8 major composition methods will make you a photography master

Introduction: In shooting, in addition to some basic principles of composition that we need to follow, there are also some composition techniques that can optimize the picture. Use one of them appropriately for the suitable subject and accompanying scenery. , which can give our pictures an icing on the cake effect. Note that these practical composition techniques are not necessary. They should be used appropriately and avoid unnecessary errors.

? A balanced central composition

A central composition is to place the subject in the center of the picture. The biggest advantage of this composition method is that the subject is prominent and clear, and the left and right balance of the picture is easy to achieve. This is especially effective for rigorous, solemn and decorative photography, such as a plank road leading to the sea at sunset.

The composition of central balance emphasizes the balance and symmetry of the internal forces of the picture. Above the snowy field, behind a few solitary trees, is the rising sun. The magical halo brings the divine light of nature. Together, they form a single main body of the picture. The author uses the central composition method to highlight this theme to the greatest extent, and uses a strong visual impact to push the power of nature to the audience. When there is only a single subject in the picture and no other supporting scenery, the center position of the picture is undoubtedly the best choice.

Common photography of ancient buildings also usually uses this kind of composition to express its majestic momentum. Moreover, such buildings are usually symmetrical structures, which is conducive to the expression of this architectural feature. Generally speaking, this type of work requires horizontal and vertical lines, that is, the horizontal lines of the scene (such as the horizon) must be horizontal and the vertical lines (such as the vertical exterior walls of the building) must be vertical, so that the work will have a harmonious aesthetic.

Some photography tutorials will specifically mention the dogma "Don't put the subject in the center of the picture." This is just a friendly reminder to tell beginners to try other composition structures. After taking a photo using the center composition method , you can try to shoot the subject in other positions, compare the effects of the works, and see their respective pros and cons. There is no right or wrong composition method, it is just the adaptability of different themes and your own preferences.

?The rule of thirds that changes harmoniously

Lines and 4 intersection points are the ideal locations for arranging scenery. It is widely used in landscape, portrait and architecture, and sketch photography. But in use, we must also use it flexibly.

Utilization of the four lines in the rule of thirds

When photographing landscapes, you must be good at using the two horizontal dividing lines in the rule of thirds, which are usually the ideal location for placing the horizon. If we want to highlight the details of the scenery on the ground, such as rocks, flowers and grass, etc., we can use the horizontal dividing line at the top of the picture to place the horizon; and if we want to highlight the scenery in the sky, such as white clouds or prominent mountain peaks, we can use the horizontal dividing line at the bottom of the picture. Horizontal dividing lines arrange the horizon.

4 key points in the rule of thirds

The square composition is very classic and difficult to grasp. Its four sides have equal strength and it is difficult to form rhythm changes. But the author used the rule of thirds, not only arranging the sea level in the upper 1/3, but also placing a shining pavilion at the intersection on the upper left; echoing it is the lower right, near the intersection of the rule of thirds. , the arrangement of dark rocks, active composition, contrast between light and dark, and excellent color expression undoubtedly allow the work to retain the audience's attention for a long time.

The four intersection points of the rule of thirds are also the “finishing point” and can be used to place smaller-scale scenery, such as a peach tree full of flowers in the spring scenery of the mountains, or It is the heart of the flower and the bee in the flower sketch.

? Diagonal composition that highlights strength

Diagonal composition is a classic and commonly used composition method. It provides a sense of liveliness and movement to the picture by clearly linking the linear relationships between the opposite corners of the picture. At the same time, the diagonal composition will bring a strong visual impact to the picture, so this composition method is very commonly used in landscape and architectural photography. For example, take pictures of mountains, rivers, and the Great Wall.

Diagonal composition is not commonly used in portrait photography. The reason is that its tilt makes the character feel like he is about to fall. However, the author boldly used diagonal lines to shoot moving figures, and he wanted to take advantage of this instability to highlight the sense of movement. Although the characters in the picture are still, the movement effect is full. Note that when using diagonal composition, you do not need to pursue strict diagonal standards, as that effect will be too rigid. As long as it has the corresponding trend, it is enough.

We can emphasize the sense of perspective and express the depth of the scene by simply drawing the diagonal lines in the picture. If the diagonal lines are too straight and lack variation, the picture will be too stiff and appear to be composed of a plane, thus lacking a three-dimensional expression.

