Three Photo Composition Techniques: Art Rules for Photographers
Because photography is an art itself, it’s only logical that composition rules used for drawing and painting can apply to taking great photos. Don’t worry – there’s no preachy, stuffy artistic theory involved – but there are some important things you can learn from the painterly crowd. The same techniques are even used in architecture, so it’s obvious that they have multiple applications. You might never intend to pick up a paintbrush, but picking up your camera means that these composition techniques could be valuable to you. You’re probably already practicing them in the majority of your photos, but taking a look at the reasons behind pleasing images could be helpful in the future. The following are three composition techniques taught in art classes that can be implemented in your daily photographing adventures.
1. The Golden Mean Rule
Also called the Golden Section Rule, this composition technique is based on the number Phi: 1.618033988749895… It’s one of those infinite number things, kind of like Pi, but this one makes the proportions of your art seem extra delightful for onlookers. The golden mean is based on the unique proportions found in two lines of equal length: one line consisting of one segment, the other consisting of two segments (one larger than the other). The golden mean is found when the proportion between the one-segment line (A) and the larger segment in the two-segment line (B) is the same as the proportion between the large (B) and small (C) segments of the two-segment line. Essentially, line segment A multiplied by line segment B must equal line segment B multiplied by segment C – both numbers should equal Phi. In the example image, the entire horizontal side represents segment A, the green and black segment is B, and the blue is C.
It’s confusing, but it works. You can use these proportions in the objects in your photo or you can draw two vertical and two horizontal lines across your photo, letting the proportions correspond to the golden mean. The points where the lines intersect should be focal points in your composition.
2. The Rule of Thirds
This rule is much simpler: draw two horizontal and two vertical lines, all equidistant, across your photo to get nine equal sections. The focal point of your composition should be located at one of the points of intersection. The rule of thirds is derived from the fact that the human eye tends to be drawn to the top third of an image, so to follow it to the letter, place your focal objects at one of the top two intersection points along the upper horizontal line. When photographing landscapes, this means placing the horizon along this line to make the image as pleasing as possible to the human eye – unless you’re emphasizing the sky or top portion of the landscape. In that case, you should place the horizon along the lower horizontal line.
3. The Rule of Diagonals
If you choose to apply this rule to your photography, you’ll be trying to get your focal objects to settle along the line between the top right and bottom left corners or between the top left and bottom right corners. You can also use diagonals that create 45° angles in each right angle corner to get lines that aren’t quite as predictable as the corner-to-corner diagonals, as shown in the example image. Points of intersection and diagonals should indicate the locations of your focal points. This technique will make your composition seem more dynamic, rather than giving the static impression of vertical and horizontal lines.
Bio: Maria Rainier is a freelance writer and blog junkie. She is currently a resident blogger at First in Education, researching various online degree programs and blogging about student life. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.
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Trackback URL | Comments RSS FeedEnjoyed all the articles and tips for a few months now and had never heard of the rule of diagonals. I have used the rule of thirds and the golden rule and am excited to go try this new challenge. I am very passionate about photography and have been for years. I have sold a few pics but not professionally. I will be shooting as long as I have a breath! Thanks for your great information. Keep it coming.