Rules of Composition in Photography are intuitive guidelines that you ponder every time you take a photograph.
Yes, anyone can take a photograph! However, if you want to shoot great photographs, then knowing these intuitive guidelines will give you the creative edge in your photography.
5 Key Rules of Composition in Photography
We write about rules of composition in photography but in reality it is better to note them as guidelines for creative composition.
These 5 rules (guidelines) of composition in photography will assist you in developing a creative eye for great photographs.
1. The Rules of Thirds
When most people take a photograph, they usually place the subject in the middle of the image. Before I got into photography, I just assumed (like most people) that your subject should be in the middle of the frame.
When I began the process of studying photography, I soon learned the rules of thirds. The Rule of Thirds encourages the photographer to divide the image into nine equal segments with two vertical and two horizontal lines.
When you are looking at a photographic opportunity, learn to position your subject along the lines or at the point of intersection.
Once you grasp the rule of thirds, you will intuitively see this rule in play in all your photographic opportunities.
In the photograph above, the position of the trees are in and around the intersection of the lines. This helped me create an exciting photograph!
Remember the rule of thirds in a guideline that helps you frame creative photographs in order to draw people into the image you created.
2. Depth of Field (DOF)
Depth of Field (DOF) is an important element of photography. Photography is two dimensional; however, you can create a three-dimensional look to your photographs with an understanding of depth of field.
You can create a shallow depth of field (see flower image above) or large depth of field (see landscape image below).
Large depth of field gives that three dimensional look to your landscape images. The foreground, middle ground and background are clear and draws the person looking at the photograph into the image.
Shallow depth of field is used to take portraits and close-ups; whereas, large depth of field is used for landscapes.
Grasping depth of field will give you the creative edge in your photography. You can read more information about depth of field (DOF) by clicking here.
3. Framing
You can add interest to your photography by framing your photograph. In the landscape photograph below, the tree to the right adds a framing effect.
When you are taking photographs, look for the natural elements that could frame your image. You may need to move around and find a different position to take your photo.
You just need to develop an eye for this rule. Generally, great creative photographs do not just happen. You need to make it happen by following the guidelines and being aware of the nature elements around you in order to frame your image to draw people into your photograph.
Sometimes you can find a nature frame as shown in the photograph below! However, this doesn’t happen too often. You will need to use your eye to pick up the nature elements around you for a framing effect.
4. Balance
Balance is all about getting your composition right.
You don’t want your image too cluttered and you don’t want your image too bear.
You may need to change the angle of your shot or the position from where you take the shot to get the balance exactly right.
Sometimes it is beneficial to walk around your subject matter to see the best balance for the photograph. This may means you need to take some time experimenting in order to get the angle right and balance right for the shot.
Sometimes it is simple a matter of stepping back or stepping forward or sideways to get the balance right.
5. Lines
Lines is another way to develop the creative edge in your photography.
Nature provides great symmetry for landscapes. It may be the skyline, tree line, the cliff edge, the mountain tops, the river edge, the road, the train tracks, the buildings, a bridge or a row of wheat.
You can use these lines to enhance your photograph and to draw people into your photograph.
The 5 Rules of Composition in Photography are intuitive guidelines that helps you develop the creative edge to your photography.
As I said before, creative photographs don’t just happen. You will need to work for those magical shots. You may need to go back to the same area several times before you get the perfect image.
I go back to the places that I have been at different times of the day just to get those creative images. However, I still keep in mind the 5 rules of composition in photography whenever I planned a trip. These rules are always in the back of my mind when I am looking for that great image.