Significance of photographic structure

The problems involved in the perfection of photography technology include the clarity that people can accept, the suitable atmosphere that can be created or the accurate exposure of vivid colors. On the other hand, technical perfection is not enough. Images usually convey specific information through some form of picture planning, which is the meaning of composition.

What is a composition?

The word composition comes from Latin, which means composition, structure and connection. Drawing lessons from photography art, in a broad sense, refers to the complete creative process from material selection, conception to modeling, that is, the thinking process and organizational process. In a narrow sense, it refers to the layout and composition of a photo, that is, according to the requirements of theme and content, the objects to be expressed are consciously arranged inside the film to achieve the purpose of expressing the photographer's intention. Specifically, it includes the overall visual experience of a photo, the treatment of subject and companion, the relationship between environment and subject, the spatial relationship, the control of image reality, the light, color tone, the configuration of color tone, the rendering of atmosphere and so on.

The purpose is to enhance the expressive force of the picture, better express the content of the picture, and make the theme clear and the form novel and unique. Prominent theme, clear intention and aesthetic feeling in form are the basic requirements of photographic composition. For example, in the two pictures shown on this page, different shapes, points, lines and surfaces all have subtle functions in the picture, and the ingenious combination of these elements is composition.

Aperture: F5.6 Exposure time: 1/200 s ISO: 400 Focus: 35mm. Charming images can only be formed by interesting layout of lines, shapes and colors. The lines at the top of the church in the picture are enough to attract the viewer's attention.

Aperture: F8 Exposure time: 1/2000s ISO: 400 focal length: 50mm. This work shows the effective combination of points, lines and surfaces: doors as surfaces, flower beds and figures as points, and the texture of chairs and walls as lines, which together form a harmonious picture.

Image charm caused by composition

Whether taking photography as a serious hobby or a professional photographer working in the field of photography, they all hope to create works that make viewers feel happy. In this case, technical perfection is obviously not enough. Such photos must be beautiful, unique and exciting. In other words, they must have strong visual appeal in order to inspire the audience, make them remember the image and arouse their desire to watch it again and again.

Composition is a main way to achieve this basic goal, that is, to convey information to the viewer in the simplest, clearest and most effective way, such as the following two pictures. The picture effects obtained by different framing are completely different, which is the importance of composition. However, everything we have discussed about composition can't be used as a manual for taking perfect photos. These suggestions should be regarded as' principles' that can help you create masterpieces. Once you master them, you can create your own style of video works.

(Left) Aperture: F4 Exposure Time: 1/200sISO:800 Focus: 24 mm (right) Aperture: F5.6 Exposure Time: 1/2000sISO:400 mm Focus: 50 mm Compare the two pictures. The left picture looks messy and boring because it contains too much information, and the right picture stands out.

Elements to be considered in composition

First of all, let's understand one of the most basic laws in composition-balance. A balanced picture can produce a kind of formal beauty, but balance is not equal to symmetry, and symmetry is only the most stable and simple balance. Symmetry can achieve perfect, solemn, harmonious and static effects, but the balance mentioned here is not only absolute symmetry in form, but also a dynamic balance effect.

Secondly, we should understand that the composition is only related to the selection, arrangement and arrangement of various lines, shapes and light and dark areas in the viewfinder, and has nothing to do with the specific shooting object. In color photography, in addition to the above problems, we should also add the choice of colors and the positions of different colors in the picture. After understanding these theories, we should try to train ourselves not to think too much about the subjects, or to limit photography to those interesting subjects, but to look at the scenery we want to shoot as a designer.

Aperture: F8 Exposure time:11000s ISO: 200 Focus: 16mm. Although the buildings on the left and right sides of the picture are not absolutely symmetrical, they form a balance in tension.

Finding a subject and making it a visually attractive part of the picture is a successful composition. Many photographers have photographed colorful telephone booths, traffic signs and even window displays, because they can be integrated with the background or surrounding environment to form vivid and interesting pictures. Therefore, the final picture you get is not so much the image of a subject as the combination of various patterns and colors, lines and forms.

Aperture: F5.6 Exposure time: 1/200 s ISO: 400 Focus: 35mm. The lighting signs in the window are interestingly blended with the scenery reflected by the glass display screen.

In addition to the above elements regarded as the main points of composition, there are other elements that are not directly related to composition, but can also determine the final image effect, so they are equally important. As far as a picture is concerned, the arrangement of the subject and the handling of lines, shapes and colors may be impeccable, but the effect of the picture may be greatly reduced because it contains some messy background or vague foreground details.

