What is Composition?

Composition is probably one of the most important things when it comes to photography, and often, something many forget to pay attention to.

When you compose a photograph you should pay attention not just to the main subject, but how your subject sits in its surroundings, and even whether the surroundings could have been a better choice to begin with (i.e. put some thought into your photoshoot locations).

Below are a few tips that will help you when composing your shots.

Rule Of thirds

The first rule of thumb to learn is the rule of thirds. It is the most common way of composing a picture for maximum impact.

Imagine that your view finder is separated into a grid of nine squares. Rather than placing your subject in the centre you place it at any or more than one of the intersecting lines, or, the points of interest (marked in red).

This helps to give your photograph a nice balance. Try it and see!




Eye Line

Remember, different subjects equal different heights. So don’t get lazy and not move around your subject!

Move around, get above, below or equal to the subjects eye level if it has eyes (lol)! Capturing a photo shooting on a downward angle can look far different then shooting from an upwards angle. There is no reason you have to always shoot straight on. In fact, you'll get more striking/interesting shots if you don't.

Portrait and Landscape

Think about framing your subject when you choose to shoot landscape or not. Is it a tall building, waterfall, person? Or are you capturing a beautiful landscape?

Although there is no specific way to shoot any one subject, taking into account what you want to get out of the shot can help you choose which way to shoot. Tighter crops on a person’s face would call for a portrait shot, but a wider angle with them looking across onto countryside, would be best shot in landscape.

Backgrounds

Many photographers can be so caught up in the actual shot that they forget their surroundings! When composing your shot you have to always take into consideration the background. It can easily make or break your shot. For example, would you prefer a picture of a dog in a horrible dirty kitchen, or in a nice green field?

Depth of Field

Deciding what to focus on will dictate the feel of your shot, as the viewer will be drawn to the object you had in focus when you took the shot. You can also use focus to give you some control over busy backgrounds that are sometimes unavoidable.

Conclusion

So there you have it, the basics when it comes to composition. Now, whenever you take a photo think about all these things, is my location a good one? How is this angle? What should I focus on? Should I use the rule of thirds?

Taking a little time setting up your shot can make the difference between the photo being a mere 'snap'.... or a masterpiece

To Do:

In this month's challenge we want you to compose 3 photographs using at least 3 of the tips above.

Explain to the viewer where each technique has been applied and further demonstrate as to why that technique was applied to compliment your composure.

Add your results to this thread

Good luck! And we look forward to seeing what you come up with!

Thanks KK - an excellent lesson

I look forward to seeing everyone's photos

Nice lesson KK! can i add just a little bit to the background part... you can tell me to go away if you want, but just to mention about thinking about your surroundings, and try and keep the focus on the subject and avoid distracting colours in the background even if blurred such as bright red and yellows as your eyes are automatically going to focus on these colours....

Will be trying out a few ips from this lesson though, will post my results!

Sammy

Great lesson- You want me to get technical, and explain why and how I did something I shall try my best
Thanks for the lesson xx

Looking forward to seeing how different people use the lesson.

Hummm...next week.....maybe.....Great lesson though!

kept the trees to the side filled 2 of the side circles
tried to keep depth of field so you can mabye just make out the clouds or snow? on the far hills in the background
cropped the tree so it didnt detract from the seaview
had to stand on a rock to get the pic. was a bit slippy but managed. it was a sunset pic so light was low.

Yeah i will! Go away!! LOL

Seriously, anyone can add a few hints and tips in here if they wish Iv prob missed a bit out as i was running back and forth painting the bedroom! LOL

Were we supposed to take photo's specifically for this? I've found some recent pictures that I think take on board these points. I hope that's ok.

Trying Eyeline. I took this above the subject, with her roughly centered. Is this what you meant?



This one is hopefully demonstrating rules of thirds? I think it's in the top right of those circles. That right?



Background. I prefer taking outside pictures than in, as I find the backgrounds much prettier. But, is the subject too centered?

I think one and two are great demonstrations - and show it!

Number 3, the background is nice but I think the angle is not quite working?

Thanks
I know what you mean, what angle do you think would be better?