Basic Photo Composition
Photo composition is simply how and where the subject(s) or elements of a scene are positioned in a photo image. You have probably noticed that some photos just seem to be visually more pleasing than others. It is very likely that the composition of the photo is at least part of the reason for the difference.
One great thing about learning how to compose photos is that the type of camera you use won't make much difference. It doesn't matter whether you use a basic compact camera like the Nikon Coolpix W150 or a Digital SLR camera similar to the Canon T7i. The photography composition principles will be the same for any type of camera that is used.
There isn't a "one size fits all" method for composing photos. However, combining some of the following photography composition principles with your own creativity should produce some pretty good results.
Try different viewpoints when composing photos: When composing a photo, try moving to different positions. Sometimes just moving a little to the left or right will give your picture a different look. For example, the composition of the photo of the statue below (Image #1) on the left is pretty plain and simple.
One great thing about learning how to compose photos is that the type of camera you use won't make much difference. It doesn't matter whether you use a basic compact camera like the Nikon Coolpix W150 or a Digital SLR camera similar to the Canon T7i. The photography composition principles will be the same for any type of camera that is used.
There isn't a "one size fits all" method for composing photos. However, combining some of the following photography composition principles with your own creativity should produce some pretty good results.
Try different viewpoints when composing photos: When composing a photo, try moving to different positions. Sometimes just moving a little to the left or right will give your picture a different look. For example, the composition of the photo of the statue below (Image #1) on the left is pretty plain and simple.
Photo Composition Image #1
|
Photo Composition Image 1A
|
However, taking a picture of the same statue from the side and including less of the head,(Image #1A) creates a very different picture.
Zoom in or get closer: Another way to change the viewpoint of a scene or subject is to use your camera's zoom feature. If you take a picture from a wide angle view, and then zoom out to a telephoto view, you will have two totally different perspectives of the same scene or subject.
The standard minimum zoom of 5X to 6X found in many digital cameras will work well to change the overall look of a scene or subject as you zoom in or out.
For example, in image #2, the sky dominates the picture. That is not a problem if the subject of the picture is the huge clouds in the sky at sunset. However, if the main subject of the picture is the gentleman, then image #2A on the right is more effective.
Zoom in or get closer: Another way to change the viewpoint of a scene or subject is to use your camera's zoom feature. If you take a picture from a wide angle view, and then zoom out to a telephoto view, you will have two totally different perspectives of the same scene or subject.
The standard minimum zoom of 5X to 6X found in many digital cameras will work well to change the overall look of a scene or subject as you zoom in or out.
For example, in image #2, the sky dominates the picture. That is not a problem if the subject of the picture is the huge clouds in the sky at sunset. However, if the main subject of the picture is the gentleman, then image #2A on the right is more effective.
Photo Composition Image #2
|
Photo Composition #2A
|
It is clear see that by moving closer or by zooming in, the gentleman has become the main focus of the picture instead of the sky. Also notice that by holding the camera in the vertical position, it is easier to fill the frame with the subject.
Using the camera in the vertical position will also work well for a great deal of other photography subjects. You should practice looking at a scene or subject before taking your picture and then determine if using the camera in the horizontal or vertical position would work best.
The Rule of Thirds in Photography: The rule of thirds is a commonly used photography technique for composing photos. When using the rule of thirds, picture a grid of two horizontal and two vertical lines that divide the scene in your viewfinder or LCD screen into nine sections.
Using the camera in the vertical position will also work well for a great deal of other photography subjects. You should practice looking at a scene or subject before taking your picture and then determine if using the camera in the horizontal or vertical position would work best.
The Rule of Thirds in Photography: The rule of thirds is a commonly used photography technique for composing photos. When using the rule of thirds, picture a grid of two horizontal and two vertical lines that divide the scene in your viewfinder or LCD screen into nine sections.
Photo Composition Image #3, Rule of Thirds Gridlines
|
Photo Composition Image #3A, Rule of Thirds
|
The Rule of Thirds in photography suggests that a skyline or horizon line placed close to one of the horizontal lines will be more interesting than if it was placed right in the middle of the scene. The same applies to subjects that are placed on or near one of the vertical lines rather than in the exact center of the picture.
Image #3 shows the "imaginary" grid lines that should be your guide when using the rule of thirds method for composing photos. (many cameras have LCD screens that allow you to view these type of grid lines when needed. Check your camera's menu or instruction manual to find out how to display them)
Image #3A was also composed using the rule of thirds principle. Notice how the horizon has been placed around the lower third line of the image and not in the exact center. Also notice how the largest sand sculpture has been placed near where the right hand vertical grid line would be. Although none of the primary areas of focus in this image are set in the dead center, the picture is still pretty balanced.
The four points where the horizontal and vertical lines intersect are called points of interest. Framing the main subject on or around the points of interest will often help when you are trying to create a visually pleasing photo composition.
