Approach To Composition In Photography

Composition is the act of organizing and juxtaposing different elements of an image in order to obtain a coherent set. The elements in a photograph may be small or large in number. They are characterized by different shapes, colors, lines and textures. It is the photographer’s job to take consideration over all of these factors and to arrange the different elements in order to achieve a sort of balance and harmony.
In the majority of cases, there is a main subject in each photo that grabs the viewer‘s attention. If the image is well composed the eye will be guided throughout the image to explore the rest of the elements only to come back to the main subject. Composition might seem a bit complex and hard to master at first, but there are some guidelines that could help you control all the elements in your photo if followed.

Format:

The first thing you will have to do is choose your format and the way you are going to take your shot, i.e. horizontally or vertically. While the horizontal format works best with landscapes and group photos, the vertical format is more appropriate for portraits and architecture.

Rule of Thirds:

The rule of thirds is a reliable composition method consisting of placing your subject (or the main feature of your subject in the case of a close up shot) on one of the intersecting points of the lines which divide the frame into thirds. This method will give you an image with an off-centered subject offering the viewer a more dynamic and interesting composition.

© Yassine Hakimi

Balance:

Some compositions owe their impact to a simple and conventional balance they have, a photograph which is divided into two equal or symmetrical parts for instance.

Other compositions have a more subtle and asymmetrical balance. This kind of balancing can be used along with the rule of thirds where you can compose your image by adding another element to your main subject to fill the void left by the off-centered composition.

© Yassine Hakimi

Lines:

You can use horizontal, vertical, diagonal lines to give more power to your composition and to lead the eye to the main subject.

Horizontal and vertical lines:

They give structure and stability to your composition. The viewer is more comfortable seeing them. To emphasize the horizontal lines you should frame your photo horizontally and the same goes for vertical lines which are best framed vertically if your aim is to focus on the height of your subject.

Diagonal lines:

They are very effective in leading the eyes throughout the image. They intersect with the other vertical and horizontal lines adding a sense of dynamism and action to the photograph.

Proportion:

Proportion is the ratio of one thing to another, the correct or pleasing relation between the parts of a whole. In the same logic, we can find this kind of relation between different elements of a photograph. This relation is, in most cases, affected by the degree of interest of the different elements (whether an element is dominant or subordinate).

© Yassine Hakimi

In the above image the proportions of ground and sky are clearly different. More focus was put on the sky which covers most of the frame, while the space taken by the ground is limited. Through such a composition you can feel the wide range of the landscape in the image.

Depth & Perspective:

The depth of an image is seen through the spatial relations between the element in the foreground and in the background. It is also perceived through the diminishing of the dimensions of objects as they get further away from the camera.  This sensation of depth is further strengthened by perspective which produces converging lines leading to a vanishing point on the horizon line.

© Yassine Hakimi

(Creating depth through the use of perspective and converging lines.)

Other composition techniques:

There are other rules and techniques that ensure the correct composition of an image.

Framing:

Through framing you can direct the viewer’s eyes to concentrate on the main subject. Try to arrange different elements in your composition to create a sort of a frame for your main subject.

Color:

In color photography, you will get better results if you use a monochromatic subject against a neutral background. You can also use complementary colors, but try to limit the colors you use to 2 or 3 colors, as too many will distract the viewer’s eyes.

Patterns & Repetition:

Using repetition in your composition can have a great impact on your viewers. The human eye is comfortable seeing repetitive objects and finds patterns pleasant. You can either focus on the pattern itself and create an image which gives a sense of large numbers, or you can break a pattern by placing a different element in a repetitive environment. This will draw the eye to the different element. The pattern in this case will help in keeping the viewer’s attention on the subject.

Intermingling All The Rules:

Using one of the above guidelines to enhance your composition won’t be enough to make your photos stand out. You need to mix different composition techniques and break some rules in order to get the best results. Try to incorporate the rule of thirds with the use of converging lines, or break that same rule while using the framing technique. Don’t be afraid of experimenting and coming up with new ideas. Keep shooting and trying as many techniques as possible. Only practice will get you to master the art of composition.

© Yassine Hakimi

(Using several composition techniques in one image (rule of thirds/ using one color/ diagonal lines))

Try to find a clear point of interest to draw the viewer’s eye, fill the frame with your subject and pay attention to your background.  Ken Rockwell cleverly summarized composition in two words: Simplification and Exclusion or SEX as he calls it.  Try to simplify your composition as much as possible leaving only your subject as a main element and exclude anything not relevant to your message.

While there are several rules to keep in mind while taking a photo, the most important aspect of composition remains the artist’s vision and personal choice.