How to learn photography composition easily

Successful photography depends on the photographer's understanding of the compositional details and characteristics of the work. Composition is the main way to beautify photos. No photography technique can be used all at once. When you can't find the right composition - you need to keep trying. In this article, I’ll introduce you to photography composition techniques that can help you take more professional photos.

Rule of Thirds

The popular compositional rule "the rule of thirds" involves dividing the picture into six equally spaced lines, three of which are horizontal and three of which are vertical. It is this law that tells us that we should not try to place the object we are photographing exactly in the center - this will confuse the viewer, who will not know which half of the photo is dominant. The point formed where the lines intersect is the node of attention. Objects and people should be placed on it and attention should be focused on them.

Symmetry and Asymmetry in Pictures

Sometimes it might be a special idea to center a composition consisting of small ordered lines - then the "centered" composition we discussed above would be reasonable. These photos often include images of bridges and stairs. Then it is better to deviate from the rule of thirds and place the focus of the subject on the central part - you will emphasize the elongated geometric shapes, set a certain rhythm and create a perfectly proven shot.

Asymmetry is a very popular and "effective" technique in photography. It can be found in various types of works: cities, natural landscapes, portraits, still lifes. The essence of this method is to correctly place the object in the attention node, but at the same time ignore other details of the frame.

Bokeh

In order to make it easier for the viewer to understand the meaning conveyed by the photo or to highlight the subject, you can use the alternation of focus and defocus in the image. The main subject should be clearly visible in the picture, while everything else should be blurred. This could be a portrait, a snapshot of racing along a road, a horse on the run, etc.

Framed Photos

Photo frames can not only be in the form of a wooden frame for the photo, but can also be inside the photo itself. There is depth and expressiveness to this artistic approach. Beautiful buildings, ancient pillars, even doors and windows, and natural arches: branches, vines, etc. can all become "picture frames."

Choose a favorable angle that will generously cover the frame and give it the desired symmetry. For landscape photography, picture frames greatly lighten the composition and give it an artistic feel.

Create leading lines

How do you help viewers understand the meaning of your photo? Use lines to clearly indicate the direction of movement. Anything with an elongated geometric shape is suitable for this business: roads, walls of buildings, stairs and bridges.

If you see a lot of horizontal lines in front of you, and they all make for an interesting composition, use them as the basis of the photo, and then place a horizontal line in the top third position to guide the eye.

Use triangles and diagonals

Geometric shapes in the construction of a picture can set its dynamic effect, giving it a deeper level and allowing you to embody creative artistic ideas. The principle is simple: the photographer uses rays to capture the object located in the frame - the composition is divided into triangles, covering the entire photo structure. Ideal for combining large and small objects: left, right, top and bottom. The main thing is to avoid grouping in the center and give the image a non-standard symmetry.

Even and odd numbers in photography

One of the rules of photography says: there must be an odd number of objects in the frame. This is due to the fact that it is easier for the viewer to perceive a picture with a given compositional emphasis. If you see three people in front of you, your attention will automatically focus on the central figure. Following this logic, two objects or people in a frame can confuse the viewer. However, it is possible to deviate from the rules if you take a photo with a true story, in which the two interlocutors are located in the center of the frame. Try to vividly show people's gestures, their emotions and facial expressions, elements of expression - then it will be interesting to look at the picture for a long time.

Macro photography

The basis of macro photography is close-up. For example, a building with beautiful architecture - anything noteworthy and capable of capturing detail can be the centerpiece of a framed composition. A bit of sky above and along the edge, a lower horizontal line will suffice. In portrait photography, it is important to emphasize the eyes.

Add movement to the picture

Beautiful objects against the sky, a lone tree in an empty space, a lighthouse surrounded by water, people in the landscape - this minimalist composition The approach and lots of free space make the picture "lighter", making it easier for the viewer to perceive the information and interpret it. By creating an image with free space and air, you can give the picture a sense of movement.

Try angles

In most cases when photographing people, standing will create an angle at the eye angle of the portrait. But it is worth remembering that changing the symmetry of lines and playing with angles can make a photo original and unusual - in this case it is often possible to convey the idea behind the project.

So, for example, photographing a dog jumping from a low point visually increases the distance between the ground and its paws, creating semantic expression. For landscapes with many interesting subjects, don't be afraid to shoot from above.

In order to find what works best for you, it's important to change the position of your camera.

Color Matching

Color also plays a role in composition. With the help of colors and their appropriate combination, the atmosphere and all the emotions of the picture will be reflected. Photographers must learn color science, but first have access to special color tables that designers, artists, and other creators can use in their work. The ability to combine shadows and create a complete picture is an important skill that will take your photography skills to the next level.

Motion composition and direction selection

A person perceives any movement from left to right - that's the way we do it. When shooting, keep this detail in mind and use it in your work. For example, a car is rushing on the road, a bicycle is driving on a forest path, a person is running and his dog is trying to catch up - it is important not to forget to leave a blank space in front, this will help more Get a good idea of ??the dynamics of the composition and where the subject of the picture is headed. A well-chosen fixed direction of movement can do wonders for photographic dynamics.

Balance

If you have beautiful lampposts in front of the street, arrange them according to the rule of thirds and include secondary elements in the picture - they should be at a distance: for example, On the other side of the road. This technique will balance the image, structurally balancing the image. At the same time, the lamppost will continue to dominate, but organic matter will appear in the composition, which will become artistically interesting. Avoid a single outline that separates your photo.

Picture Contrast

This is one of the most expressive techniques, giving a picture a unique atmosphere and reflecting two aspects of reality. New and old, black and white, funny and sad, children and old, dynamic and static - contrasts always win and have their own philosophical ideas.

Use the above composition techniques in your photography practice and you are sure to find your own ideas that will add flavor and originality to your work. Don't be afraid to see the world from different angles, experiment with perspective and proportion, focus and defocus - this is the only way to make your creativity stand out.