Composition
Rule of Thirds
The idea is that an image should be divided by two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines. The important elements should be placed along these lines or their intersections.
The idea is that an image should be divided by two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines. The important elements should be placed along these lines or their intersections.
Framing
The world is full of objects which make perfect natural frames, such as trees, archways, and holes. By placing these around the edge of the composition you help to isolate the main subject from the outside world. The result is a more focused image which draws your eye naturally to the main point of interest.
The world is full of objects which make perfect natural frames, such as trees, archways, and holes. By placing these around the edge of the composition you help to isolate the main subject from the outside world. The result is a more focused image which draws your eye naturally to the main point of interest.
Line
A very powerful method of improving the composition of photos is the use of lines. Properly used, lines can significantly increase the impact of images. Lines serve to affect photographic composition in two ways. First, they serve to create a mood. Second, they lead the eye through the photograph. By affecting mood, lines add emotional content to images. By leading the viewer’s eye, they keep the viewer’s attention focused on the image.
A very powerful method of improving the composition of photos is the use of lines. Properly used, lines can significantly increase the impact of images. Lines serve to affect photographic composition in two ways. First, they serve to create a mood. Second, they lead the eye through the photograph. By affecting mood, lines add emotional content to images. By leading the viewer’s eye, they keep the viewer’s attention focused on the image.
Mergers
The merger of this tree with the subjects head is so obvious, you probably think no one could avoid seeing it before snapping the shutter. Remember: we see things in three dimensions, so it’s easier than you might guess to focus our eyes on the principal subject only and not see that background at all. Avoiding mergers is a guideline for better composition.
The merger of this tree with the subjects head is so obvious, you probably think no one could avoid seeing it before snapping the shutter. Remember: we see things in three dimensions, so it’s easier than you might guess to focus our eyes on the principal subject only and not see that background at all. Avoiding mergers is a guideline for better composition.
Balance
Balance is a compositional technique in photography that positions objects side by side within a frame so the objects are of equal visual weight. When different parts of a photo command your attention equally, perfect balance is achieved. In photography, there are two main techniques of balance you should be aware of: formal and informal.
Balance is a compositional technique in photography that positions objects side by side within a frame so the objects are of equal visual weight. When different parts of a photo command your attention equally, perfect balance is achieved. In photography, there are two main techniques of balance you should be aware of: formal and informal.
Simplicity
There are several methods to achieve simplicity in a photograph. The most obvious (and easiest) is to place the subject against a neutral background such as a backdrop or the sky. Backgrounds can be entirely neutral, like a solid backdrop or a cloudless sky; or they can complement the image, like a starfish on the sand.
There are several methods to achieve simplicity in a photograph. The most obvious (and easiest) is to place the subject against a neutral background such as a backdrop or the sky. Backgrounds can be entirely neutral, like a solid backdrop or a cloudless sky; or they can complement the image, like a starfish on the sand.
Fill the Frame
19_composition_rules.pdf |