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Compositional techniques for budding photographers

There are design principles that make the difference between a great photograph and an ordinary one. Principles that come naturally to many but have to be learnt by others. The important thing is that these principles are not overly complex once you understand and practice them.
Author: Sahayak Plowman	Article Tools:

There are design principles that make the difference between a great photograph and an ordinary one. Principles that come naturally to many but have to be learnt by others. The important thing is that these principles are not overly complex once you understand and practice them. These tips will give you increased confidence and help you improve your compositional techniques.

• Horizon rule - try not to divide the image you see in the viewfinder exactly in two by using a horizon. Whether it is an horizon created by buildings, rolling countryside, mountains, ocean horizon or a line of objects. Compose your photo then angle your camera either upward or downward so as to place the horizon in either the top or the bottom section of your viewfinder. By recomposing in this way you are including the main subject either above or below your horizon.

• One-third rule - Some camera viewfinders are divided into one-thirds. If yours isn't imagine that it is. This principle suggests that the main subject matter should be within one of the thirds, not in the centre.

• Leading lines - any group of objects or line that leads the viewers eye along until it reaches the main subject matter are called leading lines. There are so many - rows of posts, the edge of a stream, shadows, arches or clouds. Invariably these lines shall lead to the main subject matter that is resting within the one-third section of your viewfinder.

• Centre of interest - Move in closer to the subject leaving no doubt of what you are photographing.

• Framing - Search for objects that frame (surround either partially or fully) the main subject matter. Some can be archways, doorways, window frames, foliage, circles or parallel structures.

• Light and shade - The eye is naturally drawn to light areas. You can use this to draw a viewer's attention to the main subject matter. Be careful though not to have a light area at the edge of your photo. You run the risk of drawing the viewer's attention to that point then out of the picture. Conversely you can direct the viewer's eye away with a dark area.

• Repetition of patterns/colours/shapes - This concept creates a lot of interest. Telephoto lenses help to concentrate areas of similarity.

• Eliminate distractions - Having chosen your main subject matter ensure that there are no other images within the frame that may conflict with holding the viewers attention to that point.

• Creating depth - Here you use your f-stops to create depth of field so as to subtly eliminate areas of similar/dissimilar topic away from main subject matter. For example, if you are photographing a bee resting on a sunflower within a field of sunflowers, then use your f-stops to hold the bee in focus with the field of flowers in the background out of focus. Or if you are photographing children playing and you are photographing through a wire fence, then use f-stops to capture the children only, the fence will be invisible in your shot.

Now the thing to remember these are only suggested techniques, never allow these rules to restrict your creative talents. It also helps to look at other photographers work, look for the way they use composition to create powerful or subtle imagery. These can often inspire you to create you own stunning images. The main point is to enjoy your photography so as to allow your creative energies to naturally and spontaneously flow.

About Author

Sahayak Plowman has travelled extensively through S.E. Asia and Australia as a freelance photographic journalist. He has had four feature articles published in GEO Magazine and won first prize in an international landscape competition. He has had five solo and numerous joint exhibitions, his prints are in various private collections throughout Australia, he is studying meditation with Sri Chinmoy and is the webmaster for Sri Chinmoy Books.com http://www.srichinmoybooks.com/

Article Source: http://www.1888articles.com/author-sahayak-plowman-228.html

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