Page 40 - (DK) Advanced Photography Guide

38 EXPLAINING | THE RULES OF COMPOSITION

GUIDELINES EXAMPLES

FILL THE FRAME
If you include too many competing elements in a photo, it can be hard to “read,” or
understand what is going on. To create visual impact, fill the frame with your subject,
excluding most or all of the background. Don’t be afraid to lose the outer edges of
your subject; the important details, such as facial features in the case of a portrait,
are all that you need. To fill the frame, you either need to get close to your subject
or shoot with a long-focal-length lens. Alternatively, there are times when shooting
your subject as a small part of a much larger scene creates a statement.

SIMPLIFY THE BACKGROUND
A simple background creates negative space, which helps to define the shape of your
subject. Try to find a naturally plain background, or if that is not possible, shoot so
that the background is out of focus. A neutral- or cool-colored background is less
obtrusive than one with a warm color. A long-focal-length lens is ideal, as it helps
you to exclude distracting details. Restrict depth of field by using a large aperture
and focusing on the subject. In complete contrast, you may sometimes want to
incorporate a complex background to create a sense of atmosphere.

LOOK FOR PATTERN AND TEXTURE
Patterns are created when a shape is repeated across the image space, and they
can be particularly interesting when they stretch to the edge of the photo, as that
implies the pattern continues beyond it. Texture describes the qualities of an object’s
surface, such as whether it is hard, smooth, soft, or rough. Soft lighting tends to
flatten texture, whereas harder lighting, particularly side lighting, helps to reveal
it by creating shadows and highlights. You can also create interesting images by
looking out for forms or colors that break a regular pattern or texture.

EXPLORE SYMMETRY
Simple bilateral symmetry occurs when half of a composition is mirrored in the
other half, like when there is a reflection in a lake. The “fold line” for the symmetry
can be either horizontal or vertical. Radial symmetry is when the symmetry radiates
around a point, as is often the case with flower heads. Symmetrical compositions
are inherently calming, although they can look contrived. As with pattern above, you
can also create visual impact by disrupting symmetry. One way to achieve this effect
is to shoot just part of something that is symmetrical, or to set it off-center.

ENJOY COLOR
Having an eye for colors and how they work together is an important part of
creating a good composition (see pp.40–41). Color creates an emotional response
and affects how viewers respond to your photo. Hues are influenced by the type of
light illuminating a scene, by the direction of the light, and by camera functions such
as White Balance and the color settings that you select. Bright colors may create
immediate impact, but muted colors can be equally pleasing, so make the most
of a minimalist, monochrome palette if you chance upon the right scene.

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