Composition is a way to guide the viewer through the photograph to the subject of interest. There are no composition “rules” in photography but “guidelines” to create compelling images. These guidelines can improve the way you compose an image and help to create a balance between the elements in the frame.
Once you become familiar with these rules, you can either use them in your compositions or just break them to create your own style.
Most of you will be aware of the composition rules like the rule of thirds, leading lines, textures, symmetry and patterns, vantage points, depth, s curves, negative space, etc.
Here Are Three Composition Rules Many Photographers Do Not Know
1. Golden ratio or the Golden Spiral: The golden ratio is a spiral or a grid that helps create a perfect balance between the elements in the frame and makes the composition very pleasing to the human eye. If you are using the phi grid, place elements at one of the intersections of the lines. If you are using the spiral, place the element (point of interest) in the smallest part of the spiral.
Note: The phi grid is slightly different from the rule of thirds grid. The lines are spaced differently in the phi grid and allow for slightly different compositions.
Image by Marcin Milewski
Image by DaBrick
Image by Marcin Milewski
2. Diagonals: When composing the image, especially in architecture and landscape photography or any photography that includes some form of lines, look for some diagonals to compose your image. It can make the image look more dynamic and create a strong impact for the viewer.
Image by Wgbieber
Image by Xusenru
3. Rule of Odds: According to this rule, if you are going to place more than one subject in the frame, the composition will be visually appealing if you place odd number of subjects. Do not use 2, but use, 3, 5 or 7. This is not always possible when shooting engagements, weddings or couples, but is something that can be used while composing images out of this situation.
Image from Pixabay by Nasalune
Composition is undeniably the most important part of photography to create visually compelling images. If you want to learn composition in depth, you should check out Advanced Composition by Photzy.
