Composition
Views from Rubha Hunish. A lonely island and mainland Scotland stretching in the distance.
The Importance of Composition
Many photography lessons will start with the camera basics, how to take the right exposure or what light is best. I'll argue that composition is the cornerstone for a sound foundation for your photographic journey.
Even if you have great light, but you're pointing your camera at the ground, it won't do you any good. Getting correct exposure from your camera in the same situation won't do you any good.
Conversely, a well-composed photograph can transform an ordinary scene into a captivating visual story. Without thoughtful composition, even the most exquisite lighting conditions can fall flat.
Late afternoon at the Peak District, United Kingdom.
In the above image, you can see how the stoney fence leads the eyes through the picture. Almost looking as a winding river. It ends at this central spot with brightly lit trees and meadows.
The composition has a nice flow, using the leading meandering lines of the stone wall. As well using light to focus on the central subject - the rural landscapes of the Peak District. We use the top and bottom of the image to create negative space to emphasize the size of the valley and how small the list trees are.
The Fjallsjökull glacier and and fiery sunset, Iceland.
In the above example, the beautiful Fjallsjökull glacier in Iceland is lit by a glorious red sky from the passing sunset. Although, light can help you only so much. The composition is not strong here. We have a large rock in the bottom 1/3 of our image, position awkwardly, then the centre of the image lacks a central subject. The mountains and glacier themselves can be the central subject but they only occupy such a small fraction of the image because of the extremely wide angle lens used here.
It goes to show that you don't only need light to create captivating photos.
But How ...?
We'll be going through a good few composition techniques that will get you started thinking about making deliberate choices about what to include or exclude from the frame, the placement of subjects and elements, and the balance of visual weight. You've might've seen some of them already, but you main takeaway should be that composition is more about reading and feeling the scene rather than a tick box ticking exercise. We're not doing a plane take-off checklist, we're dealing with unique but similar scenes that we can use learned and practiced techniques to 'read the room' sort to speak.
Composition is the language through which photographers communicate their intent. It involves organizing visual elements within the frame, establishing a hierarchy of importance, and guiding the viewer's gaze.
It allows photographers to tell stories, convey emotions, and evoke a sense of wonder. Composition empowers photographers to make intentional decisions, ensuring that every element within the frame adds value and contributes to the overall narrative.
The Golden Ratio: A Rule of Thumb for Harmonious Composition
If you've ever searched for how to compose photos you've probably come across Rule of Thirds. It's where your photo is split into equal squares similar to a tic tac toe board. I deem it as a too simple tool to what I feel is its upgraded version - The Golden Ratio.
Local fishers collecting nets on the Danube, Bulgaria.
The purpose of both is to balance your composition and subjects at a few specific points.
The golden ratio, derived from a mathematical ratio of approximately 1.618, provides - in my opinion - a more organic and aesthetically pleasing composition. And at least it has some mathematical backing behind it - but that might be just my inner nerd talking!
Most cameras and editing software have an option to show the golden ratio gris as an overlay! My personal preference is to not have it on my camera as I can easily make small adjustments to the crop after I've taken the photo.
You can apply it when positioning your main subject or key elements within the frame. Place the subject's focal point or point of interest along the intersecting lines or near the spiral created by the golden ratio. This intentional placement creates a dynamic and visually engaging composition that draws the viewer's eye through the image.
Here you can see the golden ratio in action. The idea is to position the most important parts of your subject where the lines intersect or at least along the lines of the inner rectangle.
In this instance I've positioned the fisher's head where the top right line intersects. Placing the lines along people's head and eyes is a powerful way to focus on their gaze.
On the right you can see the image compared to two other takes that feel so ever slightly off. Both pictures lacks focus on a specific subject.
Section P.S. The original title of this section was Grids, Lines, Rule of Thirds and Other Geometric Formulae including a sarcastic dismissal of the Rule of Thirds.
Take your time: Exploring the Potential of a Scene
With photography, don't be afraid to circle a scene or a subject a few times. Take your time in seeing if a scene will work or not.
The beauty of photography lies in the ability to explore and experiment. Don't rush the process of composition. Allow yourself the luxury of time to fully absorb and analyze a scene or subject.
Circumnavigate the scene, examining it from different angles and perspectives. This deliberate approach enables you to discover the most compelling composition that captures the essence of what you want to convey. It's in these moments of patience and observation that you'll uncover hidden gems and create truly remarkable images.
It will also let you further reinforce your compositional knowledge and learning process!
Kris scouting for a sunset shot from various angles.
Balancing the Elements: Foreground, Midground and Background
This is one of those easy-to-learn but make-sure-you-practice rules.
Foreground/mid/background segments all should be interesting. It is that simple. If you generally split an image into 1/3 horizontal segments, all of them should be interesting or add value. A big meadow with no subject taking 2/3 of an image would be certainly off balance.
Many times we shoot plain blue skies that do not add much to the composition. Don't be afraid to substitute that 1/3 of the image with something else.
Colourful blue hour in picturesque Strasbourg, France.
