Photography: Composition and Rule of Thirds

• The position of subject elements in a frame alters a picture's impact
• Photographic composition is created through the combination of elements like:
  • Angle of view
  • Perspective
  • Depth of field
  • Color
  • Tone
• Photographic composition works if the arrangement of subject elements appears harmonious to viewers
• Ensuring a striking composition involves:
  • Finding a scene's key elements
  • Adjusting camera position and exposure to enhance the key elements
• Composition involves:
  • Framing the image
  • Utilizing the aperture to control the separation of the subject and background
  • Using focus to direct the viewer's attention
  • Using lights and darks to shape an image

Rules of Composition

• Image composition goes beyond the main subject
• Photographers use several common image compositions to create visually interesting shots

Rule of Thirds

• This rule divides the frame for ideal composition
• It involves a balanced division of frames between two equally spaced horizontal and vertical gridlines
• This creates a three-by-three grid
• Balance and harmony are created by placing subjects where the gridlines intersect
• This composition leads to more interesting photos than centering the subject

Rule of Odds

• Photos are more visually appealing with an odd number of elements
• An even number of elements distracts the viewer, who becomes unsure of the image's focus

Rule of Space

• Subjects should be placed towards a negative space when moving
• Photos of moving cars or running people should feature more space in front than behind
• This implies space in the frame for the subject to move into

Centered Composition and Symmetry

• Subjects placed in the center of the frame work well sometimes
• Symmetrical scenes work perfectly for centered composition
• Symmetry works well for images with elaborate details and simple subjects, like portraits

Radial

• Radial compositions spread key elements out from the center
• This conveys a lively feeling, even if the subject is static

Framing

• Framing is a composition device that involves framing within a frame
• It hints at the wider context of the subject's setting without concentrating the viewer's attention on the subject
• Windows, arches, and overhanging tree branches frame the scene

Leading Lines

• Leading lines guide viewers through the image and focuses attention on important elements
• Paths, walls, and patterns can be leading lines
• Curved lines can be attractive compositional features

Diagonal and Triangles

• Diagonal lines stress speed or motion
• Triangles and diagonals add "dynamic tension" to a photo
• Diagonal lines that lead the eye from one part of an image to another impart more energy than horizontal lines

Patterns and Textures

• Patterns and textures suggest harmony and are visually attractive
• Patterns can be man-made (arches) or natural (flower petals)
• Incorporating patterns creates a pleasing composition

Juxtaposition

• Juxtaposition creates photographs with powerful narratives
• Juxtaposition refers to the presence of two or more elements in a scene that complement or contrast each other
  • Sadness-happiness
  • Small-big
  • Young-old
• Juxtaposition can appeal visually and play an important part in telling a story within a photo

Balance

• The Rule of Thirds can sometimes lead to a lack of balance in the scene
• To overcome an imbalanced "void", a secondary subject of lesser importance can be added to the other side of the frame to create harmony