Composition

The way in which parts of something are arranged.

Composition

“In our modern world of automatic cameras, which focus for us and adjust the exposure in an ever

more perfect way, the biggest difference between a good photograph and a mediocre one is the composition.” - Geoff Lawrence

Various Compositional Rules (Guidelines!)

Rule-of-Thirds Cropping Viewpoint Positive and Negative Space Using Diagonals Balancing Elements Leading Lines Background

Rule-of-Thirds

The rule states that an image should be imagined as divided into nine equal parts by two equally-spaced horizontal lines and two equally-spaced vertical lines, and that important compositional elements should be placed along these lines or their intersections.Photo by Trey Ratcliff

Cropping

The decision the photographer makes about where the boundaries of a photograph will be to improve framing accentuate subject matter. Photo by Fabio Montalto

Viewpoint

The position from which you photograph the subject.Photo by ronsho

Positive and Negative Space

Positive space is the part of the frame that is filled with something, such as lines, subjects, color, or shapes.

Negative space can be thought of as the backdrop for the subject, or the positive space.

Photo by Jule Berlin

Using Diagonals

Balancing Elements

• “Balancing” the “weight” of your subject by including another object of lesser importance to fill the space.

Photo by Shannon Kokoska

Leading Lines

• When we look at a photo our eye is naturally drawn along lines.Photo by Pierre Metivier

Background

• Be mindful of distracting backgrounds, however, some backgrounds can be very dynamic and improve the composition.

Photo by Nazif Topcuoglu

“Any photographic composition can be said to work if the arrangement of the subject elements communicate

effectively to the image's intended viewers.” - The Digital Photographer's Handbook