2. There are 7 different rules of
composition…
And here they are…
3. Rule No.1 – Leading Lines
One of the tools you can use as a
photographer to create a
meaningful composition is to use
leading lines. Leading lines are
used to draw the viewer’s eye
through a photograph. They are
intentional or unintentional, natural
lines created in the space of the
photograph and are used to create
a visual narrative in the
composition. Leading lines are also
used to draw your eye to a focal
point in the shot that you would like
to highlight.
4. Rule No.2 – Rules Of Thirds
The basic principle behind the rule of thirds is to imagine
breaking an image down into thirds (both horizontally and
vertically) so that you have 9 parts. As you’re taking an
image you would have done this in your mind through your
viewfinder or in the LCD display that you use to frame your
shot.
With this grid in mind the ‘rule of thirds’ now identifies four
important parts of the image that you should consider
placing points of interest in as you frame your image.
Not only this – but it also gives you four ‘lines’ that are also
useful positions for elements in your photo. The theory is
that if you place points of interest in the intersections or
along the lines that your photo becomes more balanced and
will enable a viewer of the image to interact with it more
naturally. Studies have shown that when viewing images
that people’s eyes usually go to one of the intersection
points most naturally rather than the center of the shot –
using the rule of thirds works with this natural way of
viewing an image rather than working against it.
5. Rule No.3 – Filling The
Frame
There's an old adage in photography that says if
you want to improve your photographs 100
percent, move closer. It's true. The one sure way to
keep from including too much extraneous
information in a photograph is to fill the frame with
your subject and nothing but your subject. Filling the
frame from edge to edge leaves little doubt about
what your intended target was. There are two ways
to get closer: Use a telephoto lens or put some
more wear on your walking shoes.
The simple act of making your subject bigger in the
frame involves the viewer at a much more intense
level. A chin-to-forehead portrait of an interesting
face, for example, immediately puts the viewer eye-
to-eye with your subject. A very tight shot of a
bear—even if you made it with a long lens at the
zoo—creates breathless drama.
6. Rule No.4 – Framing The
Subject
Framing is a technique used to enhance the
overall result of a photo and to draw attention to
the subject. Framing does not refer to physical
frames you put your photos into. Compositional
framing consists of using natural or man-made
objects within the photo itself. There are endless
choices when deciding on what to use as a frame,
all you need is a little imagination and observation.
When possible, a frame should correlate with the
point of interest. For example, finding a gnarled
piece of driftwood that’s been washed to shore
would make an excellent natural frame for the
ocean.
7. Rule No.5 – Unusual
Angles/Viewpoints
A view angle can be used to create
compelling composition to a photo. By
choosing unusual angle of view, one can
create a composition that is something out
of the ordinary. You often see photos of
famous sights that are photographed from
the eye level and straight from in front of
the sight. Many photos are taken from the
most natural location and view angle which
is of course logical. However, it means that
many photos taken by different people from
the same sight might look somewhat
similar.
8. Rule No.6 – Depth Of Field
Depth of field is a characteristic of a camera
that can be used to enhance the photo. The
closer the subject to the camera, the
more shallow the depth of field.
The longer the focal length, the more
shallow the depth of field.
The larger the aperture (smaller the F-
number), the more shallow the depth of
field.
It is important to understand how to affect
the depth of field in order to utilize it in
image composition. For example, the
subject of the photo can be emphasized by
isolating it from its surroundings by using a
shallow depth of field. Shallow depth of field
is usually used in portraits and large depth
of field is usually used in landscape photos.
9. And Finally, Rule No.7 –
Symmetry/Texture
A symmetrical shot with strong composition and a good point of
interest can lead to a striking image – but without the strong point
of interest it can be a little predictable. I prefer to experiment with
both in the one shoot to see which works best. Images a two
dimensional thing yet with the clever use of ‘texture’ they can
come alive and become almost three dimensional.
Texture particularly comes into play when light hits objects at
interesting angles.
