F/Stop - February, 2009

Tuesday was an awesome day filled with lots of fun. But most of all, we learned about aperture and that was awesome in every way. Well, that's all for now!

—Prizewinning Photography Student Daniel Walsh

On the first day of PWP1 in San Antonio, Texas, we learned the foundation of good photography and the six rules of composition. The foundation of good photography is a cool phrase: "The name of the game is to fill the frame." Filling the picture with things related to the subject is key. We also explored the six rules of composition, taught by Rowan and John.

The first rule was the Rule of Thirds, which states that the arrangement of subject within the picture should be in or along the thirds.

The second rule is what separates good photographers from great: depth. This is basically making your photos 3-D through composition. Leading lines was the third rule, which are lines that lead your eye to the subject.

Number four was repetition, which is having your subject repeated throughout the picture, preferably in groups of odd numbers. Due to God's plan, this is more pleasing to the eye. :)

Unity was the fifth, being sure that each object in the photo has a place and a purpose for being there. And the last was rule number 6, Framing. This is the arrangement of objects in the photo to frame or focus attention on the subject.

Our favorite part of the day was getting out to practice our nearly learned skills at both Market Square and the San Fernando Cathedral. We had three contests throughout the day. While at Market Square, we competed for the best picture that communicates blue. This was won by Allison Marshall. Then at the San Fernando Cathedral, our topic for competition was shoes, won by Sarah Patty. And finally, the "Photo of the day contest," which can be any picture from that day. The winner was Daniel Walsh, who as a 1st-year photographer was really excited to win a $5 Starbucks gift card.

—Prizewinning Photography Student Jacqueline Clark