The Rules of Composition in Photography

The Rules of
Composition in
Photography
A General Guideline

The rules of composition in photography
-A General Guideline-
Composition is defined as
"something that is created by arranging several things to form a unified whole".

The rules of composition in photography were created as a
general guideline for what works in good photos.
There are many types of rules and guidelines to follow when
taking photographs.
We have listed some of them and provided a gallery of
examples for each one.

•The Rule of Thirds
•Leading Lines
•Simplification
•Depth
•Symmetry
•Framing
1. Rules of composition in photography :
2. Conclusion
3. Consulted webs
4. Slide show. Activity
The rules of composition in photography -

You can use the rule of thirds as a guide in the off-center placement of your subjects.
Here's how it works :
Imagine your picture area is divided into thirds both horizontally and vertically.
Rule of thirds
- A General Guideline-

The intersections of these
imaginary lines suggest four
options for placing the center of
interest for good composition.
ISABEL MUÑOZ http://www.isabelmunoz.es

RAMÓN MASATS
http://www.ramonmasats.com/
rule of thirds

"Paisajes sin memoria”. JOAN FONTCUBERTA
www.fontcuberta.com
rule of thirds

To discourage placing the subject at
the center
or
to prevent a horizon from splitting
the picture into two,
the rule of thirds could be applied.
ISABEL MUÑOZ http://www.isabelmunoz.es

The use of Leading Lines can be used to direct the viewer’s attention to the
subject of your photograph.
Leading Lines
These lines can be straight, diagonal, wavy, or any other creative variation.

RAMÓN MASATS
Leading Lines
The human eye naturally follows lines.

Just be aware that they may also lead
away from the subject of the photograph.
Leading Lines
RAMÓN MASATS

Leading Lines
RAMÓN MASATS

Keeping things simple is sometimes the best way to get a good photo…
Simplification

ISABEL MUÑOZ
Cut out all unnecessary details to keep the viewer's attention focused on the subject.

By cropping tight around the subject,
you eliminate the background "noise",
ensuring the subject gets the viewer's
undivided attention.
ISABEL MUÑOZ. Flamenco,serie
Simplification

Simplification
Simplification
ISABEL MUÑOZ. Camboya, serie

Depth
Because photography is a two-dimensional medium, we have to choose our
composition carefully to convey the sense of depth that was present in the
original scene.

You can create depth in a photo by including objects in the foreground, middle ground and background.

Symmetry
Symmetry conveys the harmonious sense of proportionality and balance.
And we have to agree that symmetry can be beautifully applied in photography.

ISABEL MUÑOZ.
In axial symmetry, the parts are balanced equally along a line called the axis of symmetry.

When you photograph a
symmetrical subject, make sure
that the center point in the
viewfinder is placed in the
center of the scene.
Not doing this will always leave
you with the feeling that there
is something wrong with the
picture.

Framing is simply using other objects in your photograph to frame the main subject.
Framing

By placing these objects around
the edge of the composition you
help to isolate the main subject
from the outside world.
ISABEL MUÑOZ.

The world is full of objects which
make perfect natural frames, such
as trees, archways and holes.
JOAN FONTCUBERTA

Every photographer should consider the rules of composition as
a good starting point when taking photos if they are trying to
become better at photography.
Once they understand these, their photography composition is
improved and thinking outside the guidelines to create a
stunning image becomes more natural.
Conclusion

http://www.isabelmunoz.es/
http://www.ramonmasats.com/
www.fontcuberta.com
Consulted webs

- Activity -
Activity
Slide show activity
Find out which rule of composition has been
applied in the following photos and explain why.

Depth and frame: Autumn landscape framed by stone

A General Guideline-
Leading Lines

General Guideline-
rule of thirds as a guide in the off-center in this portrait

Symmetry

Leading Lines & Symmetry

Framing

Depth

Simplicity

The end

The Rules of Composition in Photography

More Related Content

What's hot

Similar to The Rules of Composition in Photography

Recently uploaded

The Rules of Composition in Photography