?Beautiful S-shaped curve composition

Curve composition is usually used by us to shoot quiet and soothing scenery sketches, such as winding roads, rivers in canyons, etc. They are curved due to the influence of natural terrain. The curved shape of the main body in the picture can bring a graceful and soft feeling; and when the curved road or river becomes the companion in the picture, it can also play a role in guiding the audience's sight. When composing a picture, we'd better consider the position of the curve. Usually the middle position will split the picture and destroy the graceful and soft feeling. Instead, let it move to one side of the picture, so that the areas on both sides of the curve form a contrast in size, which can be more prominent. The rhythm of the picture changes.

When shooting female portraits, it is best to use an S-shape to express the beauty of the figure. The character's head is slightly tilted back, and the chest and abdomen are raised, which can perfectly reflect the curve of the upper body; while the curved shape of the hip and knee joints can form the reflection of the lower limbs. This kind of shape not only has perfect curves, but also has natural and coordinated postures. It is the most traditional and beautiful classic shape.

At the same time, in model portrait shooting, we can make the model's pose reflect an S-shaped curve, such as bent arms and calves, the convex-concave relationship between chest and buttocks, etc. Of course, such an S-shaped posture should be naturally coordinated and in line with the natural trend of the human body.

? Stable triangular composition

In the shooting of portraits, especially female portraits, triangular composition is rarely used, probably because of the exaggeration of the figure. But when the author was shooting the T stage, he used the model to pull up his skirt and capture this wonderful moment when it was flowing elegantly. The bright orange and red colors form a sharp contrast with the black and white gray of the background, and the looming model's body is a bit more toned in this stable triangle.

Triangle is a stable structural form, and using triangle composition can bring a sense of calmness and stability to the picture. At the same time, it can also give the audience an invisible and powerful visual effect from the picture. impression of inner weight. Isolated mountain peaks, building roofs, etc. all use stable triangles to give people an unshakable feeling. Therefore, these types of subjects are excellent examples of using triangle composition.

? The frame composition formed by doors and windows

The excellent frame is undoubtedly the visual focus of coloring the picture. The mottled walls and earth-red brick door attract the audience to look inside and discover the various secrets hidden inside. The internal world also has changes in light and shadow, as well as details of the main character's movements. With the appearance of the frame, although the proportion of the characters in the picture is very small, due to the visual limitations of the heavy door frames, they stand out in the subtlety. It also reflects the author's calm beauty in creation.

Frame composition is an important means to highlight the subject and optimize the picture effect when the lighting conditions are poor or the scenery is dull. Using artificial objects such as doors, windows, and openings as frames, a picture frame is added to the main body. This frame can not only restrain the main body of the picture and limit the audience's field of vision, but also focus the audience's attention on the theme that the author wants to express. The appearance of the frame can also express the deep sense of space in the picture, produce strong spatial transformation and perspective effects, give the audience an immersive sense of the scene, and form a reflection of the photographer's subjective shooting intention.

?Repetitive composition that highlights the sense of form

Repetitive composition means that the same or similar scenes appear repeatedly in the picture and are arranged and distributed according to certain rules to bring the picture to life. To create a sense of rhythm, thereby forming visual harmony and unity, and bringing a pleasant feeling to the picture. For some small and single-form subjects, we can use repetitive compositions to increase their quantitative expression through superposition and repetition, which has the effect of highlighting small scenes and increasing the visual impact of the picture.

The composition of the frame can also take advantage of the topography and even the natural formations of various natural landscapes. The author uses the lush branches as the foreground and uses the natural holes formed by them to reveal the gray bricks and black tiles of the mountain village dwellings, which embodies the perfect combination of dwellings and nature. This kind of frame composition is also called "drill through" or "tunnel" composition. In fact, they all play the role of combining environment and subject.

The repetition of similar shapes, structures, lines or colors can attract the attention of the audience, so it is a powerful way to highlight the formal sense of the photo. By observing the repetitive components in common scenes, we can separate the scenes with these components from the broad field of view, forming a repetitive composition.

?A more modern open composition

Perhaps this is a more original and experimental shooting. The performance of half of the model's face gives the audience a feeling of surprise. But through the bewildered eyes of the model, we seem to be able to realize that everyone has another side that is not known, and everyone also has another side that they do not want others to know. When open composition is developed to the extreme, it is often called destructive composition. It seeks breakthroughs in art and expression by deliberately breaking stability and integrity.

Open composition is also called "incomplete composition" or "destructive composition". It breaks through the limitations of the camera viewfinder, extends the theme expression in the picture beyond the frame, and pays attention to the connection between the space inside and outside the picture. Since the expression of the work extends to the blank space outside the picture, it also gives the viewer space to freely express their imagination, forming an interactive communication between the author and the audience. Open composition is the result of photography being influenced by modern art creation. It is more interactive and experimental. It is more commonly used in news photography and documentary photography.