Last week we finished the basics of exposure. We’ve looked at aperture, shutter speed and sensitivity. Today’s lesson is on composition. You’ll learn what it is, how to use it, and how it can help you to take stronger photos.
What is composition?
Composition is an arrangement of elements. There are different types of compositions and you can find them in any art (music, painting, photography etc.). Composition is not a substitute for a subject, it only brings attention to the subject. In it’s core, composition is a balance between chaos and order.
Chaos is good, because it’s different and it taunts us to figure it out.
Order is good, because it’s simple and evident.
Composition is a balance between the two. Just enough chaos to entice us, and just enough order to enjoy what we’re seeing.
Every photo needs this balance. A photo without tension will not stand out. It will get lost in the crowd. A photo without any order will make your readers crazy, because they’ll spend their time looking for a structure. Everything needs balance.
How to use it?
Artists have found out that some compositions work better than others. Each composition serves a different function. Some bring tension, others order. You as a photographer need to decide on the proper composition for your scene, setting and subject.
Below are some examples of the standard compositions. I’ve used squares and triangles instead of real subjects, because I want to convey the importance of placement. Treat the list as a guideline. You can break all the rules, but you still need to know them, to break them.
1. Central composition
What is it?
The subject is in the center. This placement does not add any tension to the photo.
When to use it?
Central composition is perfect with subjects that are interesting enough to balance out the lack of tension (unusual subjects, never seen situations). Symmetrical subjects are also a good fit. Be careful when using this composition, because it is a bit harder to pull off.
2. Diagonal, horizontal, vertical
What is it?
Similar to the central composition. Your subject is placed on the diagonal, horizontal or vertical line.
When to use it?
This composition adds dynamic to a photo. If you have a scene where you want to add a bit of dynamic, use this composition. A horizon on the diagonal adds dynamic, but also conveys the meaning of either going up or going down.
3. Rule of thirds
What is it?
You divide the frame into 9 same-sized rectangles. This forms a grid with 4 intersections. You place your subject on top of an intersection. This offers the “optimal” balance of chaos and order and is probably the most used composition in photography.
When to use it?
If you’re starting out, use it everytime and everywhere. It’s probably the simplest and most effective (relative to the difficulty of use) composition. If you have a horizon, place it on the upper or lower third. Place the subject on the intersection and voila, instant awesomness. It works with almost all and any subjects.
4. Shapes and sizes
What is it?
Probably the hardest composition to use, but also the most efficient. Your placement becomes a shape. You can construct triangles, rectangles, squares, spheres, pyramids etc.
When to use it? – When the subject allows it. If you’re taking photos of stairs, doorways, architecture, landscape or any other “geometrical shape”, you can try to use this composition. The shape will define how much tension and order will be present in a photo. A good first step is creating a composition made out of triangles. The composition should be clearly visible, and the shape should be evident.
Conclusion
These are the basics of composition. It is a balance between chaos (tension) and order (pleasure). Every photo needs a different composition, so try to master them all and use them accordingly.
Next week, we’ll be going deeper into the different elements that help to create a strong photo.
Stay tuned, stay awesome!
