Photography Composition Rules PDF

AS2210 IMAGE COMPOSITION The position of different subject elements within the frame changes the impact of any picture. With the combination of elements such as angle of view, perspective, depth of field, color, and tone, photographic composition is created....

AS2210 IMAGE COMPOSITION The position of different subject elements within the frame changes the impact of any picture. With the combination of elements such as angle of view, perspective, depth of field, color, and tone, photographic composition is created. Any photographic composition can work if the arrangement of the subject elements appears harmonious to the image's inteded viewers. To ensure a striking composition, look for a scene’s key elements, then adjust your camera position and exposure to enhance these. Composition is not only about framing the image; it is also how you utilize the aperture to control the separation of the subject and background, the focus to lead the viewer’s attention, and the exposure to use lights and darks to shape the image. RULES OF COMPOSITION Image composition goes beyond your main subject. There are several common image compositions that photographers consider to create visually interesting shots: Rule of Thirds The rule of thirds is dividing the frames for an ideal composition. It involves a balanced division of frames between two equally spaced horizontal and vertical gridlines, creating a three-by-three grid. To create balance and harmony within the image, the subject should be placed where the gridlines intersect in your image. This composition inclines to allow for more interesting images than simply centering a subject. Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash Rule of Odds The rule of odds suggests that a photo is more visually appealing if there is an odd number of elements. According to this theory, an even number of elements in a scene is diverting as the viewer is unsure which is the image’s focus. Photo by Dinesh Kumar on Unsplash 02 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 1 of 5  AS2210 Rule of Space The rule of space suggests that your subject should be placed towards a negative space it is moving to. For example, if a photo of a moving car or a person running is taken, there should be more space left in the frame in front of the subject than behind it. It implies that there is space in the frame for the moving subject to move to. Photo by Paterick Federi on Unsplash Centered Composition and Symmetry There are times when a subject that is placed in the center of the frame works well. Symmetrical scenes are perfect for a centered composition. As a composition strategy, symmetry also works very well for images with elaborate details and subjects of the utmost simplicity, such as portraits against a plain background. Photo by Sangga Rima on Unsplash Radial Radial compositions are those in which key elements spread out from the center. This conveys a lively feeling, even if the subject is static. Photo by Erol Ahmed on Unsplash 02 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 2 of 5  AS2210 Framing Framing or “frame within a frame” is a composition device often exploited in photography. It often hints at the wider context of the subject’s setting and does not concentrate the viewer’s attention on the subject. Elements such as windows, arches, or overhanging tree branches are examples that can be used to frame the scene. Photo by Klim Musal on Unsplash Leading Lines Compositions, such as Leading Lines, are used to lead viewers through the image and focus attention on important events. Elements such as paths, walls, or patterns can be used as leading lines. But it does not necessarily mean the lines have to be straight; curved lines can also be attractive compositional features. Photo by Michael Fousert on Unsplash 02 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 3 of 5  AS2210 Diagonal and Triangles Diagonal lines are ideal for stressing speed or motion. It is often said that triangles and diagonals add ‘dynamic tension’ to a photo. Diagonal lines that lead the eye from one part of an image to another will impart more energy than horizontal lines. Photo by Ryoji Iwata on Unsplash Patterns and Textures Patterns and textures suggest harmony and are visually attractive, which is why human beings are naturally into them. Patterns can take a man-made form, like a series of arches, or natural form, like the petals on a flower. Incorporating patterns into photographs is a good way to create a pleasing composition. Photo by Elcarito on Unsplash 02 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 4 of 5  AS2210 Juxtaposition This compositional tool is very powerful in photography with its ability to create a narrative. Juxtaposition refers to the presence of two or more elements in a scene that can complement or contrast each other such as sadness- happiness, small-big, young-old, etc. Either approach can appeal visually and play an important part in telling a story within a photo. Photo by Clem Onojugho on Unsplash Balance The Rule of Thirds can sometimes lead to a lack of balance in the scene. To overcome an imbalanced “void” in a photograph, a secondary subject on the other side of the frame with lesser importance can be added to create harmony. Photo by Danial Apodaca on Unsplash References Ang, T. (2018). Digital Photography: An Introduction (5th ed.). London, UK: Dorling Kindersley Limited. Ang, T. (2020). Digital Photography: Month by Month (3rd ed.). London, UK: Dorling Kindersley Limited. Carroll, B. (2022). 28 composition techniques that will improve your photos. PetaPixel. Retrieved from https://petapixel.com/photography-composition- techniques The basics of photography composition | adobe. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.adobe.com/creativecloud/photography/discover/photo- composition.html 02 Handout 1 *Property of STI  [email protected] Page 5 of 5