Hints: Composition
Here are some guidelines on the layout of photographs that can help make better pictures. Some people call them the rules of composition but they are really guidelines. They are based on sound principles, and making use of the appropriate ones will almost certainly help you. However, 'breaking' them can sometimes be even better. The key is to know when to use your own discretion.
- Check the edges of the frame for unwanted distractions. Either move the camera or use the zoom to get rid of any.
- White or light areas at the edge of the picture (also patches of red) attract the eye, and may distract from the main subject.
- If the scene looks cluttered and messy, concentrate on one focal point and make it big in the frame.
- Make use of the thirds: place important objects in your
picture along one or more of the lines drawn to split your image
into 3 both horizontally and vertically e.g. imagine a noughts and
crosses grid drawn across the scene:
- Have a focal point: the eye likes to be able to stop somewhere in the image and preferably if it is on a thirds point.
- Try putting your horizon on the higher or lower third line - it is not always best across the middle of the frame.
- Check your horizon is level - especially important when the horizon line is a seascape.
- Diagonal lines across the image e.g. paths, walls etc are more dynamic.
- Lines (e.g. fence, road etc) that lead you into the picture can work well, particularly if they lead to the focal point.
- Converging lines e.g. the sides of a road disappearing into the distance add a sense of scale.
- Nearby objects in landscapes give a sense of scale. To have both near and far points in focus means using a small aperture (high f number), which usually implies a slower shutter speed. So you will often need to put the camera where it won't move during the longer exposure: use a tripod, or other support.
- Try high and low angles to improve the foreground detail.
- Framing a scene e.g. arches, gate, trees etc. stop the eye wandering outside the picture and concentrate the viewer on what you want them to look at.
