to whether they also show good composition and technique. 

 A photograph exhibits good composition when it has a 

 principal point of interest to which the eye of the reader is 

 immediately attracted; when it is simply composed, so that 

 your purpose in using it is easily recognized by the reader; 

 and when it is well balaaiced, presenting a harmonious whole. 



Good technique results in sharp, clear, and properly 

 contrasted photographs. Technically good illustrations are 

 free of mars, stains, scratches, lines, or other blemishes. 

 They are sharp enough to be clear eifter reduction and the 

 softening that results from the process of reproduction. 



Photographing laboratory equipment requires special 

 effort to bring out the details clearly. Select a neutral 

 background and a point of view that eliminates unnecessary 

 details. Shadows play an importajit part in helping the 

 reader interpret the shape of things, so good lighting and 

 proper exposure are essential (fig. 7). When taking pictures 

 of mechanical devices be sure that no strong masses of 



Figure 7.— The emphasis is orrthe main subject. The picture shows action; you can 

 see what the man is doing. Arrangement of the objects and the lighting tend to 

 present a pleasant, instructive picture. 



16 



