Placement of the subject - Composition

Composition Composition is the plan, placement or arrangement of the elements of art in a work. The general goal is to select and place appropriate elements within the work in order to communicate ideas and feelings with the viewer. It is the primary element in photography and an important concern in many forms of art.

The Rule of Thirds The rule states that an image can be divided into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally- spaced vertical lines. The four points formed by the intersections of these lines can be used to align features in the photograph. Aligning a photograph with these points creates more tension, energy and interest in the photo than simply centering the feature would.

Rule of Thirds The rule of thirds was first formalized in literature by painter John Thomas Smith in 1797. However, examples of art using this type of composition can be found in artistic traditions dating back to antiquity. East Asian art is particularly well-known for its use of asymmetrical compositions.

Rule of Thirds The aim is to keep the subject and areas of interest out of the center of the image, by placing them near one of the lines that would divide the image into three equal columns and rows, ideally near the intersection of those lines.

Rule of Thirds

Golden Ratio The first calculation of the golden ratio, was described by Euclid in his Elements (greek: Στοιχεῖα). A line segment sectioned into two, to illustrate the golden ratio. The total length a+b is to the longer segment a as a is to the shorter segment b.

Golden Ratio

Simplification Images with clutter can distract from the main focus of the picture and make it difficult to identify the subject. By decreasing the extra content, the viewer is more likely to focus on the primary message. Clutter can also be reduced through the use of lighting, as the brighter areas of the image tend to draw the eye, as do lines and linear features.

Simplification By decreasing the extra content, the viewer is more likely to focus on the primary message.

Simplification

Simplification

Simplification

Simplification

Simplification

Simplification

Simplification

Limiting focus One approach to achieving simplification within a photograph is to use a wide aperture when shooting to limit the depth of field. When used properly in the right setting, this technique can place everything that is not the subject of the photograph to be out of focus.

Limiting focus Place everything that is not the subject of the photograph to be out of focus.

Limiting focus

Limiting focus

Symmetry The "rule of odds" suggests that an odd number of subjects in an image is more interesting than an even number. Thus if you have more than one subject in your picture, the suggestion is to choose an arrangement with at least three subjects. Related to the rule of odds is the observation that triangles are an aesthetically pleasing implied shape within an image.

Symmetry The "rule of odds" suggests that an odd number of subjects in an image is more interesting than an even number.

Symmetry

Symmetry Related to the rule of odds is the observation that triangles are an aesthetically pleasing implied shape within an image.

Viewpoint The position of the camera can strongly influence the aesthetics of an image. Not only does it influence the background as described above, but it also influences the viewer's interpretation of the subject. For example, if a boy is photographed from above, for example from the eye level of an adult, he is diminished in stature. A photograph taken at the child's level would treat him as an equal, and one taken from below could result in an impression of dominance. An image can be rendered more dramatic when it fills the frame. People can have a tendency to perceive things as larger than they actually are, and filling the frame fulfills this psychological mechanism. This can be used to eliminate distractions from the background.

View Point The position of the camera can strongly influence the aesthetics of an image.

View Point The position of the camera can strongly influence the aesthetics of an image.

View Point

View Point The position of the camera can strongly influence the aesthetics of an image.

View Point

View Point

Curved Lines Curved lines are generally used to create a sense of flow within a photograph. The eye generally scans these lines with ease and enjoyment as it follows it throughout the image. Compared to straight lines, curves provide a greater dynamic influence in a photograph. When paired with soft-directional lighting curved lines can give gradated shadows which usually results in a very harmonious line structure within the image. Perspective is also important with curved lines, generally speaking the higher the viewpoint the more open the lines tend to be.

Lines

Lines