Composition

Getting it Right

• Rule of thirds

• Creative framing

• Balance & symmetry

• Foreground

• Depth of field

• Patterns & textures

• Shapes & leading lines

Techniques

There are a lot of options, a few rules, and endless possibility when it comes to creative composition. There are a few things, however, that can really ruin a photo and we’ll be sure to talk about that, but for now let’s look at some options.

• Using the grid in your viewfinder or in live-view mode will help to give you a visual for the rule of thirds if you can’t quite see it in your mind. The whole point of this concept is to create a restful, pleasing image. It also paints a visual for your scene and what’s in the frame, what you’re leaving out, detail, etc…

• Each of the photos you see here offer nearly all of the options listed above, which made for some very fun, creative images that my client loved. There’s color, texture, symmetry, rule of thirds, a shallow depth of field, and natural framing. While you don’t need to ever do it all, this situation just worked out that way and it was exciting to play with so many elements at once.

PHOTO CHALLENGE | Explore one or more of the composition techniques listed above, but remember not to force it. If a framing situation or leading lines aren’t working, then move on and find a way it does work or scrap it altogether, recompose yourself and/or your subject.

Note: If you don’t have a person to practice with, your subject can be your pet, a flower, a body of water, your coffee mug, or even yourself as the subject. Don’t feel limited by what or where you’re shooting, find beauty and inspiration in what’s around you.