Although photography gives you the freedom to compose your shots any way you want, there are several composition guidelines you can use to make your photos look more visually appealing. Many of these techniques don’t require the use of expensive cameras or accessories and are generally easy to follow. They can also be adapted to fit your needs, which means you can apply them to your outdoor photography compositions or studio sessions.
There are a lot of composition techniques you can choose from but if you want to add a more creative flair to your images, there are a few key ones that can help you achieve stellar results. So, whenever you take your camera and head outside to capture candid moments or search for a “photo studio near me” online, keep the following tips and techniques in mind so that you can visualise how you can incorporate them into your compositions:
Rule of Thirds
The rule of thirds is one of the most well-known composition techniques used in photography. It involves dividing your frame into nine equal parts using an equally spaced 3×3 grid. The idea is to place key elements of your composition along these lines or at the intersections of the grid instead of simply centering the subject. Using this technique gives balance to your photos, encouraging the viewers’ eyes to move around the image and explore the different elements in your compositions. This prevents your photos from looking static or predictable, creating a more dynamic visual experience.
Most cameras and smartphones have the option to display grid lines on the screen, so it’s a good idea to enable this feature when available to align your shots. You can put the subject of your scene at any of the four intersections of the grid, and snap a photograph, although keep in mind that for landscape photos, the horizon is usually best placed along one of the horizontal lines. This is to balance the sky and the land and create more visual appeal.
Symmetry and Patterns
To add a sense of harmony and balance to your photos, you can follow the principles of symmetry and patterns. Symmetry creates a mirror image on either side of a central axis, while patterns make use of repeating elements to create rhythm within the frame. Photos that use these elements effectively can be very striking and pleasing to the eye, conveying a sense of order and stability. This makes symmetry and patterns particularly useful for architectural, abstract, and nature photography.
When applying these principles, make sure to incorporate leading lines. This can help draw the viewer’s eye towards the symmetrical elements or patterns. You can also introduce a contrasting element to break the pattern to create visual tension. This could be a different colour, shape, or texture that stands out and adds interest.
Depth and Perspective
Creating a sense of depth and perspective in your photos can make them appear more three-dimensional and immersive. Depth can be achieved by including elements in the foreground, middle ground, and background. Perspective, on the other hand, focuses on shapes and lines that form the spatial relationship between objects. Combining these elements can give your photos a greater sense of scale and realism, resulting in more engaging images that draw the viewer in and make them feel as if they are part of the scene.
To apply this technique effectively, include objects in the foreground to create a sense of depth. This could be anything from flowers to rocks, which lead the viewer’s eye into the scene. You can also use roads, paths, and fences to act as leading lines that guide the viewer’s eye through the photo and thus enhance the sense of perspective. Furthermore, experiment with different angles and heights. Shooting from a lower or higher viewpoint can drastically alter the perceived depth and perspective of the scene.
Golden Triangle
The golden triangle is a composition technique that divides your frame into triangles to create a more dynamic and balanced photo. It essentially creates a guide that lets a viewer explore the photo in a more fluid manner. To apply this rule, draw an imaginary diagonal line from one corner of the frame to the opposite corner, and then add two more lines from the other corners that meet the first line at 90-degree angles. If you want to add visual interest to your compositions, place important subjects at the intersections of the triangle lines to create balance and draw attention.
Golden Ratio
The golden ratio, also known as the divine proportion, is a mathematical ratio (approximately 1.618:1) that has been used in art and architecture for centuries. In photography, applying this ratio can create a pleasing and harmonious composition that’s naturally appealing to the human eye. There are several things you can do to incorporate the golden ratio into your compositions. The phi grid, which is similar to the rule of thirds, positions the lines according to the golden ratio. Some cameras have an option to display this grid on the screen, so enable it if your camera has it. Another is the Fibonacci spiral. Imagine a spiral that grows according to the golden ratio. You can place important elements along this spiral to guide the viewer’s eye through the photo in a natural way.
Using various composition techniques can result in more creative and engaging photos that can capture your viewers’ attention. With the help of these methods, you can be more confident in experimenting with your photo compositions and find one that works best for your style.