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R U C H I T A S U J A I C H O W D H A R Y

A S S I S T A N T P R O F E S S O R

D E P T . O F J O U R N A L I S M & M A S S C O M M U N I C A T I O N , K M C U A F U , L U C K N O W

F O R

B A - J M C , S E M E S T E R I I I

Composition Principles in Photography

Various techniques have been employed by artistsand photographers over many years to improvecomposition.

But what are the key elements for a good composition?

Have a look!

Rule of third

The idea is to place theimportant element(s) ofthe scene along one ormore of the lines orwhere the linesintersect.

CentredComposition

place the main subject in the centre of the frame. Symmetrical scenes are perfect for a centred composition.

Foreground Interest and Depth

Foregrounds can play an important part in general composition of photographs.

Frame Within the Frame

This is used to create perception of depth in the photographs.

Leading Lines

Leading lines help lead the viewer through the image and focus attention on important elements. Anything from paths, walls or patterns can be used as leading lines.

Diagonals and Triangles

Having diagonals going off in different direction adds a lot of ‘dynamic tension’ to the scene.

Patterns and Textures

Incorporating patternsinto your photographsis always a good way tocreate a pleasingcomposition. Lessregular textures canalso be very pleasing onthe eye.

Fill the Frame

By filling the frame ,you will not only reducethe risk of inadvertentlyincluding anydistracting backgroungor foreground.

Simplicity and Minimalism

It is often said that ‘lessis more’. Simplicityoften means takingphotos withuncomplicatedbackgrounds that don’tdistract from the mainsubject.

Isolate the Subject

Using a shallow depthof field to isolate yoursubject is a veryeffective way ofsimplifying yourcomposition.

Choosing a Viewpoint

View can be defined as the position from which a photograph is taken.

Golden Triangles

The golden trianglescomposition works in avery similar way to therule of thirds. Instead ofa grid of rectangleshowever, we divide theframe with a diagonalline going from onecorner to another. Wethen add two more linesfrom the other cornersto the diagonal line. Thetwo smaller lines meetthe big line at a rightangle