Creative vision, inspiration, and sharing your vision are all important aspects of photography. With so much freedom, are rules really necessary? Definitely! It is important to keep in mind photography composition rules because they are fundamental to being a great photographer. Understanding photography composition rules will give you the tools to experiment as you work on improving and establishing your style.
The basics of photography composition can ignite a spark of creativity, even if you already know all these rules well. Now let’s look at all the composition rules out there, and see how they can be embraced (or broken).
Rule of thirds
To apply the rule of thirds in photography, one must learn to divide the camera screen into a grid. Pay attention to the intersecting points of the grid and position significant elements along those lines for a visually pleasing result. This type of asymmetrical composition can be used in various genres of photography such as landscapes, still-life, and portraits.
Using the rule of thirds to center a subject involves placing the main point of interest at the intersection of the grid lines, maintaining balance and visual appeal. This technique adds dynamic tension to the composition, drawing the viewer’s attention to the subject while preserving a sense of harmony within the overall frame.
However, you can put it off-center. In the image below, the photographer employed the rule of thirds to position the subjects off-center and thus placing the focal point along two of the grid lines, creating a visually engaging and dynamic composition. This technique adds interest and leads the viewer’s eye through the image, producing a more balanced and aesthetically pleasing photograph.
Golden Ratio
The Golden Ratio is a unique concept that sets it apart from the rule of thirds in terms of balancing a photograph. In this case, the main focus of the picture is positioned more towards the center, with an emphasis on capturing intricate details. This rule has been around for centuries and is evident in various renowned works of art. Essentially, it’s about achieving a perfect balance using a ratio of 1 to 1.618, which can be studied to comprehend the proportions in photography, architecture, and art.
The frame is not divided into nine equal rectangles; instead, it is arranged in a series of squares forming a Golden Spiral, also known as the Fibonacci Spiral. This spiral looks like a shell and guides the viewer’s eye to follow around the frame. It also shows how the scene should progress.
Leading Lines
When capturing landscape photos, leveraging the natural structures and lines within the scenery enhances the overall composition. Balancing these elements with your main subject helps direct the viewer’s gaze into the image, creating a harmonious visual flow.
While centered and symmetrical compositions can be effective for drawing attention to your subject or object, exploring other composition techniques like the rule of thirds or leading lines can add interest and depth to your landscapes. Experimenting with different approaches allows you to craft unique and captivating images that convey the beauty and essence of the natural world.
There are many things that can be used as leading lines in photography. From rivers and dunes to roads, bridges, patterns, and more, the possibilities are endless. It’s important to remember that leading lines don’t have to be straight. In fact, using a spiral staircase, for example, can create a stunning image composition and draw the viewer’s eye toward the focal point of the picture.
Diagonals
Diagonal lines are a powerful composition technique that adds a sense of dynamism and movement to photographs, even when the subjects are stationary. By incorporating diagonal lines into your composition, you can create a visually engaging and dynamic image that captures the viewer’s attention.
This technique breaks away from traditional perfect compositions and introduces an element of spontaneity and excitement to your photos. Whether it’s using natural elements or man-made structures, embracing diagonal lines can transform ordinary scenes into extraordinary visual narratives, making your photography stand out and leaving a lasting impression on your audience.
In the example below, diagonal lines are used to accentuate perspective and enhance the dynamic quality of the photo. Although the subject is depicted as stationary, a sense of readiness and movement is conveyed.
Frame within a Frame
When planning your photography shots, incorporating outside structures as natural frames can enhance the visual appeal of your images. Utilizing elements like windows, doors, and arches as frames within the frame is a composition technique that captivates the viewer’s attention.
This technique not only adds depth and dimension to the photo but also directs the focus toward the main subject, creating a more engaging and aesthetically pleasing composition. By employing the frame within the frame concept, you can elevate your photography to new levels, telling compelling visual stories that resonate with your audience.
