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Also see:
Composing a Photo,
Using Colour in
Photography,
Photographing Cats
Leading Lines.
By using the naturally occurring lines in your scene, you can
easily compose a photo that is dramatic and pleasing to look at. Use two
converging lines from a low viewpoint as a way to add depth to a scene.
Pic 5 uses the lines of the footpath, leading down to the
monument to add depth and interest.
Pic 6 is a dramatic example of using converging lines, where
almost every element in the scene leads to the subjects.....my family (or part
thereof….there’s a coupla kids missing).
Use a curved line to lead the eye around the photo to take in the
whole scene.
Pic 7 is a classic example of a curved line leading the viewer
through the entire scene.
Pic 8 is a more subtle example where the natural curves of the
cat lead you from her front paw to the tip of her tail.
Repeating Patterns.
Images which are composed fully or partially of a repeating
pattern can have a lot of impact and once you are aware of the difference it can
make to a photo, you’ll be more aware of what to look for. Patterns occur in
nature, in architecture, in artwork and in many unexpected places.
Even more interesting is a photo with a repeating pattern which
is broken by another element within the frame.
In Pic 9, the almost colourless photo is given impact with the
repeating pattern of the bottle necks.
In Pic 10, the shape and bands on the barrels add interest to the
photo.
And in Pic 11, an unexpected pattern occurs with the kitten lined
up against their mother.
Pic 12 is a good example of a naturally occurring pattern broken
by the introduction of another element.
The Use of Angles and Triangles.
This compositional skill works beautifully when combined with
the rule of thirds, leading lines or a repeating pattern. It can also be used to
great success on it’s own by using a naturally occurring line to cut through
your scene from one corner to another. It’s all a matter of looking through the
viewfinder (or LCD) and using the elements in the scene to their best advantage.
Cats are made of triangular shapes and in Pic 13, Sophie’s face
and ears look very triangular while the folds of the fabric create more
triangles.
In Pic 14, the main elements are roughly triangular shapes while
there are more triangles found in the repeating patterns in the water and sand.
Pic 15 shows a wedge slicing through the scene to separate the
water from the sky. And Pic 16 demonstrates a line slicing through on an angle,
dividing the frame into two triangles.
By using any of these compositional rules, or a combination of
two or more, your photos will have added interest and become more pleasing to
look at.
When composing a photo, take your time to look at the scene
through the viewfinder. Make decisions about what you do and do not want in the
photo and position yourself to remove any unwanted elements or for a more
pleasing composition. Experiment by taking a few steps forward or back, or
looking at it from a different angle. Train your eye to scan the scene and the
background for distracting items, then zoom in or recompose the photo for a
better and more interesting scene.
The photos used to illustrate this tutorial remain the property
of Gayle Knowles and may not be used, published or distributed without the
permission of the photographer. |
