Composition

What is Composition?

- - The careful and deliberate arrangement of objects and visual elements within the frame.
  - Composition helps to direct the viewer’s eye as it flows from object to object within the scene.
  - Think and see before you press the shutter release.

Rules of Composition

- - Rule of Thirds
  - Leading Lines
  - Symmetry and Patterns
  - Framing
  - Close-up - Filling the Frame
  - Portrait or Landscape

Leading Lines

When we look at a photo our eye is naturally drawn along lines.
By thinking about how you place lines in your composition, you can affect the way we view the image, pulling us into the picture, towards the subject, or on a journey "through" the scene.
There are many different types of line - straight, diagonal, curvy, zigzag, radial etc - and each can be used to enhance our photo's composition.

Which dot should you look at?

This images provides no additional information on where to focus your attention.

Lines help draw the viewer’s attention to a particular part of the frame.

MAN MADE

- - roads
  - fences
  - boardwalks
  - bridges
  - bricks
  - anything in a row such as lamp posts
  - buildings
  - doorways
  - window panes

IN NATURE

- - rivers
  - shorelines
  - waves
  - sand dunes
  - trees
  - tall grass
  - cliffs
  - rocks
  - sun rays

The pathway in the image above gives your eyes a natural path to follow up to the rocks.

Symmetry and Patterns

A perfectly balanced photo is usually very pleasing.
We are surrounded by symmetry and patterns, both natural and man-made.
Best places to find are in architectural details.

SYMMETRY

PATTERN

Framing

The world is full of objects, which make perfect natural frames, such as trees, archways and holes.
By placing these around the edge of the composition you help to isolate the main subject from the outside world.
The result is a more focused image, which draws your eye naturally to the main point of interest.

Framing draws the viewer’s eyes directly to the subject of a photograph.

Close-Up - Filling the Frame

Filling the Frame leaves no room for confusion as to what subject your viewers should focus on.

Choose your visual emphasis
Concentrate on the most interesting part of the scene.
Avoid cluttered backgrounds with unnecessary distractions.
Aim for an emotional impact.

Orientation - Portrait or Landscape

This makes a difference in how your photo looks.
You make decisions based on the way you hold your camera.
Even with the same subject, your photo’s result will differ.
Changing the camera orientation changes the way these photographs look.

When deciding to use either Landscape (horizontal) or Portrait (vertical) orientation; consider how to best frame the subject you’re shooting, and think about the background and the details that you’d like to include in the shot.
Consider the final use for your photo; this may also determine the format.

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