In the image above, the subject was placed within the frame of the tent opening to create layers and depth. It’s important to remember that frames can be made up of more than just man-made structures that fully surround your subject. Tree trunks and hanging tree branches can also be used to create a frame-within-a-frame photo composition technique.
Figure to Ground
Emphasizing contrast between the main subject and the background is a powerful technique to create striking and attention-grabbing photos. By making the subject stand out through stark differences in color, brightness, or texture, you can draw the viewer’s eye directly to the focal point.
This isolation of the subject from the background helps to eliminate distractions and ensures that the main element remains the center of attention. Whether you’re shooting portraits, landscapes, or still life, mastering the art of contrast in photo composition can significantly enhance the impact and visual appeal of your images.
The photo above exemplifies figure-to-ground photographic composition. The main subject, the woodworker’s task, is highlighted by contrasting it with the background, making it stand out. You could achieve this effect by creating a contrast in lighting, where the subject is illuminated more brightly than the backdrop. Another way is to use a subject that is lighter than the background and place it in the same lighting.
Fill the Frame
Filling the frame with your subject is an effective composition technique that creates visual impact and draws the viewer’s attention directly to the main element. By eliminating unnecessary distractions and leaving little or no space around the subject, you allow the viewer to focus entirely on the details, expressions, and nuances of the main subject.
This approach works particularly well in portrait photography, close-up shots, and when capturing intricate details or textures. It creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, making the subject more engaging and powerful in the overall composition. Remember, a well-filled frame can transform an ordinary scene into a captivating and memorable image.
When taking a photograph, it’s important to get close to your subjects and make them the focus of the image. Fill the frame with them so they are the dominant feature. In this photo composition example, the background was used as a pattern to fill in the frame.
(Click to enlarge)
Center Dominant Eye
Positioning the dominant eye at the center of the image is indeed a popular technique in photography to create a more captivating and engaging portrait. By doing so, the subject’s gaze appears to be directly focused on the viewer, establishing a stronger connection between the subject and the audience. This composition can draw viewers into the photograph and evoke a sense of intimacy and intrigue.
When you view our photo, try tilting it to the side or scrolling it up and down. You’ll observe that the subject’s eyes will always track your movements.
Patterns and Repetition
Breaking up patterns and introducing unexpected elements in photography can add intrigue and make the image more visually appealing. Our brains are naturally drawn to patterns as a way of processing and organizing visual information, but when we encounter something that deviates from the pattern, it captures our attention and creates interest.
In our photo above, a pattern created by humans creates a visually appealing design. However, nature itself is a masterful creator of patterns, and capturing these organic patterns can result in mesmerizing and captivating images such as a row of trees, sand dunes, or ocean waves.
Symmetry and Asymmetry
Both perfectly symmetrical and asymmetrical compositions can be visually captivating in their own unique ways. Each style offers different qualities that appeal to viewers and evoke different emotions.
A perfectly symmetrical composition can create a sense of balance, harmony, and order in a photograph. When the elements on one side of the image mirror those on the other, it can produce a visually satisfying and calming effect. Symmetry often works well in architecture, reflections, and certain landscape scenes.
Asymmetrical compositions can add visual interest, dynamics, and a sense of tension to a photograph. By placing the main subject off-center, you create an opportunity to use negative space or include additional elements that complement the subject. Asymmetry can create a more engaging and intriguing composition, leading the viewer’s eye to explore the entire frame.
Symmetry can either be a desirable element to include in a scene or something to avoid entirely. The photographer of the scene above made use of horizontal symmetry, resulting in a visually compelling image that draws the viewer’s attention to every aspect of the photo.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering these 10 of the most noteworthy rules of composition in photography is the key to creating captivating and impactful images. By understanding the principles of balance, leading lines, framing, and perspective, photographers can elevate their work to new heights. Remember, composition is an art that evolves with practice and creativity, empowering photographers to tell powerful visual stories.