A very simple set-up for this exercise using a static subject, in this case a plum, and snooker table and natural light (to create some shadow) combined with diffused flash. I've specifically avoided an external set of images and created something very simple so that frame positioning would be completely focused upon.
Image 1 - Quick image
My natural instinct is to place a subject like this on what I would call a "zing" point, an imaginary intersection point where the horizontal and vertical lines on a one third and two thirds would cross as this would naturally appear to have more balance. This is the only thought I've given. Looking at the image I think the plum is placed too high and appears to be falling through the frame
Image 2 - Central Position
This central position gives the subject equal distance around it within the frame and would appear balanced but because of this it feels in natural and too contrite
Image 3 - A little off-centre
In this postion the plum again appears to be falling through the frame a bit like image 1 and in this image I think it is too high
Image 4 - Close to an edge
In this image on a bottom right zing point the image has more balance and is perhaps supported more by the bottom of the frame as opposed to images 1 and 3, and the shadow from right to left is better than left to right in this position. I think this image is the better of the set for these reasons
Exercise Learnings
a) An initial inclination when taking an image of a single subject may be to put the subject in the centre but this can appear to be too forced and un-natural
b) Use of the zing points on intersecting vertical and horizontal thirds can give a single subject within a frame for balance within it. Though its the focus of the image, it doesn't need to sit in the middle of the image to be noticed
c) A subject can appear to gain "support" from the edges of a frame. In this set of images security from the bottom edge of the frame can appear to support the subject, as per image 4. WIthout this the subject can appear to be falling through the image as in images 1 and 3
d) Position of the subject within the frame can very much depend on the subject itself. For instance had the subject been a plane and the background the sky, the plane would seem more natural closer to an upper edge, as per image 1 and had the plane been flying from left to right then have more of the image to fly into wouild also give the image a more nataural feel
e) Though this set of images can appear to be boring and uninteresting I'm glad I chose such a simple set-up since for me I feel I've learnt much more about positioning within a frame. In future when composing a shot I will give this much more thought and since in a digital world take several images of differeing positions to consider what is best later. However I think I will avoid plums and snooker tables in the future
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