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Simplifying Photography Composition

The document provides tips for improving photographic composition, including simplifying backgrounds to focus on the subject, placing the subject off-center according to the rule of thirds, using natural frames to direct the eye, incorporating diagonal lines and curves, and balancing elements through techniques like staggering heads in group shots. It also discusses using shadows, reflections, angles of view, motion, patterns, texture, color, and contrasts to enhance compositions.

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Hans Telford
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296 views17 pages

Simplifying Photography Composition

The document provides tips for improving photographic composition, including simplifying backgrounds to focus on the subject, placing the subject off-center according to the rule of thirds, using natural frames to direct the eye, incorporating diagonal lines and curves, and balancing elements through techniques like staggering heads in group shots. It also discusses using shadows, reflections, angles of view, motion, patterns, texture, color, and contrasts to enhance compositions.

Uploaded by

Hans Telford
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
  • Photographic Composition: Introduces the core principles of photographic composition by focusing on simplifying the scene to avoid distractions.
  • Rule of Thirds: Explains the rule of thirds as a technique for composing balanced photographs by dividing the image into thirds.
  • Framing: Describes the use of natural frames within a scene to draw attention to the subject and create depth.
  • Lines & Curves: Discusses the impact of lines and curves in photography, guiding viewers' attention through the composition.
  • Triangle: Explores how triangular shapes in composition can lead the viewer's eye and establish visual interest.
  • Balance: Explores both symmetric and asymmetric balance in photography to create visually pleasing compositions.
  • Shadows and Silhouettes: Details the use of shadows and silhouettes to add drama and depth to photographs.
  • Angle of View: Highlights how changes in angle of view can alter perceptions and emphasize different elements within an image.
  • Motion ‘Freeze' and Motion ‘Path': Examines techniques for capturing motion in photography, either freezing action or showing motion paths.
  • Pattern and Repetition: Discusses how patterns and repetition can be used to create rhythm and visual interest in photographs.
  • Texture: Focuses on capturing texture through lighting to bring out surface details and add dimension.
  • Colour: Describes the role of color, including complementary and monochromatic schemes, in creating mood and focus.
  • Differences: Explains using contrasts such as old versus young or light versus dark to create dynamic compositions.
  • Reflections and Refractions: Details how reflections and refractions can add complexity and artistic elements to photographs.

Photographic Composition

1. Simplification reduce foreground and background clutter. What is the subject (exactly)? Then get rid of the distractions.

2. Rule of Thirds Divide the picture into 3 equal sections horizontally and vertically. Where the lines intersect is where your subject should be located not in the centre.

A shot like this may look better if the person were given some space to walk into. The photo would be more acceptable if the persons footprints were to be seen in the sand behind her (this leading the eye to the person).

Giving space for the person to walk into.

Too static and symmetrical horizon splits sky and ocean in half subject centered.

Rule of Thirds applied (Subject to left of centre) horizon is in upper third part of the picture.

Subject is left of center again; horizon is placed in lower third part of the picture.

3. Framing Natural frames (leaves, branches, caves, arches, windows, stairs, vignettes etc) can help lead the viewers eye to the subject.

4. Lines & Curves Diagonal lines and S shaped curves help to lead the eye of the viewer to the subject.

5. Triangle Triangular shapes tend to move the eye from one point to the next etc. and provide a sense of balance. When photographing groups always stagger the heads to make triangle shapes.

Other shapes can also be interesting.

6. Balance The viewer needs a sense of balance symmetric balance is nice, but tends to be boring (most people dont look at the photo for too long) asymmetric balance (one area is larger or dominates the other) tends to be more dramatic and interesting.

Balance of light and dark (light areas and tones dominate the darker tones)

Balanced composition

Unbalanced composition

7. Shadows and Silhouettes

8. Reflections and Refractions

9. Angle of View Upward or downward angles can help eliminate distractions and improve composition.

10. Motion Freeze and Motion Path

11. Pattern and Repetition Repeated shapes are appealing to our eye.

12. Texture Best captured using extreme side lighting or back lighting

13. Colour

Use of complementary colours (red + green; blue + orange/yellow; yellow + purple)

Use of monochromatic colour (a single colour with different shades)

A touch of one colour

Colours are more saturated and more intense when placed against a dark background.

Colours are less saturated and more passive when placed against a light background.

14. Differences Old and Young Small and Large Light and Dark

15. Reflections and Refractions Water, glass, mirror reflections -- glass refractions can potentially make an interesting image.

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