Learn Photography - Ten Best Composition Tips

So what is composition? The dictionary defines it as “the act of mixing parts or elements to form a whole”. What you want to do in composing a picture is to take the important components of the locationand mix them in such a way, so as to create a photo very pleasing to the eye. That is all well and good, however, how can we do that most effectively? Here are ten top tips.

1. Clearly identify your subject.

This is what the non-negotiable of taking photographs is all about. Composing an image. If you can’t compose a picture you cannot. that’s the bottom line. that is where your photography journey starts as a beginner. Learning to put the elements in the photo is natural for some however, for the rest of us we now have to learn. Unless your subject is the focal point of the image you don’t have a photo. When looking at the picture a person ought to have the ability to clearly identify the subject. So make sure you give enough consideration to the object of your focus.

2. Fill your frame

One of the most frequent mistakes made by budding photographers is that they don't fill the frame with their subject or the key parts of the image. Get in nearer and exclude the components that you just don’t want. Open space serves no function when the subject is simply too small or can't be identified.

3. Don’t amputate

This means that you shouldn’t cut off a part of your subject unless it is intentional to create an effect. Missing components of people or objects aggravatethe person viewing itand create an incomplete image. It distracts the eye. So watch the perimeters of your photograph.

4. Horizontal vs vertical

Camera suppliers are to blame for this situation because all cameras are designed to be held in a horizontal format. It shouldn’t be an either or scenario but rather a both and’. Try to take the photo 50% of the time in both formats. There isn't a law which is best and the bottom line is to try new things.

5. Different angles

Shoot from high up or low down. Utilize your feet and move about round the focal point searching for the best angle. Do not be afraid to get down on your stomach or climb a tree. Try to find completely different and unique viewpoints that can make your images more attractive.

6. The rule of thirds

Think of a tic tac toe grid or noughts and crosses lines running across your photograph dividing it into thirds horizontally and vertically. Where the lines cross or intersect are the best placement points for your subjects or objects. Never place the horizon of a landscape shot in the middle of your shot. At all times position it on a horizontal thirds line. Subjects like lighthouses can be placed down one of the vertical thirds lines.

7. Look for frames

These come in two types, natural or man-made. Natural could be an opening in vegetation or a rock formation with a hole in it. Man-made frames are doorways, windows or arches. All of these help contain a point of focus or setting in a form that may be very pleasing to the eye.

8. Simplify

Trying to include a lot in an image typically spoils it. A photo that's cluttered will cause the attention of the viewer to dart around the photograph trying to make sense of it. Much less is more as the old wise saying goes. Eradicate anything that will distract the attention or is unnecessary to the memory you are trying to produce.

9. Keep an eye on your background

Make sure that there's nothing present that might detract from your focal point. Objects like chimneys rising out of heads and other things diverting the eye from the main subject. You need balance by not going in too close but incorporating enough of the background of the focal point or object to contextualise it.

10. Lines, patterns and shapes

Try to find interesting patterns, lines and shapes. Lines direct the eye to focal points. A river, road, fence or path in a basic ‘s’ contour draws the attention along the route into your shot. Strong verticals provide height to your image and diagonals add depth. Turn your viewfinder enabling straight lines to travel from corner to corner within the frame.

Essentialto great composing is thought. Deliberate before you press the shutter button and think about all of these points. Create a mental check list to help you add these parts and make that outstanding composition.

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Wayne Turner studied with the New York Institute of Photography and has been teaching photography for 25 years. CLICK HERE to learn digital photography with him by subscribing to his FREE 10 PART PHOTOGRAPHY E-COURSE, emailed daily to your INBOX - To dramatically improve your photography here is his latest ebook, 21 STEPS TO PERFECT PHOTOS - CLICK HERE

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