PHOTOGRAPHY COMPOSITION : ARE YOU COMPOSING YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS WELL?

A good photograph reaches not just the eyes but the soul of a viewer. It creates a sense of reality. When a viewer sees such a photograph, he/she is carried away to the place and scene of the photograph.

This is where photography composition comes into play! Composition literally means "to arrange in an organized and attractive manner".

For a field as creative as photography, we can't have " thumb rules of composition". All we have are guidelines which have helped photographers create their "perfect" photographs.

So, before we start with our journey of compositions, please keep in mind that names can be faulty and so some of these guidelines are called "rules". But, creativity is ruleless.

Now, let's begin.

• Rule of thirds : One of the simplest and most effective guidelines is rule of thirds. This guideline suggests to divide the frame into 9 equal sized rectangles by making 2 vertical and 2 horizontal lines in the frame. It is suggested to place important objects along these lines. This adds balance, interest as well as an off center attractiveness to the picture.

• Rule of odds : Well, this is a guideline that is situational in nature! This guideline suggests that images with an odd number of subjects are visually appealing and the viewer can effectively focus on one of the subjects. This can act wonderfully for one image but may have to be defied for another.

• Balancing Between Filling The Frame And Leaving Negative Space : These are two opposing but counter balancing guidelines. Filling the frame involves taking a photograph from so close to the object that even some of the details get cropped.This helps to focus completely on the subject and its details. Leaving empty/negative space allows the viewer to breathe. Viewer doesn't feel overwhelmed because they have space and it helps to focus on the main object too. It adds simplicity and minimalism to the photograph.

• Frames Of Nature : A photographer can try and search for natural and man-made frames to be included in their photograph frame. These frames can include windows, arches,holes and overhanging branches. This technique isolates the main subject from the outside world and gives a more focused image.A great opportunity to use your surroundings creatively! What do you think?

• Use Of Background And Foreground : Use of foreground, middle ground and background adds a sense of depth in the photograph. A plain and non-obstructive background helps to focus on the subject. To give a 3-D feel to a 2-D photograph, wider lenses create a genuine sense of foreground.

• Use of leading lines : Well... As we mentioned above, names are faulty. So, although called lines, in reality, these leading lines can be anything ranging from straights, curves, radials to paths, walls or patterns.
  Leading lines are lines or patterns that direct and lead the viewer in an image. They guide the viewer through the image and thus help him/her to focus on important elements.

• Use of Diagonals with Triangles and Patterns with Texture : Using diagonals and triangles in a photograph, as depicted in the picture below, gives a sense of dynamic tension and instability in the picture. This attracts the viewer. Whereas, patterns and textures suggest harmony in an attractive manner.

• Centred Composition And Symmetry : Centered placement of focal objects in symmetrical scenes is a great technique to produce interesting and attractive pictures. This guideline also gives beautiful results in reflection scenes.

These were some photography composition tips which will help amateurs as well as established photographers to improve their photography skills and make their images even more engaging.

Do, let us know how you find these guidelines.