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Rules

The document discusses various composition rules for photography, including: The rule of thirds, which involves dividing the frame into thirds and placing key elements along those lines. The golden ratio, where the focus is more centered with more details, following a 1:1.618 ratio found in art and architecture. Leading lines, which take advantage of structures and lines in landscapes to guide the eye to the subject. Centered and symmetrical compositions work best in this case. Diagonals, which create movement and emphasize perspective even with still subjects. The frame within a frame technique uses natural or man-made frames to add layers and focus attention on the subject.

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28 views

Rules

The document discusses various composition rules for photography, including: The rule of thirds, which involves dividing the frame into thirds and placing key elements along those lines. The golden ratio, where the focus is more centered with more details, following a 1:1.618 ratio found in art and architecture. Leading lines, which take advantage of structures and lines in landscapes to guide the eye to the subject. Centered and symmetrical compositions work best in this case. Diagonals, which create movement and emphasize perspective even with still subjects. The frame within a frame technique uses natural or man-made frames to add layers and focus attention on the subject.

Uploaded by

ingridgiselav
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Composition Rules

Rule of thirds
With the rule of thirds, you have to train
yourself to split your camera screen into a
grid. Keep in mind the key points of
intersection, and place important elements
along those lines for visual appeal. This
asymmetric composition in photography
works well for any genre including
landscapes, still-life photography, and
portraits.
The Golden Ratio.
Here, the focus of the photograph
is more towards the center (with
more details). The roots of this
rule go back centuries and can be
found in notable works of art. In
essence, it is the perfect balance
with a ratio of 1 to 1.618, and you
can search for this to understand
the proportions in photography,
architecture, and art.
Leading lines
Take advantage of
the structures and
lines in landscapes.
Use them in
proportion to your
subjects to lead the
eye into the picture.
A centered and
symmetrical
photography
composition is the
most preferable one
in this case; it helps
the viewer focus on
your subject or
object. Everything
can serve as leading
lines: rivers, dunes,
waves, roads, paths,
bridges, fences,
staircases, hallways,
patterns, etc.
Diagonals
One thing about diagonal lines that
differentiates it from other
composition techniques is that the
lines help create movement in the
photograph, even when your subjects
are still. This is a great tip for
photographers that want to step
outside of perfect compositions, yet
still create appealing photography
compositions with the help of
diagonal lines. Diagonal lines assist in
emphasizing perspective and add
dynamics to the photo. The subject
in the image appears still, yet you can
tell that he is ready to move.
Frame within a frame.
As you plan how to frame your shots,
consider that outside structures can
serve as natural frames. This can be
things like windows, doors, or
arches, so use them to your
advantage! This composition in
photography is also called frame
within the frame. What makes a
photograph like this interesting is
that it is soothing to the eye. The
photographer added layers and depth
to the scene in the image above by
placing the subject in the arch. Note
that frames don’t necessarily have to
be man-made and fully surround your
subject. You can also use tree trunks
and hanging tree branches for a frame
within a frame photo composition
technique.
Figure to ground.
Try to focus on your
subjects and make them
stand out by narrowing in
on the contrast between
the subject and the
background. The more
contrast, the more
dramatic your shots, and
the more prominent your
subject. A winning photo
composition is one in
which your main subject is
isolated due to the
contrast solution.
Fill the frame
To fill the frame, your subject
should occupy a significant portion
of your image, leaving no or little
space around it. This way, the
photographer removes all
distractions, allowing the viewer to
focus on the main subject and
explore every detail. Get up close
and personal with your subjects.
Have them fill in the frame so that
they are the focus and the dominant
feature of the photograph
Center dominant eye.
When photographing people, place
their dominant eye in the center of
the photograph. This makes the
picture more luring as it appears
that the subject’s eyes are
following the viewer.
Patterns and repetition
There is a reason why we love
patterns – they are aesthetically
pleasing to the eye. Another
aspect to explore: include
something in your photograph
that interrupts a pattern, adding
an element of surprise.
Symmetry and asymmetry
There is beauty, simplicity and a
certain type of elegance in a
photograph that is perfectly
symmetrical. It’s pleasing to the
eye and a sure way to catch the
attention of many. The same goes
for a slight variation of the style;
asymmetrical shots that include
empty space for visual interest.

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