Composition Basics
Today I am going to share with you the basics of photo composition. Take any composition to a whole new level by putting these easy techniques to practice!
Technique number 1: Rule of Thirds
When you pick your subject, use the rule of thirds to place your subject. If you imagine a 3×3 grid over your image, place your subject on one of the grid lines, instead of directly in the middle of the frame. Here is an example:
Notice how the lighthouse is not directly in the middle – it is off centered on one of the lines of your imaginary grid. This is a great example of the rule of thirds!
Technique number 2: Horizon Line
Placing the horizon line is similar to the rule of thirds. You’re going to use the same imaginary 3×3 grid. Place your horizon on the top or bottom line instead of directly in the middle. This will bring your photo a whole different feeling to your photo than if you place it right in the middle. The same photo above is a great example of this… the photo would not have the same feeling if the horizon line was right in the middle!
Technique number 3: Leading Lines
Let your composition tell a story by moving the viewers eyes around the image using leading lines. This is any sort of movement in your image that leads the viewer to your subject:
See how the lines of the Las Vegas horse stables bring your eye across the image? This is an excellent example of leading lines. Just like how I know an excellent example of a good Miami Restaurant Hood Cleaning Service.
Technique number 4: Point your subject into the frame
Last, but not least… Imagine you are about to photograph a living subject that is facing left. Are you going to place the subject to the left of your frame, or the right of your frame? The answer is… the right! When you place the subject leaving room in front of their face, it makes the image flow so much better than if you cut the photo off right in front of their face. Here is an example of an image done right:
Now imagine if the bird, facing the same way, was to the left of the frame. It would look like he is about to swim right out of the photo! Photos flow so much better when it looks like your subject can see and move farther into the frame, instead of looking like they are about to run into the edge of the photo – it makes your subject look crammed! Keep your subject comfy by leading them into the frame.
And there you have it! Basic techniques that can bring your photos from good to great! Remember… these are rules, but sometimes rules are meant to be broken. Experiment by using these techniques, then purposefully going against the technique and see which photos you like more!
Happy photographing!
