Photographic Composition
The purpose of this page is to share some of the basic principles of composition, so firstly let's understand what we mean when we use the term 'photographic composition'.
Composition is simply the arrangement of objects in the frame. It has been manipulated by artists of all kinds throughout the centuries to guide the eye through the frame and is a great way to achieve better results with your camera. Good composition is about balance, about having enough in the frame to complete the story you are trying to tell with your image. If your image is a concept or idea rather than a story the requirement is the same, ensure there is enough in the image to transfer your thoughts but not so much as to clutter and confuse the idea/story.
Composition is not subjective, even though an arrangement I find pleasing is not necessarily one you will see in the same way, it is unlikely to be due to compositional elements and is most likely just differing personal preferences.
There are a number of so called ‘rules’ of composition and though I hate the term ‘rules’ to describe them I use it because it is the description used in the trade and therefore familiar, but it is important to note that the rules don't apply to everything, they just help guide your eye in the early stages of your photographic journey.
The sections below are simplified and focus on each individual element of composition as a separate item to prevent confusion, once you are familiar with them you will find yourself using multiple elements in the same image to produce improving results over time. I understand that this may seem like a lot but if you begin with just a few of the elements you will see improvements that will motivate you to learn more. Finally when you know the basic rules you'll also know when you should break them.
Composition is simply the arrangement of objects in the frame. It has been manipulated by artists of all kinds throughout the centuries to guide the eye through the frame and is a great way to achieve better results with your camera. Good composition is about balance, about having enough in the frame to complete the story you are trying to tell with your image. If your image is a concept or idea rather than a story the requirement is the same, ensure there is enough in the image to transfer your thoughts but not so much as to clutter and confuse the idea/story.
Composition is not subjective, even though an arrangement I find pleasing is not necessarily one you will see in the same way, it is unlikely to be due to compositional elements and is most likely just differing personal preferences.
There are a number of so called ‘rules’ of composition and though I hate the term ‘rules’ to describe them I use it because it is the description used in the trade and therefore familiar, but it is important to note that the rules don't apply to everything, they just help guide your eye in the early stages of your photographic journey.
The sections below are simplified and focus on each individual element of composition as a separate item to prevent confusion, once you are familiar with them you will find yourself using multiple elements in the same image to produce improving results over time. I understand that this may seem like a lot but if you begin with just a few of the elements you will see improvements that will motivate you to learn more. Finally when you know the basic rules you'll also know when you should break them.
The Rule of Thirds
Patterns
Shapes & Odds
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Leading Lines
Symmetry
Balance
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Viewpoint
Seeing The Light
Framing The Shot
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In shot Framing
Composing with colour
Negative Space
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Filling the Frame
Creating Depth
Light & Shadow
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Aperture
Reflections
Separation
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