Rules of Composition

Assignment:  Understanding Rules of Composition

This post should be about composition and taking a good photograph.  What makes a good photograph also is what makes a great image so this knowledge is transferable in all design that you do. I would like this blog to talk about ten tips for composing a great shot. Please do more than just list the Rule of Thirds and the Golden Spiral, explain them a little and maybe find or take an image to show your understanding of the principle.


     Okay, now I am no photographer. I mean I can take a picture, and I do quite regularly. But as far as knowing what makes a good photo.... Umm.. I thought there where no rules in art. Photography is art so I thought that applied.  So for this assignment, off to Google I go. 
     So I googled rules of composition in  photography, only to discover that I was correct in thinking that there are no real rules only some established guidelines.  According to Photography Mad these guidelines will help you take more compelling photos.
     The first guideline is called the Rule of Thirds. In this rule you are advised to imagine that your image is divided into 9 equal parts by 2 horizontal and 2 vertical lines. The rule says that your most important elements should be placed along these lines or at the points where the lines connect.  According to Photography Mad this will add balance and interest to your image.
     The second guideline is balancing elements. this is where you place your main subject off center, which creates an more interest but it can make your photo feel empty by leaving a void in the scene. Photography Mad suggests that you balance the weight of your main subject by including another object of lesser importance to fill the voided space.
     The third guideline is known as leading lines. This guideline plays on the fact that your eye is naturally drawn along lines.  I you think about how you place these lines in you composition, you will affect the way a person views the photo by pulling them into the photo, towards your subject. You can use any of the many types of lines int his guideline. Straight, diagonal, curvy, zig-zag, etc..
     The fourth guideline is symmetry and patterns. You are surrounded by symmetry and patterns, both natural and man-made. These can be very eye-catching, especially when they are not expected.
     The fifth guideline is called viewpoint. This is where the photographer plays with where they are shooting the subject from. Viewpoint can massively impact the message that is conveyed.  Instead of shooting from eye level, experiment with viewpoint by photographing from another angle, such as high above, down at ground level, from the back, etc...
     Our sixth guideline is background.  Background can make or break a photo in my opinion, to often you will see a photo where the subject blends into the background. Our eyes can distinguish the subject from the background in person very easily, but in a photo the subject is flattened into the background. Which can make them blend into it.
     The seventh guideline is depth. Now since your photo is 2-D, creating depth is important. You can create depth by including object in the foreground, middle ground, and background. Another than that can assist in creating depth is to intentionally overlap objects. Overlapping is where you partially cover one object with another. Our eyes can recognize these layers and separate them, which will cause more depth.
     The eight guideline is framing. There are so many things around us that can be used to create a natural frame, like trees and archways.
     The ninth guideline is cropping. Cropping can impact a photo by cutting out the background to ensure the subject gets the viewers full attention.
     The last guideline is experimentation. With digital photography, you no longer have to worry about the cost of film processing. There for you have more flexibility to try out new things. Experimenting with your photo taking can create fabulous photos, and you can have fun while doing it.