Good composition comes from trying to tell a story with an image, leading the viewers eye, and making sure that the subject of your photo is evident. These are all things you will instinctively learn as practice moves your photography closer to perfection with every shot, but there are also some handy guidelines on composition that will help you get started on the right path.
Rule of Thirds
This is by far the most common composition technique. Simply divide your shot into 9 equal parts using two vertical and two horizontal lines, and place the most important elements of your shot along these lines, or where they meet.
Repetition and Symmetry
By focussing on either one of these, you will immediately create balance and interest in a picture. If the repetition is moving away from you, it is a great opportunity to play around with the depth of field, and close cropping of a symmetrical subject will add an element of intensity to the image.
Leading Lines
Our eyes are naturally drawn to lines, and therefore you can use a line to lead your viewer to the subject of your photo. Generally speaking, the closer you are to a line, the more effective the composition is. Obvious lines include: Roads, Railways and Rivers.
But leading lines are everywhere, you can even create them yourself, here are some ideas:
- Walls
- Curbs
- Painted Lines
- Thread
- A scarf blowing in the wind
- Telegraph lines
- Marching ants
- A trickle of water
- Drawing in the sand
- A branch
Don’t forget
A line does not have to be straight, look for meandering rivers, zig-zagging ravines and roads with chicanes worthy of a race track to add interest to a picture
Framing
To understand the best way to frame a picture, imagine that you are separating the subject of the photo from the outside world. This can be achieved by shooting through something such as an archway, window or even a hole in a wall, or by using the edges of other objects to naturally lead the viewers eye to the subject. Remember that the frame does not need to be complete; the edge of a building, a tree, or even another person just out of shot can be an effective frame.
Remember
Portrait view is for portraits and landscape view is for landscapes because the lines of the subject are in keeping with the framing. However, a waterfall may suit a portrait layout best, and a figure reclining on a sofa may work better in landscape.
Angles
Generally speaking, avoid taking pictures from whatever angle they are usually viewed from - get down on the floor or stand on a chair and get a different perspective altogether! The angle you choose can dramatically alter the story the image tells and the feel of the final photo. A shot from above can make the subject seem oppressed or less threatening, whereas taken from below can give the subject an air of dominance or importance. Placing your camera on the ground will add emphasis to the foreground, whereas a higher vantage point can create a voyeuristic quality.
Top Tip
When photographing children and pets, get down on their level, not only will the photo be more interesting because of the unusual point of view, you will be emotionally closer to your subject, and get a better picture as a result.
Lots of people want to know about the rules of composition, but if the truth be told, I’m a firm believer that some rules are there to be broken. Once you have got to grips with these tips, make an effort to break them and see what your experimentation brings!
Tweets ahoy!
Join the Group
Pin With Me
Thanks