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Learn the principles of design in photography composition such as rule of thirds, symmetrical, asymmetrical, diagonal, and more. Discover how to create captivating images by mastering composition techniques.
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COMPOSITION Images left to right: McCurry, Lang, Cunningham, Ebbets, Annonymous A guide to understanding and creating composition in Photography.
WHAT IS COMPOSITION? • The organization of the elements of design in a photograph, following certain principles of design (e.g. balance of positive and negative spaces; variety of shapes, textures, and values; off-centre placement of the focal point; division of the area into several areas of interest; overlapping of objects of various sizes; placement) • Rule of thirds • Compositional triangles/triangular • Symmetrical • Asymmetrical • L-shaped • Diagonal • Radiating • Negative & Positive Space
RULE OF THIRDS • A compositional rule of thumb that advocates dividing an image space into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, and positioning important elements in the composition at or near the imagined dividing lines or near the points at which the lines would intersect. The rationale is that the use of off-centre rather than centered elements gives tension, energy, and interest to the composition.
RULE OF THIRDS:AN EXAMPLE… Sally Mann, Candy Cigarette The focal point/subject is off-centre (left)
Malcolm Browne, Buddist Monk on Fire Rule of thirds.
COMPOSITIONAL TRIANGLES • A compositional rule of thumb that advocates a triangular arrangement of objects and/or subjects in an image. These 3 objects are required to form the points of the triangle, and the sides of the triangle are formed by imaginary, diagonal lines that join the triangle points. The rationale is that the viewer’s eye is led in different directions, moving back and forth, creating interest.
COMPOSITIONAL TRIANGLES: AN EXAMPLE… The figure’s head forms the top peak of the triangle. Jeff Wall, Dead Troops Talk The bodies form the base of the triangle.
Joe Rosenthal, Raising of the Flag Triangular Composition
SYMMETRICAL COMPOSITION • A compositional rule of thumb that advocates similar parts facing each other around a vertical or horizontal axis, often equal in size, shape, and position. The rationale is that the viewer’s eye is led to the centre point, creating balance and movement.
SYMMETRICAL COMPOSITION:AN EXAMPLE… Ansel Adams, Road, Nevada Desert
ASYMMETRICAL COMPOSITION • A compositional rule of thumb that advocates unequal parts facing each other around a vertical or horizontal axis, often different in size, shape, and position. The rationale is that the viewer’s eye shifts from one side to the other, creating unbalance and dynamic energy.
ASYMMETRICAL COMPOSITION:AN EXAMPLE… Robert Frank, Rodeo More visual weight on the left side
Lewis Hine, Building Rubber Doll Moulds Asymmetrical Composition
Steve McCurry, Afghan Girl Asymmetrical Composition
L-SHAPED COMPOSITION • A compositional rule of thumb that advocates the arrangement of objects and/or subjects (the positive space) in an “L” shape. The leftover space (the negative space) contains that which is less significant. Contrast, value, and texture can also create an “L” shape. The rationale is that the viewer’s eye moves along the “L”, up/down/across, creating movement and interest.
L-SHAPED COMPOSITION:AN EXAMPLE… Rose Barton, Piccadilly in June, 19th-20th century Forming the “L” shape: The building & figure on the left The sky forms the ‘negative space’ The road/traffic on the bottom right
L – SHAPED COMPOSITION Timothy O’Sullivan, ShoShone Snake River
DIAGONAL COMPOSITION • A compositional rule of thumb that advocates a diagonal arrangement of objects and/or subjects in a work of art. Objects are positioned on or around a diagonal axis, formed by one diagonal line or multiple (like a ‘zig-zag’). The rationale is that the viewer’s eye moves dynamically across the piece in different directions, creating energy and tension.
DIAGONAL COMPOSITION:AN EXAMPLE… Ansel Adams, The Tetons & Snake River The river provides a “Z” curve that leads the eye through the photograph
Jeff Wall, The Storytellers Diagonal Composition
RADIATING COMPOSITION • A compositional rule of thumb that advocates a radiating/circular arrangement of objects and/or subjects in an image. Theseobjects are required to spread from a central point, and move outward in all directions. The rationale is that the viewer’s eye moves outward in and inward from all directions, creating expansion, compression, and continuous movement.
RADIATING COMPOSITION:AN EXAMPLE… Immogen Cunningham, Magnolia Blooms The petals move outward, in different directions, from the centre of the flower
NEGATIVE/POSITIVE COMPOSITION • A compositional rule of thumb that advocates an emphasis on the relationship between the area surrounding an object/subject (negative space) and the object/subject (positive space). The composition can be in two-tone/black & white or colour. Objects on the same focal plane are not considered negative space. The rationale is that the negative space will draw attention to the positive space, creating emphasis and interest.
NEGATIVE/POSITIVE COMPOSITION:AN EXAMPLE… Imogen Cunningham, Flowering Cactus, 1930 The velvety-black space (negative space) draws attention to the white flower (positive space)
NAME THAT STYLE GAME! • Game Rules: • Two teams will form and create a team name • Each team will select a representative to compete (one at a time, everyone will/can participate) *The rep may take 5-10sec to consult with team • The two opposing team reps will be shown an image • The first team rep to correctly name the compositional style wins! • *To guess, the team rep must “buzz in” first. If the guess is incorrect, the opposing team rep can ‘steal’ the point with a correct guess • How to win: • -each time a compositional style is correctly guessed, that team is awarded ONE point • -at the end of the game, the team with the highest number of points wins a prize! • Special Notes: • -healthy competition is welcome, but negative comments will result in a ½ point deduction from the team’s score
