5 secrets of perfect composition

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Composition is one of the main ingredients of good photography. The ability to build it correctly comes with experience. Here are five tips to help you upgrade this ability.

1. One photo session - one lens

Photo lenses have a huge impact on pictures, so the best way to find out exactly what effect a particular lens adds is to shoot them in different situations, spending some time on it.

It is, of course, good to have several lenses on hand and change them as needed. But in this case, there will be too many unknowns in the formula for a successful shot, and at first our task is to reduce their number to a minimum. Unless, of course, you want to shoot well at all times, and not only when you're lucky.

2. Give up the color for a while

Seriously, this is one of the most common guidelines for building a good composition. And for good reason. Color is another powerful ingredient that dominates any photo and makes it difficult to perceive texture, lines, and tonal contrast. Remove the color and it will be much easier to see.

Take the photo above, for example. Pay attention to how the details immediately catch the eye: the white rectangle, hieroglyphs and rhombuses of the tile. All of this is much easier to see in black and white.

3. Look for repeating patterns and shapes

Don't miss out on the opportunity to use repeating elements to create an interesting composition. This photo is perfect as an example. It has two strong touches. The first is a structure formed by rows of cards, and the second is a line of shelves that cross the frame diagonally.

This repetition of forms can be found in almost any situation, so it makes sense to stop and think: perhaps it is worth changing the angle and presenting the plot from a different angle.

4. The magic of lines

Lines are also present in almost any photo, they form the basis of the composition and determine the direction of the viewer's gaze. Depending on the type, each of the lines has its own magical properties. Horizontal lines visually stretch the frame, adding space, vertical lines make it more expressive and strong, and diagonal lines bring dynamics. Curved lines remain, ranging from relaxation (less curvature) to tension (more curved).

The photo above uses a combination of converging diagonal lines that go towards the horizon, emphasizing the depth and infinity of the plot.

5. The effect of negative space

You've probably heard that you can improve your photo by getting closer to your subject, and in most cases this is true. Negative space works exactly the opposite: if you step back and surround the object with emptiness, you can create an equally effective image.

This technique is well illustrated in the photo above. Gray sand and clouds are the very negative space, barely noticeable human silhouettes add scale. Like lines, negative space can be found in almost any plot. Take a little time to use this technique wisely, and you will get a very unusual effect.