Photo Composition: Making People See What You Want

Geroldsee, Bavarian Alps
Canon EOS 5D IV + Canon EF 24-70mm @24mm f/2.8 L III IS/ ISO 160 - f/6.3 - 1/80 sec

Composition is the key to a great photograph. It is the way in which elements are arranged within the frame that can make a photo stand out from the rest. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced photographer, understanding the basics of composition can help you capture stunning photos that tell a story. In this blog post, we will delve deeper into the art of photo composition and provide you with tips and tricks that will help you create visually striking photographs.

Understanding Composition

Composition is the arrangement of elements within the frame of a photograph. It involves carefully selecting the subject, deciding on the angle and framing, and deciding where to place the elements within the frame. A well-composed photograph can capture the viewer's attention and create a lasting impact.

The Rule of Thirds

Gaisalpsee, Bavarian Alps. Rule of thirds + back light
DJI Mavic 2 pro - ISO 100 - f/5.6 - 1/160 sec

One of the most basic rules of composition is the Rule of Thirds. This rule suggests that you divide your frame into thirds both horizontally and vertically, creating a grid of nine equal squares. The points where these lines intersect are where you should place the most important elements of your photograph. This helps to create a sense of balance and harmony within the frame.

Look at the image. The mountain can be found near the top-right intersection, while the lake is located near the bottom-left intersection. Note that the points of interest do not have to be located exactly at the intersections, but rather anywhere along the lines.

Framing

Framing is another important element of composition. It refers to the way in which you position your subject within the frame. You can use natural elements such as trees, archways, or windows to create a frame around your subject, drawing the viewer's eye towards it. This technique can create depth and dimension within the photograph.

Leading Lines

Leading lines are a powerful tool in composition. They are lines that lead the viewer's eye towards the subject, creating a sense of movement and direction within the frame. Leading lines can be created by anything from roads, bridges, or fences to the natural lines created by the shape of the subject itself.

Symmetry and Patterns

Pattern of trees + rule of thirds (subject almost in the lower third of the frame)
Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 15-35mm @15mm f/2.8 L IS/ ISO 320 - f/5 - 1/500 sec

Symmetry and patterns can create a sense of harmony within the frame. They can help to create a sense of balance and order within the photograph. Symmetry is when the elements within the frame are identical or very similar on either side of the frame. Patterns are repetitions of similar elements within the frame.

Tips for Better Composition

Now that you understand the basics of composition, here are some tips and tricks that will help you create visually striking photographs:

Keep it simple: Don't overcrowd your frame with too many elements. Focus on your subject and remove any distracting elements that don't add to the overall composition.
Pay attention to the background: The background can make or break a photograph. Make sure that it is not too busy or distracting and that it adds to the overall composition.
Experiment with angles: Try shooting from different angles to add depth and dimension to your photographs. Don't be afraid to get up close and personal with your subject.
Use the environment to your advantage: Look for natural elements that can help you create a more interesting composition. Use leading lines, symmetry, and patterns to create a sense of harmony within the frame.
Use reflections to create symmetry.
Use the Rule of Thirds when positioning your horizon line. It should fall along either the lower or upper line.
Break the rules: While the Rule of Thirds is a great starting point, don't be afraid to break the rules of composition to create a more unique and interesting photograph.
Keep your horizon straight. This simple adjustment will automatically improve your photos. Please do it.

The Importance of Light in Composition

The image is backlit (with soft light) and follows the rule of thirds. Note that the right side of the image is left empty to create more space in the direction of the subject's gaze. Additionally the subject is isolated with a blurred background.
Canon EOS R5 + Canon EF 24-70mm @50mm f/2.8 L III IS/ ISO 200 - f/2.8 - 1/240 sec

Light is one of the most important elements in photography. It can have a significant impact on the composition of a photograph and can affect the mood and tone of the image. Understanding how to use light in your compositions can help you create visually striking photographs that tell a story.

Types of Light

Using both artificial and natural light can produce complementary colors such as teal and orange + Rule of Thirds
Canon EOS R5 + Canon RF 15-35mm @15mm f/2.8 L IS/ ISO 4000 - f/2.8 - 8 sec

There are several types of light that you may encounter when taking photographs. These include natural light, artificial light, and mixed lighting. Natural light is the light that comes from the sun or the moon. It can vary depending on the time of day and weather conditions. Artificial light is any light that is not natural, such as light from lamps or overhead fixtures. Mixed lighting occurs when both natural and artificial light sources are present in the same photograph.

