this image. To help establish a clear focus subject in this photograph, as well as bidding to improve it further, compositional techniques shall now be applied.

Assessment 1: W.C. Door "After"

In this image, more focus has been paid to the W.C. sign on the door. A number of composition techniques have been utilised which enhance the overall effectiveness of this photograph. Firstly, the rule of thirds is in effect in this image, taking into account the horizontal grooves in the door, creating a 2/3rd:1/3rd split. The intersection points are also situated on and around the sign, providing a focus upon the sign. The floral pattern and overall lighter colour of the sign provides an additional focal point away from the door towards the W.C. sign. Due to the shape of the sign and its position on the door in relation to the grooves, a form of visual symmetry is also highlighted.

Assessment 1: W.C. Door "Before"

This is a photograph of the main bathroom/toilet door in my house. Once again, no compositional techniques were used in this photograph. Very little can be said of this photograph, the intersection points are situated on the body of the door, yet, because of the completely white colour of the door and very little detail (besides from the W.C. sign and the door handle), there isn't a predominant point of focus in this image. The sheer white colour of the door drowns out any other potential point of focus. If a clearer focus is to be brought to htis photograph, composition techniques must be applied.

Assessment 1: Peerless Songbird "After"

Upon inspection, the first thing which is evident upon looking at this image in comparison to the "before" image is the distance from the guitar. Encorporating the ideas of Robert Capa, this shot is much closer to the guitar, providing us with a different very photographic perspective of the image by 'getting into the scene'. The rules of thirds is exhibited more clearly in this image using the different colours on the guitar's body (two thirds of the golden "sunburst" design, one third of the dark brown design). Diagonal lines are also visible in this image, such as the strings from the top-left of the picture to the centre-right, as well as the 2 silver pick-ups and the bridge crossing the strings at an alternate angle.

Assessment 1: Peerless Songbird "Before"

This is a picture of my Peerless Songbird semi-acoustic jazz guitar. Like the Hippo Parade "before" photograph, no composition techniques were applied in creating this image. The rule of thirds, however, can be said to be in effect within this image, though it is in a shape (i.e. diagonally). The guitar is visible in the centre of the photograph, taking up a third. Surrounding the guitar is the cream-coloured carpet (another third) and the darker colour of the open guitar case (the final third). These thirds all provide a contrast in colours, yet none provide us with any significant focus towards any part of the image. Compositional techniques shall now be applied to strengthen the overall quality of the image.

Assessment 1: The Hippo Parade "After"

As can be seen in this "after" photograph, the hippo receives more focus in this image. Two of the compositional features mentioned in the "before" image posting, the 'rule of thirds' and 'intersection points', are now more dominant. The rule of thirds is in effect in this photograph, minimizing the exposure of the background and open area in the left of the photograph, previously given more exposure and focus in the "before" image. This focus is now received by the hippo. The intersection points have also moved, all of which are now present on the hippo, again, making the hippo the focus of attention within this image.

Assessment 1: The Hippo Parade "Before"

This picture was taken at Riverside Park in Glenrothes and shows one of the numerous hippo figures which "are on parade" there. No composition techniques were used in the taking of the particular photograph. The general focus of this photograph is split between the hippo on the right and the open grass and paved area on the left. The 'rule of thirds' does not occur in this photo - presenting a 50-50 split. This can be explained through the position of the 'intersection points' in this photograph which are placed on both the hippo's head and in the open area. Additionally, it can be argued that even less focus is given towards the hippo if we take into account the many other objects on the left of the picture, such as the three trees, the lighter coloured grass and the football pitch - all deep in the background. In order to improve this photograph, composition techniques shall be applied.