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THE ART OF COMPOSITION

In our modern world of automatic cameras, which focus for us and adjust the exposure in an ever

more perfect way (most of the time), the biggest difference between a good photograph and a

mediocre one is the composition.

Composition is all about putting together objects in your viewfinder in such a way as to emphasis the

bits you want to, making them stand out in just the right way. These objects include anything in the

foreground, the background, those that "frame" the picture, and most importantly light.

No matter how expensive your camera equipment is, that without a knowledge of composition,

you'll never be able to "capture" the essence of the image you see. Worse still, someone with a

cheaper set up, and who knows about composition, will more than likely be producing better

photographs.

Annoyingly, some people seem to have the knack for creating well composed images, while others

have to shoot and shoot whilst they hone their composition skills. The important thing to remember

is that wherever you start, you will only get better with practice.

Composition defined Composition is the pleasing selection and arrangement of subjects within the picture area. That is,

making sure that all the elements that make up the image are working to make the image strong.

Take image above as an example of good composition. The kitten is on a grey background, which

doesn't distract you from noticing the kitten. The ivy is green in colour, which is a good contrasting

colour and the kitten's white colour makes it stand out in this image. All good composition elements

that make this image work. Ask yourself this question: Would the image work if the kitten was black

in colour?



What influences composition? The following are things that can influence the composition of an image.

CENTRE OF INTEREST

VIEW POINT

COLOUR AND SHAPE

LEADING LINES

RULE OF THIRDS

OFF CENTRE POSITIONING

SCREEN DIRECTION

LIGHTING, TEXTURE, PRESPECTIVE

However there are a lot more things that make up composition that are listed above. In this fact

sheet I will be focusing on just a few main items.

Centre of interest Each picture should have only one principal idea, topic, or centre of interest to which the viewer's

eyes are attracted. If your image has more than one centre of interest then the image can become

too busy and the viewer can become lost trying to see what you want them to look at. Try to only

put one centre of interest in each image. If your scene has more than one centre of interest then

take each centre of interest in a separate image.

Rule of thirds The basic principle behind the rule of thirds is to imagine breaking an image down into thirds (both

horizontally and vertically) so that you have 9 parts.



The “Rule of Thirds” one of the first things that budding digital photographers learn about in classes

on photography and rightly so as it is the basis for well balanced and interesting shots.

The theory is that if you place points of interest in the intersections or along the lines that your

photo becomes more balanced and will enable a viewer of the image to interact with it more

naturally. Studies have shown that when viewing images that people’s eyes usually go to one of the

intersection points most naturally rather than the centre of the shot, using the rule of thirds works

with this natural way of viewing an image rather than working against it.

Generally the weakest area is in the middle of the image. Try not to position the main item here as it

will break your image into two parts and make the image unbalanced.



Viewpoint The majority of people new to photography adopt the viewpoint where the camera is approximately

5’ 8” from the ground with the camera pretty much square to the subject! That is eye height for the

majority of us.

We should remember there is the low viewpoint, crouch down and look up at the subject.

Or get to a high viewpoint and look down on the subject.



Leading lines Lines can be effective elements of composition, because they give structure to your photographs.

Lines can unify composition by directing the viewer's eyes and attention to the main point of the

picture or lead the eyes from one part of the picture to another.



Using reflections Reflections can be used to add interest. They can be used to fill space. You can use the reflection as

the main element of the image as opposed to the real subject. You can get two images for the price

of one.



Framing an image

No, this is not what we mean by framing, although the principle is the same.

What we mean is to frame the centre of interest with objects in the foreground. This can give a

picture the feeling of depth it needs to make it more than just another snapshot.



Chasing the light As photographers we use light to paint an image. By controlling lighting, i.e. contrast, light levels,

colour of light and the quality of light, we can appeal to our emotions and our perception of life.

Early morning and late evening daylight is predominantly RED. Midday the colour of the light is

BLUE. The best time to photograph landscapes is early in the morning or late in the evening.

How a scene can look so different at different times of the day.

Vertical lines Vertical Lines are strong , dynamic lines, combined with horizontal lines create powerful results.

Trees, people, buildings are examples, to emphasise their height and power try using a portrait

format. By allowing the lines to burst out of the frame top or bottom, you can achieve real impact.



Diagonal lines Diagonal lines are the most visually exciting lines they can lead the eye into the frame. Try not to

split the image by running a line from one corner to another. Its more interesting to have a line start

just to one side of a corner and continue through to the opposite corner, you will achieved a balance

image that way.

If you are interested in one to one photographic tuition then contact ComputerFixed. Photographic

tuition make great gift ideas for any amateur photographer.

THE ART OF COMPOSITION - ComputerFixedcomputerfixed.co.uk/Website...

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