How to use: Depending on the effect you want to achieve, one type of lighting may be more desirable than the other. Artificial light can create a different feeling. Personally, I rarely use it, but I have a couple of pictures to show you.

Direction of Light

Picture with side light. Note that the light is soft because it is sunset. If you take it at midday, the light will be harsh.
Canon EOS R5 + Canon EF 24-70mm @39mm f/2.8 L III IS/ ISO 1000 - f/2.8 - 1/250 sec

The direction of light can have a significant impact on the composition of a photograph. Front lighting occurs when the light source is in front of the subject. This type of lighting can create a well-lit and evenly exposed image, but can also result in a lack of depth and texture. Side lighting occurs when the light source is to the side of the subject. This type of lighting can create depth and texture by highlighting the contours of the subject. Back lighting occurs when the light source is behind the subject. This type of lighting can create a silhouette effect or can highlight the details of the subject.

Quality of Light

The light is extremely soft due to the blue hour (after sunset), resulting in very few shadows and highly diffused light + Rule of Thirds + Framing (one time with the lake and one time the bridge)
Canon EOS 5DIV + Canon EF 24-70mm @57mm f/2.8 L III IS/ ISO 3200 - f/2.8 - 1/80 sec

The quality of light can significantly impact the composition of a photograph. Soft light is created when the light source is large and diffused, such as on an overcast day. This type of light can produce a gentle and flattering effect on the subject. In contrast, hard light occurs when the light source is small and direct, such as during midday sun, resulting in strong shadows and highlights. This type of light can be used to create a dramatic effect in the photograph. Personally, I tend to avoid using direct light, as it can be unflattering for landscape photography and harsh for portraits if not used correctly.

Color Temperature

As the sun sets, the light becomes warmer, affecting the landscape and the sky. Note that in this image, natural light illuminates my subject (the mountain), while other parts of the image appear darker.
Canon EOS 5D IV + Canon EF 24-70mm @24mm f/2.8 L III IS/ ISO 160 - f/6.3 - 1/80 sec

The color temperature of light can affect the composition of a photograph. Color temperature refers to the warmth or coolness of the light source. Daylight has a neutral color temperature, while artificial light sources can vary in color temperature. Understanding the color temperature of the light source can help you create a harmonious color balance in your photographs, and you can also create images with complementary colors. This effect is often seen in sunsets, with parts of the sky in cyan or light blue and other parts in yellow or orange, which are complementary colors (I promise to write about color theory in more depth in the future.)

Using Light to Create Mood

Light can also be used to create mood in your photographs. Warm, golden light can create a sense of warmth and comfort, while cool, blue light can create a sense of isolation or melancholy. By understanding how different types of light can affect mood, you can use light to enhance the overall composition of your photograph.

Light is a fundamental element in photography that can significantly impact the composition of a photograph. Understanding how to use different types of light, direction, quality, and color temperature can help you create visually striking photographs that tell a story. By experimenting with different lighting techniques, you can enhance the mood and tone of your photographs and take your photography to the next level.

You may also like to read

The Power of Storytelling in Photography

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How people see your images?

When you compose and post-process an image, you should always consider what you want to convey. If you took an amazing picture of a landscape without a subject, you may end up with an average picture. When you create a picture, you act as the tour guide for your viewers' eyes. You decide what they should see first, second, and last. But how? Typically, people first look at parts of the image that are:

In focus
Brighter
Sharper

Once their eyes have focused on these parts of the image, they will follow:

Leading lines
Patterns

So use light wisely. Maybe you have already taken many good pictures, and you don't know why they are so appealing.

Conclusion

Composition is an essential element of photography. It is the way in which you arrange elements within the frame that can make a photograph stand out. By understanding the basics of composition and experimenting with different techniques, you can create visually striking photographs that tell a story. Remember to keep it simple, pay attention to the background, and use the environment to your advantage. Don't be afraid to break the rules and experiment with different angles and techniques. With practice and patience, you can master the art of photo composition and take your photography to the next level.