So what is composition? The dictionary defines it as “the act of combining parts or elements to form a whole”. What you want to do in composing an image is to take the important elements of the sceneand combine them in such a way, so as to create a photograph very pleasing to the eye. This is all well and good, but, how can we do that most effectively? Here are ten top tips.
1. Clearly identify your subject.
This is what the non-negotiable of creating a photo is all about. Composing an image. If you cannot compose a picture you can’t. that is the bottom line. that is where your photography journey starts as a beginner. Learning to position the elements within the photo is natural for some but, for the rest of us we have to learn. Unless your subject is the point of interest of the image you don’t have a photo. When looking at the image an individual ought to be able to clearly determine the subject. So be sure you give enough attention to the object of your focus.
2. Fill your frame
One of the most common errors made by budding photographers is that they do not fill the frame with their subject or the major components of the image. Get in closer and exclude the parts that you simply don’t want. Open space serves no function when the subject is simply too small or cannot be identified.
3. Don’t cut off
This means that you shouldn’t cut off part of your subject unless it is intentional to create an effect. Missing parts of people or objects annoythe person viewing itand create an incomplete image. It distracts the eye. So watch the edges of your picture.
4. Horizontal vs vertical
Digicam producers are responsible for this situation because all cameras are intended to be held in a horizontal format. It should not be an either or scenario but rather a both and’. Try to shoot 50% of the time in both formats. There isn't a law which is the best and the bottom line is to try out new things.
5. Unique angles
Shoot from high up or low down. Utilize your feet and walk around the focal point searching for a better position. Don’t be afraid to get down on your stomach or climb a tree. Seek out totally different and unique angles that will make your images more remarkable.
6. The rule of thirds
Think of a tic tac toe grid or noughts and crosses lines running across your shot dividing it into thirds horizontally and vertically. Where the lines cross or intersect are the perfect placement points for your subjects or objects. Never place the horizon of a landscape photograph in the centre of your image. At all times place it on a horizontal thirds line. Subjects like lighthouses would be positioned down one of the vertical thirds lines.
7. Seek out frames
These come in two different types, natural or man-made. Natural could be a gap in foliage or a rock formation with a hole in it. Man-made frames are doorways, windows or arches. All of these help include the subject or setting in a form that is very pleasing to the eye.
8. Simplify
Trying to incorporate too much in an image usually spoils it. An image that is messy causes the attention of the viewer to dart around the picture attempting to make meaning of it. Much less is more as the old maxim goes. Get rid of everything that will distract the attention or is pointless to the memory you are attempting to produce.
9. Keep an eye on your background
Be sure that there is nothing there that might detract from the focal point. Things like chimneys growing out of heads and different subjects diverting the eye from the principle subject. You want balance by not going in too near but incorporating enough of the setting of the subject or object to contextualise it.
10. Lines, patterns and shapes
Try to find fascinating patterns, lines and shapes. Lines guide the eye to focal points. A river, highway, fence or path in a basic ‘s’ shape draws the attention down the route into your frame. Strong verticals provide height to your image and diagonals add depth. Turn your viewfinder enabling straight lines to travel from corner to corner in your frame.
Essentialto outstanding composing is deliberation. Think before you press the shutter button and think about all of these points. Create a mental check list to help you combine these components and produce that fantastic composition.
Author Resource:-
Wayne Turner studied with the New York Institute of Photography and has been teaching photography for 25 years. CLICK HERE to learn digital photography with him by subscribing to his FREE 10 PART PHOTOGRAPHY E-COURSE, emailed daily to your INBOX - To dramatically improve your photography here is his latest ebook, 21 STEPS TO PERFECT PHOTOS - CLICK HERE
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