How many ways are there to compose photography?

Rule of thirds, symmetrical composition, foreground and depth, frame composition, leading lines, diagonals and triangles.

1. Rule of thirds

The rule of thirds should be the most common and basic composition method. This composition method uses 4 straight lines to divide the picture into 9 equal squares. This kind of composition has clear expression and concise picture.

Currently, most digital cameras and even mobile phones have built-in nine-square grid auxiliary composition lines. It is suitable for various shooting themes, and the most commonly used ones are landscapes, people, etc.

2. Symmetrical composition

Symmetrical composition has the characteristics of balance, stability and echo, but its disadvantage is that it is too rigid and lacks change. Often used to express symmetrical objects, buildings, and objects of special style.

3. Foreground and depth sense

The photo itself is a plane, but if you add a foreground to the picture and shoot at a wide angle, a sense of depth will appear, thus achieving 3D effect.

4. Frame composition

Choose a framed foreground, which can lead the audience’s sight to the scenery within the frame, highlight the subject, and also create a sense of depth. A frame that surrounds the subject image creates an air of mystery, as if a person were peeking somewhere from hiding. Frame composition helps integrate the subject image with the scenery, giving the photo greater visual impact.

5. Leading lines

The leading line composition method is to use the lines in the picture to guide the viewer's eyes, so that his eyes can eventually converge to the focus of the picture. Of course, the leading line is not necessarily a specific line. As long as it is directional and continuous, we can call it a leading line.

In real life, roads, rivers, neatly arranged trees, colors, shadows and even people's gaze can be used as guiding lines.

6. Diagonals and triangles

Diagonal and triangular compositions can add dynamic tension to photos and make them look more lively. Relatively speaking, horizontal and vertical lines appear very stable. If a person stands on a horizontal surface, he looks very stable, but when placed on an inclined surface, it will create a sense of tension. This kind of composition is more commonly used in architectural and sports photography.

Baidu Encyclopedia - Composition

Baidu Encyclopedia - Photographic composition methods