Some Thoughts on Photography Composition
Photography images are made by you the photographer, they are an amalgam of many elements, including your own inner vision, interpretation and aspiration. If any of these elements are missing then the image fails.
When looking at a potential image making opportunity attention to detail matters, with consideration of this attention to detail it becomes easier to understand that the whole is clearly made up of many individual parts that are all unique. All these parts inter-relate with each other and no doubt they all have a vital role to play.
So the elements of your composition, whatever the subject matter, must work together as a whole if you are to create a successful photographic image.
So many images have too much going on, too fussy, I believe simplicity is the key to a good strong image. One where the subject is clearly identifiable and everything else within the image provides a supporting but vital role.
More Photo Articles
Follow the links below,
Whilst composing and considering our image we can look for naturally occurring patterns in our proposed imagery, be it blocks of colour, strong diagonal lines or an element like a stream or road to lead our eye into the picture. A well selected foreground provides a very strong impact to an image, drawing the viewer deeper and deeper into the frame.
Placing the subject or horizon on an intersection of thirds makes for a very strong composition, see image left, known as the Rule of Thirds it is a tried and tested method of producing a strong composition. With that said photography is not about rules it is about individual expression, sometimes breaking the rules is liberating and allows our creativity to flow.
Lastly, do not be afraid to experiment, push the boundaries within yourself for only then will we realise our full potential.
© Phil McDermott
Free reprint rights available for this article
If you want to use this article on your website, blog or ezine you are welcome to do so providing you include the text and live clickable link as shown below. Thank you.
Article by Phil McDermott - Commercial, stock and wedding photographer.