Here we have all 3 elements present: gorgeous deep blue hour sky that transitions from the the light sunset to the dark night; middleground with the warmly lit traditional Alsatian houses; crisp reflection in the river and paved way leading our eyes toward the houses and sky.
For bonus points, thoughtfully compose each segment as you would a separate photograph. Each segment contributes to the overall narrative or aesthetic of you picture.
Layering: Not Only For the Winter And Cakes
Building upon the concept of balancing the foreground, midground, and background, layering emerges as a powerful compositional technique that adds a delicious visual depth reminiscent of the delectable layers of a cake. By strategically positioning elements parallel to each other within the frame, photographers create a captivating effect that draws the viewer's eye through the image, layer by layer.
Just like a perfectly crafted cake, layering in photography requires careful attention to detail. It involves finding the right elements and arranging them in a harmonious sequence.
Misty and windy mountain tops in broad daylight, Thasos, Greece.
We have 3 main layers that intersect the image diagonally.
- The stacked rocks which are made of many small layers themselves
- The lush mix forest going straight through the middle
- Misty spilling on top of the tree canopy finishes the last layering
The diagonal composition of the layers also creates some dynamism in the image and almost as if you can feel the mist moving in the picture.
So, as you embark on your photographic journey, consider the power of layering. Stack your elements with intention, create a symphony of layers that entices the viewer's imagination, and capture images that are as visually delightful as a mouthwatering slice of cake.
Finding Beauty in Simplicity
Dyrhólaey Lighthouse beaming warm light towards the ocean, Iceland.
In this image, our subject is clear, the monolithic lighthouse, with it's dark windows but lit lantern.
The space around it is clear, only a slightly textured skies and subdued grassy ground.
Compare this image with the one below
Autumnal sunlit canopy in the Scottish Highlands.
Here we have warm glow from the tree canopy and golden colours throughout and whilst this is great there is not one single clear subject.
The ground is busy with so many intermixing textures and there are hundreds of branches shooting in many different ways. There's no way to find focus and harmony here.
Minimalist compositions have a way of cutting through the noise, allowing the viewer's eyes to focus on the essence of the subject.
Less is more. This is the mantra of minimalist compositions.
Less clutter by removing extraneous objects, busy backgrounds, or unnecessary details. The absence of distractions enhances the visual impact of the subject.
Capture Less by using longer focal lengths. Capturing everything in a scene with a wide-angle lens is great and all, but that will also bring all the small and distracting details. Use a longer focal length to isolate your subjects from the clutter to make them stand out.
Morning light at Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland. The first sun rays burn the mist near Hvannadalshnúkur, the highest peak in Iceland.
Don't be afraid to zoom in. The above picture was taken at 135mm focal length. Isolating all the busy trees below the mountain and also the rest of the peaks. All that is left is the focus on that one sun lit ridge being glazed by mist.
Use negative space by intentionally leaving areas empty or unoccupied by the main subject. This allows the subject to breathe, it emphasizes the subject's isolation or importance. Consider capturing a portrait with a plain, uncluttered background. The negative space surrounding the subject can draw attention to their facial expressions or emotions, elevating the impact of the image. Moreover, negative space can emphasize the size and scale of the subject within its surroundings, creating a visually captivating composition - this is great for landscapes captured with telephoto lenses.
A busy picture can have perfect light and many nice looking elements, but at that point I consider it a nice phone or PC wallpaper and less of an image that tells a particular story.
In the same vein, a nice vista you see with your eyes not always translates to a great picture or composition.
Subjects Gaze: Guiding the Viewer's Journey
The gaze of your subjects is a powerful compositional element that can profoundly impact the storytelling and emotional resonance of your images. The direction in which a subject looks influences the viewer's perception and engagement with the photograph.
Contemplating the beauty of the Isle of Skye, Scotland.
A gaze into the distance can drive the viewer to move from the persons head to the direction of the horizon. Great to illustrate the vastness of a landscape.
The inverse of that is for the person to look towards an object creating a two subject relationship.
A subject looking directly into the camera establishes a personal connection, inviting the viewer into their world. Conversely, when a subject's gaze is directed towards an off-camera point of interest, curiosity and intrigue are sparked, prompting the viewer to explore the scene further.
The subject's gaze can also serve as a guide, leading the viewer's eye through the image, emphasizing other compositional elements or narrating a visual story.
Composition with Light and Shapes: Unveiling the Beauty
Light and shapes are fundamental components of composition. The interplay between light and shadow can create captivating images that convey depth, texture, and emotion.
Kirkjufell mountain jutting out like a spear from the landscape, Iceland.
The setting sun sidelights this grassy mountain. It accentuates the texture of the lines running down the hill. It creates a sense for the shape of the hill and a focal point for this minimalist composition.
Observe how light falls on your subject or scene and how it interacts with various shapes and forms. Backlighting can produce dramatic silhouettes, while sidelighting can accentuate textures and add dimension.
The sun goes down on Manchester. A view from the Peak District, United Kingdom.
The low sunset casts a backlight on the tall towers of the city of Manchester as well as the multiple hills in the foreground. This creates a dramatic when the shadows mix with the fiery light of the sky and the glow in the haze.
