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ComputerFixed.co.uk Page: 1 Email: [email protected]
ComputerFixed Fact sheet. Please credit ComputerFixed if you publish this fact sheet.
THE ART OF COMPOSITION
In our modern world of automatic cameras, which focus for us and adjust the exposure in an ever
more perfect way (most of the time), the biggest difference between a good photograph and a
mediocre one is the composition.
Composition is all about putting together objects in your viewfinder in such a way as to emphasis the
bits you want to, making them stand out in just the right way. These objects include anything in the
foreground, the background, those that "frame" the picture, and most importantly light.
No matter how expensive your camera equipment is, that without a knowledge of composition,
you'll never be able to "capture" the essence of the image you see. Worse still, someone with a
cheaper set up, and who knows about composition, will more than likely be producing better
photographs.
Annoyingly, some people seem to have the knack for creating well composed images, while others
have to shoot and shoot whilst they hone their composition skills. The important thing to remember
is that wherever you start, you will only get better with practice.
Composition defined Composition is the pleasing selection and arrangement of subjects within the picture area. That is,
making sure that all the elements that make up the image are working to make the image strong.
Take image above as an example of good composition. The kitten is on a grey background, which
doesn't distract you from noticing the kitten. The ivy is green in colour, which is a good contrasting
colour and the kitten's white colour makes it stand out in this image. All good composition elements
that make this image work. Ask yourself this question: Would the image work if the kitten was black
in colour?
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ComputerFixed Fact sheet. Please credit ComputerFixed if you publish this fact sheet.
What influences composition? The following are things that can influence the composition of an image.
CENTRE OF INTEREST
VIEW POINT
COLOUR AND SHAPE
LEADING LINES
RULE OF THIRDS
OFF CENTRE POSITIONING
SCREEN DIRECTION
LIGHTING, TEXTURE, PRESPECTIVE
However there are a lot more things that make up composition that are listed above. In this fact
sheet I will be focusing on just a few main items.
Centre of interest Each picture should have only one principal idea, topic, or centre of interest to which the viewer's
eyes are attracted. If your image has more than one centre of interest then the image can become
too busy and the viewer can become lost trying to see what you want them to look at. Try to only
put one centre of interest in each image. If your scene has more than one centre of interest then
take each centre of interest in a separate image.
Rule of thirds The basic principle behind the rule of thirds is to imagine breaking an image down into thirds (both
horizontally and vertically) so that you have 9 parts.
ComputerFixed.co.uk Page: 3 Email: [email protected]
ComputerFixed Fact sheet. Please credit ComputerFixed if you publish this fact sheet.
The “Rule of Thirds” one of the first things that budding digital photographers learn about in classes
on photography and rightly so as it is the basis for well balanced and interesting shots.
The theory is that if you place points of interest in the intersections or along the lines that your
photo becomes more balanced and will enable a viewer of the image to interact with it more
naturally. Studies have shown that when viewing images that people’s eyes usually go to one of the
intersection points most naturally rather than the centre of the shot, using the rule of thirds works
with this natural way of viewing an image rather than working against it.
Generally the weakest area is in the middle of the image. Try not to position the main item here as it
will break your image into two parts and make the image unbalanced.
ComputerFixed.co.uk Page: 4 Email: [email protected]
ComputerFixed Fact sheet. Please credit ComputerFixed if you publish this fact sheet.
Viewpoint The majority of people new to photography adopt the viewpoint where the camera is approximately
5’ 8” from the ground with the camera pretty much square to the subject! That is eye height for the
majority of us.
We should remember there is the low viewpoint, crouch down and look up at the subject.
Or get to a high viewpoint and look down on the subject.
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ComputerFixed Fact sheet. Please credit ComputerFixed if you publish this fact sheet.
Leading lines Lines can be effective elements of composition, because they give structure to your photographs.
Lines can unify composition by directing the viewer's eyes and attention to the main point of the
picture or lead the eyes from one part of the picture to another.
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ComputerFixed Fact sheet. Please credit ComputerFixed if you publish this fact sheet.
Using reflections Reflections can be used to add interest. They can be used to fill space. You can use the reflection as
the main element of the image as opposed to the real subject. You can get two images for the price
of one.
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ComputerFixed Fact sheet. Please credit ComputerFixed if you publish this fact sheet.
ComputerFixed.co.uk Page: 8 Email: [email protected]
ComputerFixed Fact sheet. Please credit ComputerFixed if you publish this fact sheet.
Framing an image
No, this is not what we mean by framing, although the principle is the same.
What we mean is to frame the centre of interest with objects in the foreground. This can give a
picture the feeling of depth it needs to make it more than just another snapshot.
ComputerFixed.co.uk Page: 9 Email: [email protected]
ComputerFixed Fact sheet. Please credit ComputerFixed if you publish this fact sheet.
Chasing the light As photographers we use light to paint an image. By controlling lighting, i.e. contrast, light levels,
colour of light and the quality of light, we can appeal to our emotions and our perception of life.
Early morning and late evening daylight is predominantly RED. Midday the colour of the light is
BLUE. The best time to photograph landscapes is early in the morning or late in the evening.
How a scene can look so different at different times of the day.
Vertical lines Vertical Lines are strong , dynamic lines, combined with horizontal lines create powerful results.
Trees, people, buildings are examples, to emphasise their height and power try using a portrait
format. By allowing the lines to burst out of the frame top or bottom, you can achieve real impact.
ComputerFixed.co.uk Page: 10 Email: [email protected]
ComputerFixed Fact sheet. Please credit ComputerFixed if you publish this fact sheet.
Diagonal lines Diagonal lines are the most visually exciting lines they can lead the eye into the frame. Try not to
split the image by running a line from one corner to another. Its more interesting to have a line start
just to one side of a corner and continue through to the opposite corner, you will achieved a balance
image that way.
If you are interested in one to one photographic tuition then contact ComputerFixed. Photographic
tuition make great gift ideas for any amateur photographer.