Sure some would say there are no real rules to photography. However, there are a number of established composition guidelines which can be applied in almost any situation. Here are ten to enhance the impact of a scene.
- Pattern – Patterns are all around us if we only learn to see them.
- Symmetry – A symmetrical shot with a defined point of interest and composition can lead to an engaging image.
- Texture – Texture particularly comes into play when light hits objects at interesting angles.
- Depth of Field – Isolate a subject from its background and foreground.
- Lines – Power to draw the eye to key focal points in a shot.
- Framing – Put it in context to give the image ‘depth’.
- Perspective – Emphasizes different points of interest, angles, textures, shapes.
- Space – Give your subject space to breath.
- Balance – Positioning with elements in a frame.
- Color – Colors can make or break a shot.
These guidelines will help you take more compelling photographs, lending them a natural balance, drawing attention to the important parts of the scene, or leading the viewer’s eye through the image.
Once you are familiar with these composition tips, you’ll be surprised at just how universal most of them are. You’ll spot them everywhere, and you’ll find it easy to see why some photos “work” while others feel like simple snapshots.