Focus on Composition: The S Curve

By Mike Panic on 17 Mar 2010 in Shooting[ 5 Comments ]

Concepts and guides in photography are building blocks to creating and capturing wonderful images. While the rule of thirds is among the most common building block in composition, the S-curve is also one to be on the look out for.

Photo by nickton

The S-curve can lead into or out of a scene, start at the bottom or side, but fundamentally it will roughly shape the letter S and either define the photograph or split the composition into two sections.

In the photo below, you’ll notice that it doesn’t follow the rule of thirds for the horizon placement but that’s OK. The S-curve is placed into the right third most of the frame, so vertically speaking it does separate the composition in a pleasing manner. Utilizing an S-curve is all about balance.

Photo by swotai

S-curves also don’t need to be used as separators or dividers, they can also be utilized as the focal point of the photo, as seen below in this winter photo at the mountain.

Photo by jurvetson

While these three examples show mostly landscapes, S-curves are visible in most all types of photography, including shooting people and groups. The key is to look for and exploit the oppertunities you have to utilize these soft, flowing lines to either help create compositional separation in the frame or utilize the curve itself as the focal point and featured portion of the image.

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Tags: composition, s curve

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5 Comments

GRTaylor2:

When I think of “S” curve composition I immediately think of Ansel Adam's Snake River photograph. I was lucky enough to have an opportunity to recreate that photo in the summer of 2009.

Here's a video of the experience: http://grtaylor2.com/2010/01/focus-1/

March 18, 2010 at 2:27 pmReply
Ann Marcaida:

Interestingly, the S-curve is one of Andy Goldsworthy's three thematic shapes.

March 19, 2010 at 6:56 amReply
ericcgould:

A women's body can be a wonderful example of an S-curve. Wedding photographers are always looking for the wonderful pose for their portraits.

March 22, 2010 at 3:40 pmReply
Light Stalking:

Good tip Eric!

March 30, 2010 at 6:17 pmReply
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