Although the Rule of Thirds works well in many situations, it may not work for every scene or subject. For instance it usually won't work well for a close up portrait. The rule of thirds is a rule that could and should be broken at times.
If you feel that placing your subject in the center, or somewhere else in the frame would make a better picture, then by all means do it. However, don't forget that the rule of thirds is a tried and tested method that will help you produce quality, balanced images in many situations.
Use a frame: Using doorways, trees, and windows to make a frame or partial frame around your subject is another widely used technique for composing photos. This is a pleasing effect that helps to draw the viewers eye to a particular area in your image. Images #4 and 5 are examples.
Image #3 shows the "imaginary" grid lines that should be your guide when using the rule of thirds method for composing photos. (many cameras have LCD screens that allow you to view these type of grid lines when needed. Check your camera's menu or instruction manual to find out how to display them)
Image #3A was also composed using the rule of thirds principle. Notice how the horizon has been placed around the lower third line of the image and not in the exact center. Also notice how the largest sand sculpture has been placed near where the right hand vertical grid line would be. Although none of the primary areas of focus in this image are set in the dead center, the picture is still pretty balanced.
The four points where the horizontal and vertical lines intersect are called points of interest. Framing the main subject on or around the points of interest will often help when you are trying to create a visually pleasing photo composition.
Although the Rule of Thirds works well in many situations, it may not work for every scene or subject. For instance it usually won't work well for a close up portrait. The rule of thirds is a rule that could and should be broken at times.
If you feel that placing your subject in the center, or somewhere else in the frame would make a better picture, then by all means do it. However, don't forget that the rule of thirds is a tried and tested method that will help you produce quality, balanced images in many situations.
Use a frame: Using doorways, trees, and windows to make a frame or partial frame around your subject is another widely used technique for composing photos. This is a pleasing effect that helps to draw the viewers eye to a particular area in your image. Images #4 and 5 are examples.
Photo Composition Image #4-Framing the Subject
|
Photo Composition Image #5-Framing the Subject
|
Photography Composition With Leading Lines and Patterns: Using leading lines when composing photos is a very effective photography technique because it has the effect of leading the viewers eyes through the image to a certain point or to infinity. Leading lines are effective in photo composition whether the lines are horizontal, vertical or curved.
For example, the curve and the lights on the shoreline in image #6 are a good example of how leading lines can lead the viewers eye through just about the whole picture.
The bicycles on the rack in image #7 create a repeating pattern that also attracts the viewers attention. The bicycles in this image also give the "effect" of converging leading lines which leads the viewers eyes through the entire image. The bicycle wheels are obviously round and you can see that you don't always need actual "lines" in your image for a leading line effect.
Not every scene or subject will lend itself to this photography composition technique, but be on the lookout for leading lines and patterns that you can use in your own artistic way when the occasion arises.
For example, the curve and the lights on the shoreline in image #6 are a good example of how leading lines can lead the viewers eye through just about the whole picture.
The bicycles on the rack in image #7 create a repeating pattern that also attracts the viewers attention. The bicycles in this image also give the "effect" of converging leading lines which leads the viewers eyes through the entire image. The bicycle wheels are obviously round and you can see that you don't always need actual "lines" in your image for a leading line effect.
Not every scene or subject will lend itself to this photography composition technique, but be on the lookout for leading lines and patterns that you can use in your own artistic way when the occasion arises.
Photo Composition Image #6-Leading Lines
|
Photo Composition Image #7-Pattern With Leading Lines
|
Look before you shoot: "Seeing" what you are photographing before taking the shot is another key to better photography composition. That means paying attention to everything visible in the camera's viewfinder or LCD screen before you press the shutter release button. Ask yourself: Is there anything distracting that is taking the focus away from your main subject?. Many surprises can be avoided in your final image when composing a photo just by taking a closer look.
Leave room for movement: If there is subject movement or something in your photo that leads the viewers eyes in a particular direction, make sure to leave room in the frame for that motion to continue.
For instance, the runner in the image #8 below doesn't appear to have much room to continue. However, there is more space in front of the runner in the picture #8A, so you don't get the feeling that she has run out of room.
Leave room for movement: If there is subject movement or something in your photo that leads the viewers eyes in a particular direction, make sure to leave room in the frame for that motion to continue.
For instance, the runner in the image #8 below doesn't appear to have much room to continue. However, there is more space in front of the runner in the picture #8A, so you don't get the feeling that she has run out of room.
Photo Composition Image #8-Not Enough Room to Continue Movement
|
Photo Composition Image #8A-More Room For Movement to Continue
|
As mentioned at the beginning of this article, there is no absolute set way a picture should be composed. However if you use some of the photo composition techniques from this tutorial as a starting point, your creative juices will take you the rest of the way.
Now that you understand some of the basics of photo composition, check the Camera Exposure Basics tutorial for tips on setting your camera for the best exposures.
Now that you understand some of the basics of photo composition, check the Camera Exposure Basics tutorial for tips on setting your camera for the best exposures.