Photo Composition

Mastering the Art

Composition

The balance of all things in a photograph. The elementsThe way the light interacts with those

elementsThe way those elements are arranged

all part of a photograph.

Composition

The art of composition has its roots way back to the Renaissance.

The guidelines for creating a photograph were established centuries before the first camera was invented.

Basic Layout

Three different ways to layout the elements in a photograph. Fill the frame. This will provide a clear description

of what the photograph is about The "rule of thirds” The "golden mean”

Both the “rule of thirds” and the “golden mean” provide a means to capture the background in the photo as well as creating a compelling photograph that guides the eye of the viewer.

Fill the Frame

Rule of Thirds

Simply divide the frame into three parts, then place the subject (Green spots) on the two dividers (Red lines). See the diagram below.

Rule of Thirds

Rule of Thirds

Rule of Thirds

Rule of Thirds

Golden MeanThis is also basic but a bit more obscure. Mentally draw a

line (Red line) from corner to corner of the frame. Then draw a line from the opposite corners to the line. The subject should lie at the intersection of these two lines. (Green spots) The reason for the obscurity of the technique is that it was developed in ancient Greece. Hence we have had more time to forget about it.

Golden Mean

Golden Mean

Golden Mean

Composition

These basic rules are the basic building blocks of composition. The aim here is to create a visually compelling photograph, something that captures the attention of the viewer.

The rule of thirds and the golden mean aim to create a photograph that leads the eye of the viewer around and tells a story behind the photograph.

Other Compositional Elements

Find a Clear Center of Interest Self explanatory. Find

something that captures you eye. Try to avoid distracting objects or shadows.

Other Compositional Elements

Fill the Frame Get the subject into the

frame so there is no doubt what the photo is all about.

Other Compositional Elements

Present a Clear Message Try to avoid anything that

would distract people from your main subject. Focus on the subject. Then before you press the shutter, check the edges of the frame for anything that would distract the viewer.

Other Compositional Elements

Compose Boldly Have fun with your subject.

Look for repetition or patterns. Keep your eye out for diagonals which are always interesting. Scan for contrasting colors and shapes.

Other Compositional Elements

Create Depth Use the aperture to create

depth. Make objects in front and behind your subject a little out of focus. This will provide the effect that isolates the subject from the background. Focuses attention on the subject.

Other Compositional Elements

Light and Dark Basically light tones advance

while dark tones retreat. Most people look at the lighter portions of a photograph first.

Other Compositional Elements

Shapes Vertical and horizontal are

bad, diagonal is good. Psychologists say that instincts honed back our caveman days are responsible for that. Diagonal images are visually more interesting that vertical and horizontal.

Other Compositional Elements

Framing This is the use of elements in

the foreground to frame the object in focus.

Other Compositional Elements

Lines Vertical lines emphasize power,

strength, and height. Horizontal lines express stability

and width. Diagonal lines express dynamic

energy. Curving lines express sensuality.

Other Compositional Elements

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