Composition is defined as the combining of distinct parts or elements to form a whole. In photography that definition is very important in taking quality pictures. The following rules of composition should be learned and considered but not necessarily used in every photo. Once you have learned these rules you will be more observant of the possible photo opportunities that surround you. But keep in mind that the really famous photographers usually find a creative way to stretch or break the rules of composition.
RULE OF THIRDS
The rule of thirds has been used through the centuries and is probably the most recognized rule. The rule of thirds directs that the frame can be divided into three vertical sections and three horizontal sections. Wherever the separating lines connect is an ideal spot for a subject or point of interest. By positioning your main subject at any of the four intersection points, you are giving your subject more emphasis than if it is right in the middle of the photo. The intersection points can also work if there is more than one main subject in a photo. Most famous photographs and paintings have the rule of thirds applied to them in some way or another.
SIMPLICITY
The simplicity rule directs that you should keep the items in your photo relatively simple. If your main subject is close to the lens, then your background should be very simple in order to avoid distractions. Another good idea is to avoid objects or lines that lead the eye away from your main subject.
CONTRAST
The contrast rule directs that light subjects should be placed against dark backgrounds and vice versa.
FRAMING
The framing rule directs that using natural surroundings mindfully can add more meaning and focus to your subject. The surroundings could be anything such as bushes, windows, trees or even a doorway. When using this rule be sure to focus on the main subject and not on the surroundings that are framing it. It is also a good idea to use a narrow aperture (high f/stop) when using this rule in order to create a high depth-of-field.
TEXTURE
The texture rule can add a great amount of interest to most photos. When people see texture in a photo it can spark their imagination and make the photo more real to life. Texture would be a good idea when taking photos of rocks, walls, surfaces, hands or even leaves. In order to create texture try to compose your photo so the light is coming from the side and therefore casting shadows in key places.
DIAGONALS
The diagonal rule directs that diagonal elements or lines can make a photo more dynamic. Diagonal elements could be fence posts, roads or even tree branches.
LEADING LINES
The leading lines rule can be used to direct the eye deeper into a photo and commonly to the main subject. Leading lines can lure the eye to a subject by leading to it from any side or depth of the photo. Leading lines could be roads, rivers, tree branches or even bridges.
COLOR
The color rule is what adds interest and emotion to your pictures. Different color configurations can inspire and amaze viewers. Colors can also be used to accent certain parts of a photo.
It might not be a bad idea to keep these key terms with you when you practice taking photos. The best way to learn and improve your composition is just to use them often and to experiment.
Richard Schneider is a digital photography enthusiast and founder of http://www.picturecorrect.com/ which offers tips and news about digital photography, digital camera reviews, photoshop tutorials and computer wallpaper.
There are a few very important tasks associated with using... Read More
Quality digital cameras are becoming affordable for just about everyone... Read More
Purchasing any gift item for your child is a mind-numbing... Read More
Point and click. The new life of digital cameras gives... Read More
Photography 101 Part One Equipment: camera, meter, flash, tripod This... Read More
Sony was the first company to introduce digital cameras into... Read More
Photography is a diversified field of creating a spectral variety... Read More
As a professional wedding photographer I get this question asked... Read More
Love is in the air at the Venice Rookery. The... Read More
One of the major problems of the larger cities of... Read More
How many people have pictures in a shoe box? In... Read More
What Is... Exposure BracketingExposure bracketing is a simple technique professional... Read More
When my old Olympus digital camera got broke while caving... Read More
Sometimes, usual photographs look so common and boring. Converting your... Read More
Probably one of the most common problems you will be... Read More
Get a good face shot: Use Higher quality cameras at... Read More
The digital camera is not something of a magic box... Read More
Photos are a great way to share your travel experiences... Read More
Digital Imaging is a process where an electronic photograph, scanned... Read More
Shopping for a new digital camera can be quite frustrating... Read More
Are you buying your first digital camera? Well, you must... Read More
Setting up your own photography business it easy, you don't... Read More
Looking at the most intricate details of the digital camera... Read More
It doesn't matter if your emailing photos of your grandson... Read More
Photography with the aid of a digital camera is beyond... Read More
Everyone has a digital camera today and we all take... Read More
Basic CompositionNow that you are beginning to understand how your... Read More
In a device such as a digital camera it is... Read More
Candid photography is photography that focuses on spontaneity rather than... Read More
When buying a digital camera there are many things you... Read More
A digital camera accessory you should purchase is a spare... Read More
Photography comes from the Greek words meaning "light writing" and... Read More
If you think that digital cameras are for snapshots only,... Read More
1. Myth: Digital photos are pixilated or fuzzy. Reality: most... Read More
The article given here was written for Adobe Photoshop 5,6,7,CS,... Read More
For years I wondered how big the bucks were that... Read More
There are way too many tape, disk and stick formats... Read More
Several years ago, I met a fellow photographer - albeit,... Read More
There are lots of options available for getting your digital... Read More
Ordinary photos of dull subjects do actually sell, but the... Read More
Tight BudgetsTight budgets are common these days. But the demand... Read More
There are two sources for obtaining the moulding for making... Read More
Most digital cameras today boast of greater resolution and picture... Read More
Using a tripod is essential when taking photos - and... Read More
If you are buying a new underwater camera or video... Read More
Are you having megapixel envy each time you walk by... Read More
Some of the best images can be captured during the... Read More
Choosing the right digital camera for general use can be... Read More
Being a professional digital photographer is a dream many people... Read More
There are a large number of top 10 digital camera... Read More
Photography Photography |