Rules of Composition

What is Composition? Arrangement of objects: Relationship to one another Photographers compose images to create certain effects and to affect the viewer. In this image by Louis Faurer, the person in the window is overshadowed by the enormous silhouette.

# 1 – Rule of Thirds One of the most important rules. Dividing photo into 3rds, both horizontally and vertically. 3 columns and 3 rows. Where the lines intersect = points of interest. Naturally attracts the viewer.

# 1 – Rule of Thirds Place the subject of interest on either the left or right column, top or bottom row. Avoiding the center can add more interest to a photo. Notice how the apple is placed towards the left rather than in the direct center.

# 2 – Lines Lines give structure to a photo. Gives emotions, such as anger, strength, and tranquility. Lines are everywhere, using them to lead to your subject can greatly enhance your photo.

# 3 – Patterns Creates a sense of unity and structure. Enjoyable to the eye and seems to be more attractive.

# 4 – Balance Simply how different shapes, shades, areas are arranged. If there are more objects on one side than the other, the viewer will tend to feel lopsided. Make sure the objects do not outweigh one another.

# 4 – Balance Two types: symmetrical and asymmetrical. Symmetrical: the same or very similar on both sides. Asymmetrical: one side is balanced by the other. Notice, the chess piece on the left is balanced with the smaller pieces on the right side of the board.

# 5 – Perspective Gives a sense of scale within a picture. Gives the sense of volume, space, depth, and distance. Helps to create a better 3-D image in the viewer’s mind.

# 6 – Simplicity Catches the viewer’s attention. Keeps photo focused on one main point. Background should not take away from the subject. A simple photo is much more pleasing than a heavily cluttered one. Find one subject and isolate it.

# 7 – Framing Helps a photo go from a snapshot to a real professional picture. Does not have to be in the center of the photo; it just has to suit the subject.

# 8 – Motion Subjects of motion are typically animals or people. Should always make the subject seem as if it is entering the photo and show a sense of movement. Helps to draw the viewer’s attention across the image.

# 9 – Atmospheric Conditions Lighting and atmosphere are other ways to help emphasize the subject. The way the light shines on the subject can determine how good the photo will be.

# 10 – Key Elements Ways to find relations between subjects in a photo. Usually have something in common and then become the focal points of images.