Good composition is a significant
factor to taking great photos! So this
week my blog post is about different composition techniques that can help you
create artistic and interesting photographs.
I want to thank my good friend and awesome photographer, Angela Oberly,
for providing me with some wonderful pictures to use for examples in this
weblog. To see more of Angela’s work, please visit her Facebook Fan Page at https://www.facebook.com/AngelaOberlyPhotography. So now let’s talk about the seven composition
techniques for taking great photographs.
#1 – Rule of Thirds
The rule of thirds is based on the theory that
the human eye is drawn to a point about two-thirds up a page or image. It is a
composition technique that should be used in most of your photos. Essentially, you want to envision a grid on
your image that is divided into 9 equal parts by having 2 vertical and 2
horizontal lines. Your focal point or
the most important object of your photo should be positioned along these lines
or at the points where they intersect. This
gives balance and attention to your photo. If
you are shooting a close-up of an individual it is best if you place the
subject’s head along the first horizontal line.
Source: Graphicssoft.about.com
Source: Angela Oberly Photography
#2 –Texture and
Contrast
Texture can be used to create
drama in your photographs. Consider taking a photograph with an old fence or a
textured wall in the background. The key
is to use the texture to enhance your photo and not overload it. Keep away from too many textures that will
make your photo overwhelming. Adding
texture to your photographs will create contrast. For example, a light subject will be more
dramatic if you place them against a dark background.
Source: Angela Oberly Photography
#3 –Patterns
It’s important to become aware of
the patterns that are all around us so that we can take advantage of them in
the photographs we take. A pattern is a
repetitive object or design in your photo such as a field of flowers, crowds of
faces or designs in architecture. The secret to discovering patterns is to try shooting
your photographs from different angles.
#4 –Perspective or
Angles
This one is a favorite of mine. Your feelings for a photograph can change dramatically
by taking the photo from different angles rather than taking the photo straight
on. Some ideas to try are 1) squat down on your subject’s level; 2) Shoot
upwards on your subject in order to create a dominant effect; 3) shoot from a
different angle (left or right) or 4) get up on a chair and shoot downward on your
subject. Shooting the same subject at
different angles can create a different story in your photo.
Source: Angela Oberly Photography
#5 –Framing
There is an assortment of options available for
framing your subjects such as doorways, bushes, tree branches, windows, arches,
etc… There are several benefits to
framing such as it can draw attention to your subject and can also add depth,
interest and layers to your photo. A
frame can also lead the viewer to the main focal point of the photo.
Source: Patrick Studios
Source: Angela Oberly Photography
#6 –Lines
Another composition technique is leading lines
which are lines within an image that will lead your eye to a different part of
the image. There are many objects that
can qualify as a leading line such as a fence, lines in a wall, trees, people,
body position and the list can go on. Keep
in mind that the lines do not need to be straight. Leading line photographs could be a subject
walking down a roadway or it could be a background with lines like the photo
below.
Source:
Patrick Studios
Source: Angela Oberly Photography
#7 –Symmetry &
Balance
The last technique I will discuss is balance and
symmetry. Symmetry for photography is when an image can be split down the
middle and the left and right sides of the photo are mirror images of each
other. However, the rule of thirds
conveys that an image is more appealing if it is asymmetrical. There is no right or wrong but the type of
photograph you decide to take should depend on the story you want to tell.
Source: Angela Oberly Photography
So what is your favorite technique? I would love to hear from you!
These are great tips! I never thought about these, and my boyfriend is really into photography, I will have to share these with him!
ReplyDeleteHey, great post! I love the many examples you included!
ReplyDelete