Composition in photography is the process of combining separate elements of a photograph to form a unified whole. It is the process of arranging your subjects inside the frame to create a commendable picture. There are several principles used in composition in photography – the principles generally apply to a lot of photographs, but need not be followed for each one. Here are some of the common photography rules used in composition.
RULE OF THIRDS
The rule of thirds is one of the most basic principles used in composition. It is one of the most well-known rules in photography. The rule of thirds uses imaginary lines to divide the frame into 3 columns and 3 rows, or a total of 9 equal squares. The rule of thirds suggests that the subject of the photograph should not be placed in the middle of the frame; rather it should be placed at one of the points of intersection of the imaginary lines.
FRAMING
Framing uses the concepts of a foreground and a background to make interesting pictures. Foreground elements, usually natural elements, are used to frame the subject. These elements typically include trees or windows. When framing a subject, it is important to make sure that the subject will remain as the focus of attention, and not the elements. You may also want to blur the background, by zooming in close to the subject.
LINE OF SIGHT
Taking photographs from different angles gives an interesting perspective to the photographs. Try using unique vantage points, such as overhead shots. You can also try to use portrait shots or landscape shots. By changing the line of sight, pictures become more dramatic, and subjects can be emphasized more clearly.
LEADING LINES
When looking for a subject, search for elements that will draw the eyes of a viewer through the photograph to reach the main subject of the photo. These elements usually include a series of objects or paths, such as a winding road or a road surrounded by telephone poles. Leading lines also add depth to the photograph.
PATTERNS
When taking pictures, look for natural patterns around the environment. These can include snowflakes or birds in formation.
CONTRAST
The rule of contrast states that dark subjects should use light backgrounds; similarly, light subjects should use dark backgrounds. Creating a contrast between the foreground and the background emphasizes the subject even more, making it stand out.
TEXTURE
Texture brings a different dimension to a photograph, making the photograph more realistic. Elements that provide a lot of texture to photographs include rocks, surfaces and leaves. Hands are also good subjects to emphasize texture. To create texture in your photographs, try to position the light from the side. This will enable the light to cast shadows at specific places in the photograph.
CROPPING
There are two kinds of cropping that can be employed when taking photographs: visual cropping and computer cropping. Visual cropping requires you to crop certain unwanted details in your photographs by zooming in or out. Zooming in on your subject lessens the impact of the background on the photograph, and makes the subject stand out.
Another form of cropping is via the computer. By cropping the picture, you can delete certain aspects of the picture that are unintended. You can create different sizes and even try various shapes, such as panoramas.
These rules of composition are not hard and fast rules when taking pictures. However, these are good principles to keep in mind and can help you develop your photographic eye. After much practice using these rules of composition, you are sure to create wonderful pictures! Source: http://www.vstudios.us/
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