Composition includes the evaluation of the image from the camera observation window to the final presentation of the image on the screen, photo frame, book or magazine. Everything should be considered in the process of photography. Composition is not only the arrangement of the subject, but also all other factors that can affect the final effect and appeal, such as the size relationship between the subject and the background, the range of depth of field, adding factors that attract attention or deleting factors that interfere, and so on. These are all things to consider when composing music.

Aperture: F8 Exposure time: 1/2000s ISO: 400 focal length: 50mm. Even very ordinary objects can often reflect the sense of form of lines and shapes.

Aperture: F8 Exposure time: 1/2000s ISO: 400 Focus: 18mm. No matter how beautiful the scene is, if there are too many irrelevant elements, it will be a mess.

Extension: Common photographic composition

1, composed of horizontal lines

Because of the existence of horizon, horizontal composition can be said to be the most commonly used composition method in landscape photography. The rhythmic horizontal sorting method gives the photos a steady, steady and atmospheric temperament. Of course, there are such horizontal lines in nature, and the appropriate horizontal lines can be captured by using the photographic eyes. (The original picture was taken by a mobile phone)

2, vertical line composition

Vertical composition gives people a sense of order, stability and practicality. Suitable for towering scenery. Such as buildings, trees, cliffs, waterfalls, etc. (Original shooting parameters: F/ 16, 1/200 seconds, ISO200, focal length 35mm)

3. Diagonal composition

Directional composition, artificial arrangement is more obvious. You can easily guide the viewer's line of sight to the two corners of the photo and return again. Increase the time the audience stays in the photo. At the same time, diagonal composition gives photos a sense of movement, liveliness and spatial extension. Often used to shoot portraits, water, roads, buildings, etc. (Original shooting parameters: f/4, 1/40s, ISO500, focal length 35mm)

4.s-shaped composition (curve composition)

There are various shapes of objects in nature. For example, the scenery on the screen is in the form of S-shaped curve composition, which has the characteristics of extension and change, making people look rhythmic and producing a beautiful, elegant and harmonious feeling. It is often used to photograph landscapes, roads, rivers and paths. (Original shooting parameter: F/5. 6 1/80 seconds, ISO200, focal length 80mm)

5. Type C component

C-shaped composition has the characteristics of curve beauty, can produce variable visual focus, and the picture is concise and clear. However, when arranging the subject and object, it must be arranged at the C-shaped gap, so that human vision can move to the subject and object with the arc. C-shaped composition can be adjusted in any direction. Generally speaking, it is mostly used for industrial and architectural themes. (Original shooting parameters: F/ 16, 1/200 seconds, ISO200, focal length 20mm)

6. Framework composition

Using the border of the scene as the foreground can increase the vertical contrast and decorative effect of the picture and make the photo have a sense of depth. (Original shooting parameters: F/ 13, 1/250 seconds, ISO 125, focal length 22mm)

7. Tick-tac-toe composition (Jiugongge composition)

Tick-tac-toe composition is also called Jiugongge composition. Put the subject or the scenery that needs to be highlighted at the four intersections of the word "well". According to people's viewing habits, the top left corner is the best, followed by the top right corner, the third bottom left corner and the last top right corner. Usually, digital SLR cameras have a nine-grid reference line setting, which can set the display, making it easier to point accurately when shooting. (Original shooting parameter: F/ 1. 8,1125 seconds, ISO320, focal length 50 mm)

8, vanishing line composition (vanishing point composition method or convergent line composition method)

Seeing from a distance and seeing from a small distance, especially in a wide-angle lens, is exaggerated and obvious. Visible or invisible lines disappear at one point. If the subject is arranged in the center of the vanishing line, it can not only highlight the subject, but also firmly grasp the sight of tourists and increase the time for the sight to stay in the photo. (Original shooting parameters: F/ 16, 1/200 seconds, ISO200, focal length 26mm)

9, symmetrical composition method

Usually used in landscapes, buildings, reflections and other scenes to form a symmetrical artistic picture. (Original shooting parameters: F/ 14, 1/200 seconds, ISO200, focal length 3 1mm)

10, closed composition

Closed composition comes from painting, and a successful painting should be complete and balanced, and the content expressed is limited to the picture. (Original shooting parameter: F/ 1. 8,1125 seconds, ISO320, focal length 50 mm)

1 1, open the composition.

Open composition does not pay attention to the rigor and balance of the picture, and the image of the picture is incomplete, so as to emphasize the existence of the space outside the picture and the organic connection with it, and enhance the visual impact. The impression is not intentionally piled up, which increases the realism of the photo. (Original shooting parameter: F/ 1. 8,1125 seconds, ISO320, focal length 50 mm)