The use of composition is fundamental to understanding photography. In order to understand how you should compose a picture, let’s start with understanding the composition triangle.
This is how it works. First you choose the subject and location. Then you decide where you want to place your camera. The third point of this triangle is your focal length, or the distance between the lens and the sensor or film. You should always have the lens of your camera set to its widest setting so that you can crop your image to the exact size that you need it to be. This is particularly helpful when shooting close-ups, so that the entire subject is in focus, and also when you want to have a greater depth of field, so that only a certain part of the image is in focus.
The fourth and final point of this triangle is the angle between the horizon and the camera. This determines the direction that the viewer will look when viewing the image. It’s easy to see where this will be most beneficial when shooting landscape photographs, but it can be just as important in portraits. There is a whole host of other factors involved in composition, such as depth of field, lighting, sharpness, and exposure; but these are all based on the rules of composition.
There are several rules of composition, which include:
Table of Contents
1.Keep it Simple
Try not to have too many elements in your composition. This is something you will want to avoid if you are a beginner. When you’re first starting out, you will have lots of questions and your pictures will probably be too busy. But if you keep it simple and have a clear idea of what you want to achieve, you will have less to worry about.
2.Be Observant
When you’re out and about, always be looking around for interesting images. Keep your eyes open for things that you could use as a background. Take your time to really look at each scene.
3.Avoid Rule of Thirds
This is one of the easiest rules of composition to remember. If you divide the frame in thirds, you will get four quadrants. Place the subject in the top left-hand quarter.
4.Balance the Subject and Background
It’s important to pay attention to the relationship between the subject and the background. For example, if you have a pretty flower, try placing it in the middle of the frame so that it stands out. If you have a plain background, try to balance it out by adding something of interest to it. You can also play with the rule of thirds.
5.Keep the Image Framed
This is another easy rule to remember. A framed image is generally better than an image that’s too open. It adds emphasis and makes the subject stand out.
6.Keep it Clean
The lines of a clean, minimal composition will make your pictures look more professional.
7.Choose the Right Angle
Always remember to choose your angles carefully. The best angle for most photos is either directly above or below your subject. Avoid shooting the subject head on, as it doesn’t add much to the composition.
8.Make Your Subjects Stand Out
Sometimes the subject itself doesn’t need to stand out. By using interesting poses, clothing, and props, you can make your subjects look amazing.
9.Move the Subject Forward or Backward
If you want to create a more dynamic composition, move your subject forward or backward. This is usually the hardest of the rules of composition to remember.
10.Keep it Clear
This is a very important rule of composition. Try to make sure your subject is clearly defined. If you can, shoot your subject against a clear blue sky or clear white background.
11.Try Something New
Take your camera everywhere with you. You never know when you might come across something interesting that you can photograph.
12.Be Bold
Have fun with your shots. If you want to experiment with different styles, try something that’s bold. Go for a black and white or sepia look or use a color tint.
13.Keep It Fresh
Try using a different angle, light, and color. Be inspired by your surroundings and make your own style.
14.Be Creative
Make your photos unique. Have fun, be creative, and use your imagination. Don’t limit yourself!
15.Keep It Real
Look at real life. Look at the way people dress. Look at the world around you. Make your pictures look realistic.
16.Use Lighting to Create Depth
If you want to add more dimension to your images, look to the lighting you’re using. Shooting in low light, for example, will make your subjects look especially dramatic and you’ll be able to get a lot of depth into the image.
17.Stay Calm
When you’re trying to learn how to compose well, you’re bound to make a few mistakes. Don’t stress out. Remember that it’s all part of the learning process.
18.Don’t Rush
If you want to create the perfect shot, then take your time. If you’re rushing, it’s not going to be as good as it could be.
19.Work On Your Technique
You might want to practice taking your own photos. It’s a great way to learn how to compose and it will help you to gain confidence. You can also go through your pictures and edit them to improve their composition.
20.Remember to Experiment
If you find a new technique that you like, don’t stop there. Keep experimenting until you find a style that you really like.