So what is composition? The dictionary defines it as “the act of mixing components or elements to form a whole”. What you want to do in composing an image is to take the necessary parts of the sceneand combine them in such a way, so as to create a photograph very pleasing to the eye. That is all well and good, but, how can we do that most effectively? Listed here are ten top tips.
1. Clearly determine your subject.
This is what the non-negotiable of picture making is all about. Composing an image. If you can’t compose a picture you can’t. that is the bottom line. this is where your photography journey starts as a newbie. Learning to position the elements within the photograph is natural for some but, for the rest of us we have to learn. Unless your subject is the focal point of the image you don’t have a photo. When looking at the picture a person ought to have the ability to clearly determine the subject. So be sure to give enough consideration to the object of your focus.
2. Fill your frame
One of the most widespread errors made by budding photographers is that they do not fill the frame with their subject or the most important components of the image. Get in closer and exclude the elements that you just don’t want. Open space serves no function when the subject is too small or can't be identified.
3. Don’t cut off
This means that you shouldn’t cut off part of your subject unless it is intentional to create an effect. Lacking components of people or objects annoythe person viewing itand create an incomplete image. It distracts the eye. So watch the edges of your shot.
4. Horizontal vs vertical
Camera suppliers are to blame for this dilemma because all cameras are designed to be held in a horizontal format. It shouldn’t be an either or scenario but rather a both and’. Attempt to take the photo 50% of the time in each of the formats. There isn't any law that is best and the bottom line is to try out new things.
5. Unique angles
Shoot from high up or low down. Make use of your feet and move about round the subject looking for the best point of view. Do not be afraid to get down on your stomach or climb a tree. Search for completely different and dramatic angles that may make your pictures more remarkable.
6. The rule of thirds
Envisage a tic tac toe grid or noughts and crosses lines running across your image dividing it into thirds horizontally and vertically. Where the lines cross over or crisscross are the most effective placement points for your subjects or objects. Don't position the horizon of a landscape shot in the middle of your shot. Always position it on a horizontal thirds line. Subjects like lighthouses can be positioned along one of the vertical thirds lines.
7. Try to find frames
These come in two variations, natural or man-made. Natural would be a gap in vegetation or a rock formation with a gap in it. Man-made frames are doorways, windows or arches. All of these help include focal point or location in a form that may be very pleasing to the eye.
8. Simplify
Trying to include too much in a picture often spoils it. An image that's cluttered causes the eye of the person viewing it to zip around the image attempting to make sense of it. Less is more as the old proverb goes. Eradicate anything that would distract the attention or is pointless to the memory you are trying to create.
9. Pay attention to your background
Be sure that there is nothing present that will detract from your focal point. Objects like chimneys growing out of heads and other subjects diverting the attention from the principle subject. You want balance by not getting in too near but including enough of the surroundings of the subject or object to contextualise it.
10. Lines, patterns and shapes
Find interesting patterns, lines and shapes. Lines guide the eye to focal points. A river, highway, fence or path in a basic ‘s’ shape draws the attention down the path into your shot. Strong verticals provide height to your picture and diagonals add depth. Turn your viewfinder permitting straight lines to move from corner to corner in your picture.
Essentialto great composing is deliberation. Deliberate before you press the shutter button and take into account all of those points. Create a mental check list that will help you add these parts and create that outstanding composition.
Author Resource:-
Wayne Turner studied with the New York Institute of Photography and has been teaching photography for 25 years. CLICK HERE to learn digital photography with him by subscribing to his FREE 10 PART PHOTOGRAPHY E-COURSE, emailed daily to your INBOX - To dramatically improve your photography here is his latest ebook, 21 STEPS TO PERFECT PHOTOS - CLICK HERE
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