11 basic composition methods in Hayao Miyazaki’s animations

Every frame of Hayao Miyazaki's animated movies is recognized as a screenshot that can be used as wallpaper. It is breathtakingly beautiful, fully demonstrating the animation master's outstanding ability in composition.

In this article, taking Miyazaki Hayao’s animation screenshots as an example, we will learn 11 basic composition methods (the following composition methods are also applicable to photography, painting, and graphic design).

1. Golden section composition

This method is the most basic and important method of composition. It is also called the "well" composition method or the nine-square grid composition method. Generally, mobile phone photography comes with this grid line function.

The locations of the four circles in the picture are the golden section points. Placing the main object at any one of the four points can make the picture appear perfect and harmonious.

Even if the main object is near the golden section, it does not affect the appearance.

Also:

2. Center point composition

A commonly used composition method, placing the main object in the center of the picture.

For example:

3. Checkerboard composition

The background should not be complicated. Suitable for multiple subjects, and the subjects are similar. For example, in real life, handicrafts in handicraft stores, things in display cabinets in museums and art galleries, etc.

The checkerboard composition in Hayao Miyazaki's animation is as follows:

4. Rule of thirds composition

Divide the picture into three equal parts, either horizontally or vertically .

Horizontal:

Vertical, similar to the golden section. As in the picture below, the shadows of characters and buildings divide the picture into three equal parts. At the same time, the location where Qianxun is standing is also the golden section.

5. Symmetrical composition

It can be divided into up and down symmetry and left and right symmetry.

For this point, we can also refer to ancient Chinese architectural structures.

6. Converging line composition

Also called leading line composition. It is guided by two or more converging lines and extends to a certain point. This composition can increase the sense of space and depth in the picture.

Suitable for bridges, stations, roads, looking up to take pictures of trees, etc.

7. Curve composition (c, s, x lines, etc.)

Suitable for highway lines, coastlines, river lines, etc.

8. Vertical line composition

Vertical lines are used in conjunction with other composition methods. The following picture uses two composition methods: vertical lines and diagonal lines:

In the same way, other composition methods can also be used in conjunction with each other.

9. Diagonal composition

The position of the subject on the diagonal. Diagonals can be divided into virtual and real. Sometimes combined with the golden section or other composition methods, the effect is even more brilliant.

This method is also very commonly used in Hayao Miyazaki’s animations.

In addition, there is an x-line composition similar to this.

10. Triangular composition

With three visual centers as the main positions of the scenery, sometimes the scenery is arranged with a three-point geometric composition to form a stable triangle. This triangle can be an equilateral triangle, an oblique triangle, or an inverted triangle.

It can also be like this:

In addition, there are other polygonal composition methods such as quadrilaterals. Such as:

11. Frame composition

Place something similar to a frame in the foreground so that the subject is surrounded by this frame.

There are many things that can be used as frames, such as window frames, bridges, a hole, a dead branch, etc. There is a feeling of painting within a painting.

According to American photographer Willy Quick, almost everyone can achieve a certain level of composition ability by applying some basic methods.

However, mastering these basic composition methods is only a small step towards composition. After mastering the basic rules of composition, try to break out of the rules, and finally form your own style through continuous practice, and the effect will be more brilliant.

For example, some screenshots in Hayao Miyazaki's animations do not conform to the above basic composition rules, but from the perspective of visual effects, they are also a feast of beauty. I think it is precisely because this master is constantly In practice, he developed his own unique style.