1. COMPOSITION
IN PHOTOGRAPHY

2. COMPOSITION What is composition? Why is good composition important?
The way elements are arranged in a photo.
Elements are ‘things’, ‘parts’ or ‘objects’ found within a photo
Why is good composition important?
Makes a well balanced photo
A strong composition attracts viewers
It gives a flow through your photo
Helps the viewer focus on something first and then keep looking around at the smaller details, keeps them interested

3. COMPOSITION There are lots of compositional ‘rules’ … Rule of thirds
Golden Mean
Symmetrical
Asymmetrical
Diagonal, triangle and lines
Radial
Simplification
Overlapping
Framing
Patterns

4. SYMMETRICAL A photo that is equal on both sides
Does not have to be identical
Gives balance to the image

5. ASYMMETRICAL A photo that has something on one side …
and nothing on the other side …
or something less obvious on the other side.
Similar to simplification.

6. SIMPLIFICATION A photo of one object. Usually with a plain background.
Nothing else in the shot.

7. DIAGONAL, TRIANGLE AND LEADING LINES
The eye follows the line.
The line leads the eye across the photo.

8. DIAGONAL, TRIANGLE AND LEADING LINES
The eye follows the line.
The line leads the eye across the photo.
Or leads the eye in to the photo.

9. DIAGONAL, TRIANGLE AND LEADING LINES
Leads the eye across the photo.
Or leads the eye in to the photo.
The eye follows the line.
The line can be diagonal, horizontal, wiggly or triangular.

10. RADIAL OVERLAPPING PATTERN
From the centre to the outside.
Elements overlap
An element repeated.
Irregular or regular.

11. FRAMING Something in the shot creates a frame.
Can be on 2, 3 or 4 sides of the photo.
Any distance from the edge.

12. THE RULE OF THIRDS Divided in to 9 parts
4 lines, 4 intersecting points
Place the point of interest along a line, vertically or horizontally
Place a point of interest at the intersecting points

13. THE GOLDEN MEAN Creates a spiral path which flows through the frame.
Allows the viewer to be led around the image in a natural flow.
Produce an aesthetically pleasing composition.
Known as the Fibonacci Spiral.
Also called ‘The Golden Ratio’.