Composition
One thing that makes a photo attractive to a viewer is finding new or unexpected elements as the eyes wander over the image. Paying attention to composition is a way to make your photo attractive.
Photos communicate a message. Ask yourself, what do I want to communicate? Paying attention to composition assures that your message will be clear.
One thing that makes a photo attractive to a viewer is finding new or unexpected elements as the eyes wander over the image. Paying attention to composition is a way to make your photo attractive.
Photos communicate a message. Ask yourself, what do I want to communicate? Paying attention to composition assures that your message will be clear.
Composition is the arrangement of the photo’s elements and includes many aspects.
1) As you look through your view finder (or LCD screen), what elements of the photo are essential to communicate your message? Are there some elements that confuse the message? Could they be removed if you moved a few feet, bent down, etc.?
2) Are you close enough to your subject or using a telephoto lens so that your subject is prominent? Zooming in without eliminating essential elements strengthens your photo.
3) Is your message better communicated by turning your camera 90 degrees (vertical photo)? Since most photos are taken with a horizontal frame, presenting a vertical composition may make your photo unique and interesting.
4) Are there lines you can include in your photo to draw the viewers’ eyes to your subject? While horizontal and vertical lines are seen as “static,” diagonal or curved lines are viewed as “dynamic,” leading the viewer along and suggesting depth or distance. Would moving your location include a curved path or a fence line to your scene? Is there a repetitive pattern of lines you can include that would give strength to your message? Triangles and squares can also move eyes while circles go nowhere. Our eyes naturally seek to find pattern in what we see and your composition can help that be an important part of your photo.
5) Can you place your subject off-center? Viewers find a scene more pleasing if the subject is not at the center of the composition. Impose on your scene the lines of a tic tac toe game and try to put the subject of your scene at one of the four line intersections. (This is called the “rule of thirds” by those who know.) The combination of an off-center subject with lines leading to it makes a powerful composition.
6) Is the photo balanced? With an off-center subject, is there something in the rest of the photo that creates a sense of balance? This “something” should not compete with the importance of the subject. Its purpose is to present a pleasing scene to the eye.
The aspects of good composition are a lot to remember. You may want to make a written checklist to use until looking for these elements becomes habit. With digital cameras, you can experiment. Take a variety of photos varying the angle or viewpoint. Try the same scene different times of the day (shadows cause lines).
Below is a photo of Mt. Rainier at sunrise from Freund’s Hill (Barrington Dr.). How would you judge the composition? What would you have done differently?
Submitted By Joan Nienhuis