Cropping: The Art of Refinement
Cropping is a powerful tool in the photographer's arsenal, allowing you to refine and enhance the composition after capturing the initial image. It enables you to remove distractions, adjust the frame, and ultimately emphasize the main subject or elements that tell the story you want to convey.
(left) The Glamaig mountain peak shrouded in early morning fog on the Isle of Skye. (right) The Glenfinnan Viaduct, pilgrimage site for any Harry Potter fan. Scotland.
For the mountain peak image on the left, I've used cropping to remove the distracting neighbouring hill on the right of the image and also cropped the left side to bring ballance and sole focus on the center mountain.
For the image on the right of the steam train on the Glenfinnan Viaduct, I had to fix my mistake of not aligning the horizon to the viaduct. Further, I loved the idea of the foggy hill in the background to accentuate the vastness of the scene against the train, but it was too much. I cropped about 1/6 of the "sky". remove the distracting neighbouring hill on the right of the image and also cropped the left side to bring ballance and sole focus on the center mountain.
Through cropping, you can alter the aspect ratio, highlight specific details, or create a different mood within the image. For example, by cropping a landscape photo to a panoramic format, you can emphasize the vastness of the scene.
Combining 1:1 square crop with a minimalist composition is one aesthetically pleasing combination.
Embracing The Elements To Create Depth
In photography, weather conditions are ever-changing and provide unique opportunities to capture extraordinary moments. Whether it's the ethereal glow of sunrise, the moody drama of stormy skies, or the soft embrace of fog, each condition brings its own set of possibilities.
As for composition, fog, mist and haze are your friend. These atmospheric conditions not only add a sense of mystery and mood to your images but they can help you create depth and separation in your image. Imagine finding yourself in a dense and busy forest, where the rows of trees seem to blend together. However, with the presence of fog or mist, each row of trees becomes distinct and separated, almost like layers in a three-dimensional image. This provides a fantastic opportunity to leverage the natural elements to your advantage and emphasize your subject.
Little shoot of a coniferous tree adorned with autumn leaves.
Mornings can provide great conditions for fog in forests. When the cold night air gets in contact with the warm one from the sun.
It was much easier to pick out the subject form the usy background. The photo wouldn't have worked without the separation provided by the fog because the thing needles of the tree would've mixed with the background forming one indistinguishable texture.
Additionally, consider the interplay of light and shadow within the fog or mist. As light filters through the atmospheric particles, it creates beautiful and subtle variations in brightness and contrast. By understanding how light interacts with the fog, you can enhance the separation and depth even further. Pay attention to how the light falls on your subject, creating highlights and shadows that add dimension and further isolate it from the background.
Fog engulfs a valley at Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park, Wales.
Guiding the Viewer's Journey: Leading lines
Compositing with leading lines is a way to guide the viewer's journey through the image, creating a visual narrative that unfolds along a path of captivating lines or spirals for that matter. Think railway lines, buildings, rocks, rivers, fences.
A fishing village in the heart of the High Coast of Sweden.
The two deeply red houses and their reflection is the main subject of this photo. The foreground is occupied by to other houses to the sides which act as a framing device. Further, their roofs and exterior lines all point at our main subject.
By incorporating strong leading lines into the composition, photographers can draw the viewer's eye towards the main subject or key elements, leading them deeper into the image and enhancing the overall impact of the composition.
Rivers flowing into the heart of the Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon, Iceland.
You can find leading lines everywhere and you're not limited to human made objects. Here we have, two contrasting rivers, flowing against each other and leading the viewer's eye across the diagonal of the image.
Practicing Your Mind
And finally, most importantly, practice!
You don't even need a camera for that. Every day, when you wall down the road, your photographer eye will catch beauty in different scenes. From there, image how you would capture the scene, are the elements working together, would different framing make the scene even better, different focal length. Ask yourself all those questions every time and quickly you'll find yourself doing that automatically. Seeing scenes in your own unique way, composing them in your mind.
- Composition is the cornerstone of photography, it involves organizing visual elements and guiding the viewer’s gaze
- Composition techniques help photographers to make deliberate choices and tell stories with their images
- A golden ratio grid, composed of a few golden rectangles, is a mathematical ratio that provides a harmonious and organic composition, it can be applied by placing the subject or key elements along the intersecting lines.
- Exploring the potential of a scene requires patience and observation, it allows photographers to discover the most compelling composition from different angles and perspectives
- Balancing the elements of foreground, midground, and background creates depth and interest in the image, it can be achieved by using leading lines, framing, contrast, or colour
- Minimalist compositions use less clutter, negative space, and longer focal lengths to focus on the essence of the subject
- The subject’s gaze can create a personal connection, spark curiosity, or guide the viewer’s eye through the image
- Light and shapes can create captivating images that convey depth, texture, and emotion
- Cropping can refine and enhance the composition by removing distractions, adjusting the frame, and emphasizing the main subject or elements
- Weather conditions can provide unique opportunities to capture extraordinary moments and create depth and separation in the image
- Leading lines can help guide the viewer through the image. Those can be human made or natural objects.
- Practice your composition skills by observing and imagining how to capture scenes with your camera.