Applied Photography and Video

Composition in Photography
Composition
Composition means how the elements
of a photo are arranged.
The photographer puts those things
within a frame that help a photograph
become more or less interesting to the
viewer.

Composition is how an artist tells a

story within the confines of a single
frame.

The photographic composition follows a

series of compositional elements like
lines, shapes, space, color… and
compositional techniques like the rule
of thirds, the golden ratio, the rule of
space, etc.
Rule of thirds

In photography, the rule of thirds is a type of composition in which an image is divided evenly into thirds,
both horizontally and vertically, and the subject of the image is placed at the intersection of those
dividing lines, or along one of the lines itself.

When filming or photographing people, it is common to line the body up to a vertical line and the
person's eyes to a horizontal line.

The technique proposes that aligning a subject with these points creates more tension, energy and
interest in the composition than simply centering the subject.

The main reason for observing the rule of thirds is to discourage placement of the subject at the center,
or prevent a horizon from appearing to divide the picture in half.
The rule of thirds
Leading lines

Good photographers are capable of creating images that naturally draw your eye along subtle, organic lines to a
specific focal point. In order to achieve this effect, many skilled photographers use a compositional tool known as
leading lines. Leading lines are incredibly effective at directing a viewer’s attention, and learning how to use them will
greatly improve composition of the photography.

Whenever people look at an image, the eyes are naturally drawn to the lines present within it. People instinctively
follow these lines to see where they go—these lines are leading the gaze towards a particular subject.

The main difference between images using paths vs. leading lines is that a leading line takes a view’s attention to a
point of interest in the frame, while a path always guides the eye towards a horizon.

The following are several examples of leading lines that can be easily found:
• Buildings
• River
• Trees
• Window panes
• Doorways
Frame within a frame

A frame within a frame occurs when you use a visual element in the image to frame the primary subject. The purpose
of using a frame within a frame is to help move the viewer’s eye toward that subject.

This frame can be natural or artificial. It can be almost anything - a doorway or window, a cave or tunnel, or even
foliage, clouds, or areas of light and shadow.

However a regular four-sided frame within a frame might be the least impactful. Four-sided frames can feel heavy
and cumbersome, and they can also obscure too much of the imagery in the photo.

On the other side, photographers tent to use one, two, and three-sided frames to compose a more interesting image
and add interest to the shot while drawing attention to the primary subject.
Centred Composition and Symmetry

Centred Composition and Symmetry means placing a subject at the centre of the frame, such that it
splits in half, either horizontally or vertically.

Centred composition is the most powerful way to draw attention to the subject in the photograph. It’s ideal
for photographing architecture, landscapes and roads.

For instance, when photographing a landscape with reflection, a horizontal symmetry might be ideal.
And if a subject is a building with beautiful architecture, a vertical symmetry might be the best choice.

When shooting a portrait a photographer usually places a dominant eye of the subject right in the centre
of the frame.

Due to perfect symmetry, this composition creates an aesthetically pleasing balance in the image and evokes
a sense of calmness and soothes the eye of the viewer.
Golden triangle

According to the golden triangle principle, if we draw a diagonal line from corner to corner and two perpendicular
lines from the remaining corners, the frame is divided into four triangles of two different sizes. The subject is then
placed in one of the triangles or along the lines for pleasing composition.

Photos following golden triangle composition tend to have a point of interest, and leading lines that run through them.
• Point of interest – This is the main subject of your photo. For a portrait, the dominant eye should rest on one of
these points, most likely the one towards the top of the frame. Landscape subjects like lone trees or a house
would sit on the intersection point.

• Leading lines – The line that leads up to the subject is now important. This is what makes the photo a golden
triangle composition as opposed to the rule of thirds. A photographer looks for a diagonal line that leads up to
the main subject. In landscape photography, a road that diagonally cuts through the frame to the main subject is
ideal.
Golden ratio/ spiral

This photography rule of composition follows what is known as the “golden number” or Greek “phi
number”, which is simply a ratio of 1 to 1.618.

Sometimes it’s also called the Fibonacci Spiral.

The Golden ratio composition is beautiful especially because of the arc of the spiral.
Putting subjects along a curved line rather than straight grid lines draws the viewers eyes around the picture,
forcing it to go closer to the tight coil of the spiral where a photographer has placed a point of interest.

It’s like a giant subliminal road sign pointing the eyes towards where a photographer want them to go.
Repetition

Through repetition, colours, shapes, lines, textures, patterns and other elements can be used in the
composition to create an attractive visual flow for the viewer.

The trick with using repetition to its full potential, is to isolate the repetition in the photograph.

When a photographer zooms in on a pattern so that it fills the frame, or at least becomes obvious in the
frame, a composition will instantly become stronger. The image will be more compelling to the viewer.
Depth

Composing a photograph with depth, creates more tridimensionality and the illusion of volume.

There are lots of ways to add a sense of depth to a photograph. Everything from the use of lighting, to
layering elements, to including some foreground into a composition can all help to add dimension, and
provide a sense of perspective.

Using objects that are a well-known size – like cars, or people, can introduce a sense of scale and help
viewers to get the true size of a mountain or skyscraper. It also brings depth to the photograph.

Adding depth to a photographs can be done by changing a perspective.

Photographers often try out a new perspective to give the composition a whole new sense of dimension.
Angling the camera up and photographing the height of a tree or tall building is another example of using a
different angle to create distance.
Juxtaposition

Juxtaposition is when a photographer composes a frame with two or more objects that create an
obvious comparison and add contrast.
When a photographer uses juxtaposition intentionally, the goal is to express a thought or make a point.

It can be by placing contrary colours, tones, shapes, and even objects or identities to create contrast so
the viewer stops to analyze the visual meaning of the image.

Common juxtapositions are young and old, big and small, dark and light, and natural and man-made.

Photographers often use juxtapositions to add humor or opinion to an image.

Thank you!