The following information is only a list (although
incomplete) of concepts which aid the student of photography in
establishing an approach to better composition in his /her photographs.
It is absurd to think that composition can be reduced to a single set of
hard and fast rules. The following is merely an idea sheet to get the
wheels turning. The truth is that each and every subject requires an
approach in composition which best fits the subject. All
"rules" in composition do not apply to all subjects. What you
are searching for is "THE STRONGEST WAY OF SEEING" ...
1. The Basic Visual Symbols:
a. Space - picture plane: perspective & depth
b. line - real lines: implied lines
c. tone - can be emotional. Tones for emphasis: Hard
light, soft light, contrast.
2. Centers of interest:
a. the rule of thirds
b. try to have one main center of interest
c. avoid placing the center of interest either in the
center or very close to the margins.
d. consider selective focus/shallow depth of field
3. The Four Basic Rules:
a. Move in close
b. Keep it simple
c. Keep'em busy. Get the subject to ignore you and go
on about their business.
d. Include foreground in mid range and long shots.
4. Psychological Factors:
a. Proximity - Try to create meaning or establish
relationships when objects, lines, or shapes are near one another.
b. Rhythm - any repetitious arrangements of lines,
shapes, curves, angles, intervals, or directions may create rhythm. Also
consider things which break up the rhythm.
C. Stability - by balancing composition you give it
-stability. It may by either formal
(symmetrical) or Informal (asymmetrical).
5. Learn to train yourself to see
"photographically". Know the differences between
the camera's vision and that of your eyes. Tune into your world, study
people, buildings, landscapes; raise your awareness level. Study the
work of others. When viewing the work of others that you find
interesting, try and determine why you think this is so. What is the
lighting like, which lens, point of view, what is the depth of field?
6. Leading lines - should lead you into
not out of the picture plane. And leading lines should lead you to
something, not an empty space in the middle of the picture.
7. Hogarth's line of Beauty - commonly
known as the ‘S’ curve. One of the easiest and
most pleasing forms to look at.
8. SOME HELPFUL HINTS:
Balance - Shapes of objects (small and large). Try to
have pictures weighted like a fulcrum. You can balance with other
objects besides subject. For example, rocks, shadows, trees, etc.
The Meaning of Lines
Straight lines - Strength, vigor, solidity
Curved lines - Beauty, grave softness
Vertical lines - Power, hope, courage
Horizontal- Balance, rest
Zigzag lines - Most active
S shape lines .. Most graceful
-The emphasis is on the individual (that would be
you) in composition - not the equipment.
-Any subject differs every hour of the day as the
light and shadows change.
-Two lines crossing each other = Violent action
-The main object can be determined by size, contrast
and position.
-Always remove unnecessary foreground or sky .
-Remember uninterrupted lines parallel to sides of a
photograph have a tendency to run eyes out of a photograph... you must
interrupt these lines.
-Try to keep objects away from the dead center FILL
THE FRAME.
-Keep main object away from the edges of the
photograph (and center) of the photograph.
-Strongest point of composition - RULE OF THIRDS
- Keep a note pad and make notes of interesting
subject locations to return to when you have time to shoot. After you
have several locations noted you just may have a day’s worth of
shooting to do. Take yourself on a field trip...