1 of 11

Compositions

2 of 11

Composing a photograph is to take the most important parts of the photograph and arranging them in a way that will be pleasing to the viewer’s eye.

There are several different guidelines that can be followed to achieve good composition. The following are important rules to follow.

3 of 11

Balance Depth of Field Framing Lines Rule of Thirds Simplicity Symmetry

4 of 11

Shapes, colours, and light should compliment one another.

A secondary point of interest can be used to balance out the empty space caused by the Rule of Thirds (more later).

5 of 11

The sharpest point of focus around the subject

Keeps the focus on the important subject and helps it to stand out from the background

6 of 11

Use natural surroundings to frame the main point of interest

Isolates subject, draws the viewer’s focus to it as well as keeps the focus on it

7 of 11

Lines lead the eye deeper into the image, or to the point of interest

Straight, curved, diagonal, and parallel can all be used effectively

8 of 11

The best placement of the subject can usually be determined by The Rule of Thirds.

Imagine the grid above. Where the lines intersect are the best placement points. Avoid the centre.

9 of 11

A cluttered image can confuse the eye

Eliminate distractions to assure the focus is on the main subject

10 of 11

Must break the Rule of Thirds for this one. Center the subject in the camera’s view.

Both sides must be equal to achieve the symmetry

11 of 11

While these are all important elements to create visually interesting photographs, keep in mind they are not absolute rules.

It’s possible to break these rules and still have amazing composition. But to break the rules, you need to know the rules.

Good luck.