1.2.2 Digital Photography- Composition Techniques

Use Layers in the Frame​

Using foreground, middle-ground, and background in an image to create an illusion of depth in an image.

Patterns and Textures

Using patterns, forms and textures to add a new depth and interest to photographs

Shoot from Above

When the camera is placed directly above the subject. It's somewhere around a 90-degree angle above the scene taking place. Overhead shots are also called a bird view, bird's eye view, or elevated shot.

Shoot from Below​

a shot in which the camera is placed below the eye level, near the ground, and aimed upwards to capture the subject. Since these shots are taken from a different angle, they add attractive details to the setting. Low angle shots make your subject appear larger, wider, taller, and closer.

Diagonals and Triangles​

incorporating diagonal lines and triangles, real or implied, creates a sense of movement and help direct the eye to the subject.

Breaking the Pattern

A technique where a contrasting object is added (color, shape, texture) or removed from repeated objects.

Leading Lines

A photo composition technique in which real or imaginary lines in a photo lead the eye to the dominant element, primary subject or center of interest.

Rule of Thirds

A composition rule that divides the screen into thirds horizontally and vertically, like a tic-tac toe grid placed over the picture on a television set. Almost all of the important information included in every shot is located at one of the four intersections of the horizontal and vertical lines

Wait for the "Decisive Moment"​

A concept popularized by the famed French street photographer and photojournalist Henri Cartier-Bresson. Throughout the 20th century, as smaller, more mobile cameras became available to photographers, the possibility of capturing real, unstaged, and genuinely honest pieces of life.

Simplicity and Minimalism​

A form of photography that is distinguished by plain and simple subjects. It emphasizes spareness and focuses solely on the smallest number of objects in the composition process.

Golden Ratio/Spiral​

Complicated version of rule of thirds, similar to golden triangles​. Sometimes called the Fibonacci spiral, golden spiral, phi grid, divine proportion, or the golden mean. It helps to lead the viewer through the entire photo. The composition will be more pleasing and balanced for the human eye.

Use Black and White​

Composition technique that removes any distraction from color and helps the viewer focus on other aspects of the photo, such as the subject, the textures, shapes and patterns, and the composition.

Let the Eye Wander Around the Frame​

Composition without a specific subject. Includes plenty of different characters and activities going on in the frame.​

Left to Right Rule​

If a subject is moving from one side of your frame to the other, it's best to photograph them moving from the left side of the frame to the right side of the frame.

Look for Particular Color Combinations​

Intentional use of color schemes or complimentary colors to create intentional moods in images.

Use Background Give Context to the Subject​

One of the easiest ways to add personality and style to your studio photography and videos. Whether you are shooting portraits or products, the backdrop behind your subject can make or break your image. Cluttered backgrounds are distracting and draw attention away from your subject.

Foreground Interest and Depth​

One of the simplest ways to create deep, three-dimensional photos. Focused interest on elements at the front of the scene that draws the views eyes to the rest of the photo.

Centered Composition

Placing your subject at the center of the frame, such that it splits in half, either horizontally or vertically. Due to perfect symmetry, this composition creates an aesthetically pleasing balance in your image.

Frame within a frame

Positioning your main subject so it's framed by something natural or man-made within the scene.

Juxtaposition​

Refers to the inclusion of two or more elements in a scene that can either contrast with each other or complement each other. Both approaches can work very well and play an important part in enabling the photo to tell a story.​

Leave Negative Space​

Related to minimalist photography. It emphasizes not just the subject, but the empty space around the subject. The viewer's eyes may be drawn to a central figure, but they can't help noticing the large section of emptiness that surrounds and defines that figure.

Rule of Space

Relates to the direction the subject of the photograph is moving in, or even just looking in. If you photograph a runner, the rule says that you should have more space in front of the runner than behind, thus giving him space to move into within the picture.

Golden Triangles​

Similar to rule of thirds, but frame is divided with diagonals. Using triangles instead of boxes to create diagonals across a composition. The lines help position the various elements in the scene.​

Rule of Odds​

The rule suggests that an image is more visually appealing if there are an odd number of subjects. The theory proposes that an even number of elements in a scene is distracting as the viewer is not sure which one to focus his or her attention on. An odd number of elements is seen as more natural and easier on the eye.

Balance Elements in the Scene​

The size and placement of the main subject within the frame, its proximity to other objects in the image, and the contrast between their colors, tones, and even textures.

Fill the Frame

The technique of composing an image so that positive space takes up most or all of the frame. The opposite of using negative space in a composition. Commonly a single subject, is framed close up so that it literally fills the entire space.

Isolate the Subject

This technique puts all of the focus on the image to the subject. The background may be blurred to remove distractions from your main subject.