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Overview
Overview
This page covers the fundamentals of photographic composition
There are many 'rules' to composition and these are helpful to understand, but as long as the image delivers on it's intention, it is a success!
The below examples are great to know as either a starting point, or to help slightly adjust an image to create the desired effect.
Subject Placement
Subject Placement
Choosing the focal point of an image can be as easy as 'This is the product' or as difficult as 'Try to make sure all of our products really shine in one shot.'
When there is one clear element to focus on we call this Single Point Composition, and is a good starting point for exploring composition techniques.
Different placement of this focal point can evoke different feelings, convey size and importance, or simply allow space for other devices, e.g. copy or logos.
Grids & Guides
Grids & Guides
Breaking an image up using a grid can help to compose a shot with simple guides for balance.
Most common grids are 1/2 and 1/3. A guide added half way along the horizontal and vertical will help when looking for symmetry, whereas a 1/3 guide helps give visual balance without the need for symmetry, (see Rule of Thirds.)
1/2 guides will help centralize a subject
1/3 guides give balance to a shot and keep the focus clear
Central Composition
Central Composition
Rule of Thirds
Rule of Thirds
Golden Ratio
Golden Ratio
Golden Triangle
Golden Triangle
Dynamic Symmetry
Dynamic Symmetry
Grouping
Grouping
Odd Numbers
Odd Numbers
Framing Subjects
Framing Subjects
Framing Subjects
Framing Subjects
Perspective
Perspective
2 & 3 Point Perspective
2 & 3 Point Perspective
High, Low & Dramatic
High, Low & Dramatic
Subject Distance
Subject Distance
Defining Scale
Defining Scale
Depth
Depth
Selective Focus
Selective Focus
Texture
Texture
Negative Space
Negative Space
Shaping
Shaping
Parallel and Converging Lines
Parallel and Converging Lines
Compositional Balance
Compositional Balance
Symmetry
Symmetry
Asymmetry
Asymmetry
Tonal Weight
Tonal Weight
Colour
Colour
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