Photography for Beginners: Pt 8: Mastering Composition in Photography
- Blue Jay
- Oct 25, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Nov 8, 2023
Are your photos lacking that "wow" factor? Have you ever wondered why some images seem to draw you in while others fall flat? The secret lies in composition—the art of arranging elements within your frame to create visually captivating and meaningful photographs. Now that you know how to properly focus your photos, set the white balance and consider the exposure triangle, let's learn what to actually include in the photo.
Sections: Why is Composition Important?, How to Compose Your Shots Correctly, Signs of Poor Composition
Why is Composition Important?
Composition is the backbone of every great photograph. It's the difference between a mundane snapshot and a stunning work of art. Proper composition can:
Tell a Story: Effective composition helps you convey your intended message or story within a single frame.
Guide the Viewer: It leads the viewer's eye through the image, highlighting important elements and creating visual flow.
Evoke Emotions: Composition can elicit emotions and reactions, whether it's a sense of tranquility, excitement, or nostalgia.
Add Interest: A well-composed photo captures attention and keeps viewers engaged.
Now, let's delve into how you can achieve effective composition in your photographs.
How to Compose Your Shots Correctly
Rule 1- Rule of Thirds: One of the most fundamental composition techniques is the Rule of Thirds. Imagine dividing your frame into a 3x3 grid, and place your subject or key elements at the intersections or along the lines. This creates balance and visual interest. In Pt 2 you learned how to turn on the grid on your camera- now is the time to use it!
Rule 2- Leading Lines: Use natural or man-made lines (e.g., roads, rivers, fences) to guide the viewer's eye into the image or toward the main subject.
Rule 3- Framing: Frame your subject with elements in the foreground (e.g., branches, arches) to draw attention to the main subject and add depth to your composition.
Rule 4-Symmetry and Balance: Achieve balance by placing elements of equal visual weight on both sides of the frame. Alternatively, use symmetrical compositions for a harmonious and calming effect.
Rule 5- Foreground Interest: Include something of interest in the foreground to add depth and dimension to your photos, making the viewer feel like they're part of the scene.
Rule 6- Negative Space: Leave empty space around your subject to emphasize it and create a sense of minimalism or isolation.
Rule 7- Texture and Patterns: Incorporate textures and repeating patterns to add visual interest and intrigue to your images.
Rule 8- Scale and Perspective: Play with the size and perspective of your subjects to create a sense of scale and depth. For example, juxtapose a small subject against a vast landscape.
Signs of Poor Composition
Recognizing poor composition is just as crucial as understanding good composition. Here are some signs that your composition may be lacking:
Clutter: Too many elements competing for attention can confuse the viewer and dilute your message. If your photo doesn't have a clear subject, that could be a sign that there are too many focus points.
Tangents: Avoid having elements in your frame that appear to touch at the edges, as this can create visual distractions (there is a way to use tangents in a good way, but we'll learn that later).
Uneven Balance: If the composition feels unbalanced or tilted, it may make the viewer uncomfortable.
Your Homework
Looking through your old photos, which aspect of composition do you need to improve on the most?
Clutter
Tangents
Uneven Balance
These 8 blog posts cover a lot of what you need to know in order to start taking good photos, but there is still SO much more! Refer to this beginner's guide until you've gotten everything down and it becomes second nature to you. Repeat the homework assignments as needed and track your progress. You'll know you're ready to move on when you can tell the difference between a good photo and a bad one. Once you know what to look for, you can start learning about different lenses, creative ideas, photo editing, and lighting set-ups!
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