Basic Photography Composition Rules (or best practices)

Introduction to Basic Photography – Composition Rules

     There are numerous purposes for taking photographs that will be covered throughout this course which can be broadly categorized as work/job related or hobby/entertainment related. While the underlying focus of this course is geared toward work/job there are numerous best practices, sometimes referred to as Composition Rules. These rules can be applied across categories in order to effectively capture the image.

Composition Rule: Rule of Thirds

     One basic photography rule to know for creating interesting photographs is the rule of thirds.

In the Rule of Thirds the scene is pictured in a 9-block grid. The image will be more thought-provoking when interesting things in the frame are close to where the grid lines intersect.

      In the example above the focus of the photograph is generally centered. This is one of the most common ways photographs are taken because most photographers simply want to showcase what they see as the most important point of interest, rather than guide the viewpoint of the observer through the photograph

     The Rule of Thirds is applied by aligning a subject with the guidelines and their intersection points, placing the horizon on the top or bottom line, or allowing linear features in the image to flow from section to section.

     In this example the focus of the photograph is shifted slightly to the right of center drawing the eye toward the trees and parking area on the right. Note how the eye naturally wants to remain on the main subject but is compelled to look right. This visual tension can cause the viewer to look at the photograph longer while trying to understand where to focus their attention.

     In this example the focus of the photograph is shifted slightly left of center guiding the eye along the natural lines of the main building and into the campus and beyond. Unlike the previous example, the natural lines of the image guide the viewers’ attention from the main subject and toward the buildings and horizon on the left. The visual tension is noticeably lessened.

    One reason for observing the Rule of Thirds is to understand the placement of the subject at the center or a horizon appearing to divide the picture in half is sometimes less effective at capturing the attention of the viewer. Another reason is to underscore that simply moving he focus right or left of center can create visual tension or guide the eye toward areas of interest. As such, while this is not a hard-and-fast rule, it’s something photographers should consider.

Composition Rule: Curves and Leading Lines

     When considering the subject of a photograph, particularly one including landscape, scenery or other outdoor areas, it is valuable to take time to consider the scene and look for its prominent curves and lines. While observing the scene notice where the eyes are naturally drawn to, and closely consider man-made and naturally created curves and lines including:

Man-Made                                                   Nature-Made

anything in a row such as lamp posts boardwalks bricks bridges buildings doorways fences roads windowpanes

cliffs rivers rocks sand dunes shorelines sun rays tall grass trees waves

   

     As demonstrated in the photographs above, by examining the curves and lines in the scene rather than just the scene itself, the man-made and flow becomes apparent. As a result, the interest in the scene can be maximized, by taking advantage of the way the eye naturally flows across it.

Composition Rule: Framing

     Framing is a basic composition rule for photography as it helps to add interest, scale, or depth to the picture. As with curves and lines, by using man-made or natural frames context is added to the image in a way that invites the viewer to consider where the shot was taken.

     The hobby/entertainment photographer should avoid overuse of this rule or technique. When photographs are repeatedly framed in the same manner, they tend to become less interesting. 

     Remember that while there are truly no hard and fast rules required for photographers to follow - the best practices described here are an excellent place to start capturing remarkably interesting photos.  

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