Composition
Rule of thirds
The elements of the composition are aligned using a rule of thirds grid.
Third lines
Most cameras and camera phones provide a rule of thirds grid in the view finder. This can be used for positioning subject matter along the lines and/or where the lines cross
Radial balance
A composition can be described as “radially balanced” when it provides a number of elements, including:
- A circle (e.g. a flower).
- A spiral (e.g. swirling effect).
- A centre point (such as perspective lines converging to a point.
Symmetrical balance
Symmetrical balance (using an imaginary mirror line through the centre) gives a more formal look. How could one describe it?
- Important
- Traditional
- Dull
- Reliable
- Safe
- Grounded
The subject matter (e.g. old building, an antique, a sculpture or floral arrangement) is just placed in the centre of the frame.
Asymmetrical balance
Asymmetrical balance (asymmetry) is considered modern and dynamic. It challenges the viewer to reconcile 2 opposing and contrasting sides (or elements) of a picture (the two halves of the picture are different). It can be understood as a “balanced imbalance”. The examples below move the main subject to the left or the right.
Visual centre
Optical v. visual centre
Placing the subject in the middle of the frame (optical centre) could look dull, boring, or unimaginative. Moving the subject off centre (to visual centre) makes the composition more interesting and challenging. The positioning of the visual centre is in the top right segment of the image.
Camera angle
When taking photos, try different camera angles. For example, when taking a photo of a cat, crouch and hold the camera at its level. It now puts the focus on the cat, who is the main subject.
By choosing the camera angle carefully, we can shift attention to the subject we want to portray.
