- Composition Basics -
When it comes to photography, it's easy to tell the difference between a good and bad photo. Here are some basic rules that can further enhance your photo-taking skills:
Rules of Thirds
As one of the many rules of photography, this is the most basic. Essentially, it is when you divide your photo into thirds with four imaginary lines: two vertical lines and two horizontal lines, which ultimately creates nine sections. The interesting parts of your image should be around the lines or where the lines intersect.
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Depth of Field
Next in line is Depth of Field, the zone or area of a photo that is in front of and behind the object in focus that appears crisp and sharp. There are two types of DoF: Shallow and Deep. The difference between the two are four different factors, however aperture is the most easiest to explain and manipulate. When the aperture is big, it is a shallow DoF. When it is small, it's considered a deep DoF.
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Leading Lines
This clever technique utilizes lines or paths to capture the viewer's attention and gradually lead them to the main interest of the photo. The highlight point of the image can be an object or person, or a vanishing point.
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Patterns and Texture
Have an eye for noticing certain patterns? Then this is the element for you! This composition helps create depth and is a great way to get one's attention. Patterns are found almost everywhere, man-made or natural. You can use patterns in your image as the main subject or draw you towards the actual highlight of the photo by breaking the pattern. Textures help give the image a more lively feel by introducing different lighting into the photo.
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Symmetry
Using this rule can create a eye-pleasing photo for the viewer. Symmetry refers to when an image is balanced and one half of the image is identical to another. The split can be top or bottom, left or right, or even diagonally. Once again, symmetry can be man-made or natural, like a symmetrical building or a reflection from the water. However, to make this element worth looking at, it should include an intriguing point of interest.
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Framing/Frame within a Frame
This technique is just as the name implies, using an object to cover parts of your photo to highlight the subject. Using this can create depth and make your image look more real and dimensional.
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Perspective
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Space
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This element gives a new point of view on photography as it changes the normal eye-level view into a new perspective. Perspective can going as low as the ground level or super high and seeing objects through a bird's perspective. You can also change how big or small an image looks by changing the point of view.
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Space, also known as The Rule of Space, is when you use negative space around your subject to make it seem like your photo is in motion. This technique is best implemented when the most amount of space is towards the direction the subject is facing.
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Balance
In this composition, the photo is perfectly balanced, meaning the objects or subjects in the image have an equal visual weight. There are two types of balance: Formal and Informal. Formal balance is when the image is symmetrically balanced, or in other words, there is an equal amount of space on all sides of the photo. An informal balance in an image occurs different objects create an even distribution on each side. To make things more simpler, think of it as symmetry and asymmetry. Although tricky to manage, a well-taken informal balanced photo can outplay a formal balanced photo.
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Colour
Why not add some life to your photos? Colours do just the thing, as they bring more energy and attention to your image. Also depending on the colour, it can change the mood or feeling of the photo. Having different combinations, such as putting complimentary colours together, adds to the effect.
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Rule of Odds
To those who love balance, this is another technique for you! The Rule of Odds is when your object is framed between two other objects, making an odd number of objects in your photo. Although it refers to odd numbers, having three is more safer to use as most people find it more appealing rather than a higher number.
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Fill the Frame/Cropping
Just as the title suggests, all you do is fill up the frame! All you have to do is bring your subject up close so that it fills a huge part of your photo.
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Viewpoint/Point of View
Similar to perspective, using a change in viewpoint to take your photos.
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Leaving Space
Rather than confining the subject with a frame of objects, Space allows the image to be free and still nice to look at. If correctly used, space can make the main focus of the image something to look at while looking clean and uncluttered.
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My Beautiful Sources:
- http://learnprophotography.com/rule-of-thirds/
- https://www.photographymad.com/pages/view/10-top-photography-composition-rules
- https://www.techradar.com/how-to/photography-video-capture/cameras/what-is-depth-of-field-how-aperture-focal-length-and-focus-control-sharpness-1320959
- https://www.slrlounge.com/aperture-guide-pt2-shallow-and-deep-depth-of-field/
- https://expertphotography.com/how-to-use-leading-lines-to-improve-your-composition/
- https://digital-photography-school.com/how-to-use-leading-lines-for-better-compositions/
- https://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/photography-pattern-form-texture/
- https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/tips-and-solutions/understanding-balance-and-symmetry-photographic-composition
- https://digital-photography-school.com/framing-your-shots-photography-composition-technique/
- https://digital-photography-school.com/perspective-photography-dont-just-stand-move-feet/
- https://www.slrlounge.com/understanding-balance-in-photography/
- http://compositionstudy.com/rule-of-odds/
- https://digital-photography-school.com/5-more-elements-of-composition-in-photography/
- https://www.picturecorrect.com/tips/rule-of-space-in-photography/