Composition Techniques in Detail
A good composition really makes a photograph and it is one of the most common errors amongst beginner photographers (and a few more experienced ones too!).
Usually the first view of a subject will not be the best, so walk around and explore a bit to find the best location to take the photo from.
One thing to remember is that there are no hard and fast rules to composing a photo – there are only guidelines. That’s what these are intended to be. If the picture warrants it, these guidelines can be broken.
Move closer to the subject
One of the most common mistakes (when photographing people especially) is that the photographer is too far away from the subject. Move in closer if possible. If its not, try a longer lens, but remember its better to actually move your feet to get closer than simply be lazy and slap on a zoom lens.
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Move in closer for a better portrait |
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A straight Horizon
When photographing landscapes, try to keep the horizon straight. Nothing ruins a good landscape photo more than a crooked horizon line.
Although this can be fixed in image editing software, it's best not to rely on this wizardry too much.
Keep it simple
Keep the background simple for portraits. A nice simple background makes the subject stand out and easily the centre of attention for the viewer.
Also try to keep distracting items out of the photograph – Telegraph poles, wires and rubbish bins all have played their part to ruin a good photograph.
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A cluttered background |
An uncluttered background |
The Rule of thirds
The Rule of Thirds is where we divide up a photograph into thirds, both vertically and horizontally. Put simply, this refers to moving the subject away from the centre of the picture, and ideally where two of these lines intercept.
This gives the photograph a more dynamic feel and can help draw the viewer’s eye to the object of focus in the image.
Frame the picture
If available, frame a photograph with an overhanging branch or out of focus object to provide a natural emphasis on the subject.
Use foreground interest
Foreground interest in a photograph when the subject is far off in the background gives perspective and leads the viewer into the image.
This adds depth and an illusion of 3-dimensions to a 2-dimensional medium.
Use of Negative Space
Negative space is “empty” space in a photograph that can be used to identify and emphasise an object, such as sky or water.
Using straight lines to add depth
Use straight lines on a road or bridge to provide the illusion of depth in a photograph. It also leads the eye into the image and can emphasise the object.
Add scale to a photograph
If an object is very big (or small), add scale by including something in the photo that the viewer can immediately identify with. This could be a person, a car, or bicycle.
The people on this beach adds scale to the scene.
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