Composition
Disclosure: I have not been compensated or sponsored in any way for any mentions in this post. I just f*ing love them.
“A good photograph is knowing where to stand.”
Sandy Point State Park©2022. Example of perspective. Taken by Clara Connell @frequentlyunfiltered.com
It seems to me that composition can be as complicated as calculus or as simple as silence.
Let’s start with the definition of composition for images: The visual arrangement of elements within the frame.
Now, here come the “rules”…
New Orleans Gas Lantern ©2018. Example of simplicity.
Taken by Clara Connell @frequentlyunfiltered.com
Rule of Thirds: Break a scene into thirds horizontally and vertically forming 9 equal squares/rectangles. The points of intersection of these squares/rectangles is thought to be where the viewer’s eyes tend to go. That’s where you would place your main subjects when capturing the image.
Rule of Space: Leave space in front of your subject to allow your viewers to be intrigued about your subject’s surroundings/action/focus of attention.
Rule of Odds: Odd numbers of subjects (under 5) are thought to bring balance to your image. Great news for the odd ducks like myself!
Golden Ratio: This is a mathematical term that was applied to photography. (see also: Fibonacci Spiral or Golden Spiral). It’s similar to the rule of thirds in that it divides up your frame into separate parts. However, these are not equal in size, but start large and become progressively smaller toward the center of your image —> thus, a spiral.
Golden Triangle: A diagonal line that goes across your image one corner to the other opposite and two intersecting lines from the other two corners that meet the first line at a 90 degree angle. It’s another way of dividing your image with intersecting lines to create visual interest for the viewer.
Negative Space: Where the large space around your subject is captured in your image leaving your subject as the main focal point for viewers. Think minimalist.
Perspective: Capturing a sense of depth or spatial relationship within your image.
Horizon Line: Divide your image into thirds horizontally with the horizon in your image falling along one of those lines.
Simplicity: The background of the image is minimized to draw the viewer’s attention to the main subject of interest. This can be accomplished different ways: neutral backgrounds, backdrops, low aperture/F-stop, bokeh, lighting…
Fill Frame: As it sounds, your main subject fills the entire frame.
Australia. Great Ocean Road ©2013. Example of horizon line. Taken by Clara Connell @frequentlyunfiltered.com.
These rules can be in your mind when you set up your shot or you can keep them front and center when editing your images. For the best results, I recommend keeping them in mind for both.
There are a lot of opinions on different images (paintings mostly) expounding on the RIGHT way and WRONG way to compose an image. And I think guidance can be helpful, but when rules become ULTIMATE LAW, where does the creativity go? To me, it feels squashed under and hemmed in by all that fussiness.
So, know the rules…and then break them or bend them. Whatever your creative heart is telling you to try, do that.
I would love to hear about what composition has really drawn you or affected you!
Cheers.
Clara