Photography for the Non-Photographer Composition

Posted by: Dano

Problem:

You just got your brand spanking new camera and you're a chomping at the bit to go out and take some fabulous pictures. Well before you start clicking the shutter I'll give you some starter points on how to make your pictures frame worthy.

Answer:

Composition (Who? What and the Where Now?)

Unless you're in an arts related field of work or study, or if you are just plain artsy chances are you have never really composed anything. In short, when I say composing a photograph I mean taking into account the subjects you are photographing and where those subjects would be best placed within the viewfinder in order to produce the best possible quality image. Quality photography is much more complicated than it appears. It is close to painting or illustrating in that there many many techniques involved in creating a great picture. Composition is the fundamental starting point in getting your feet wet in photography.

Check Your Surroundings (Step 1)

The first step in a proper composition is to be aware of your surroundings. It is much like driving, keep your eyes moving and pick out anything that might be a problem. Ask yourself if that tree branch is too much of a distraction or if the sunlight is too strong.

Angle (Step 2)

After taking in your surroundings you can now pick your angle. An interesting angle can make a rather drab photograph fascinating. Most people shoot their subject(s) from a straight ahead, while this works for some photographs it doesn't work for all. Do not be afraid to mix it up a little.

Rule of Thirds (Step 3)

The Rule of Thirds. Yes, it sounds like the title to your high school algebra textbook but if there is any step you should take from this article it is should be this one. The Rule of Thirds is simple but very effective. What the Rule of Thirds is is this:

Right now divide what you are seeing into a grid of nine squares three vertical sections and three horizontal sections.

Example: Rule of thirds grid.

Those nine sections are sections in which you can place your subject(s). Most first-time photographers choose the centre section, although it is not necessarily wrong it is not your only choice. If you choose, for example the far right sections to place your subject then you already differentiate yourself and make both the photograph and the subject stand out.

Example: Centred image in comparison to off centre image.

Keeping this in mind, you have to apply this rule on a picture by picture basis. Placing subjects off centre will not always work and nor should it. Keep your mind open and consider all of your possibilities before you click the shutter.

Lines (Step 4)

Lines are as important in photography as they are in paintings and illustrations. By lines I mean just what it sounds like I mean, diagonal, straight and curvy lines. They are crucial in providing an interesting image.

Example: This picture is an obvious example of using lines to enhance and create an interesting photo.

The human eye naturally follows lines both in life and in pictures. You can use this to your advantage in providing emphasis on a subject or using lines to create depth to a photograph.

Example: This is an example in which lines can provide depth to a picture.

Balance (Step 5):

This is a deceivingly complicated method used in composition. Balance sounds simple but can be difficult to achieve at times. Basically balance is creating an even image not an uneven and lopsided one. You want the colours, subject's areas of light and dark to compliment each other. A common mistake first-time photographers make is not filling the frame and shooting too losely creating a lot of empty space. Shoot so that you fill the frame.

Example: The first image is well balanced with the clouds balancing with the crane.

This is by no means a comprehensive list. You could write books on the subject, in fact there are plenty. What I have covered are the basics and if followed, they will improve your photographic skills. Remember these are not firm rules and they can be bent; in fact I encourage it. No one creates something different or imaginative by following the rules too closely. The best way to get good at photography is the same as anything else, practice, practice and practice. If you get frustrated at first do not worry about it, every photographer has been there. Take lots of pictures, personally I am lucky to get a decent image out of a roll of film.