My Favouite Photography Tips: Composition

Here are my top tips on photography composition.  Composition is basically what you keep in the frame, what you leave out, and where you put things that are within the frame.

Rule of Thirds
Place subject at 1/3 or 2/3 of the frame, horizontally or vertically.  This creates a more natural and eye catching image.

Place horizon lines above or below horizontal center of frame.

Leave space in front of the subject for the eye to follow the subject’s gaze, or direction.

Leading Lines 

Make use of lines in a scene to help control where viewer’s eyes move.  Walls, fences, roads, architecture all help guide the eyes.

Perspective

Experiment!  Get higher, get lower, get directly above.  Zoom in, zoom out, show how your subject fits in the world around you.

Get down on your knees (or lower!) to be at eye level with babies and children.

For adults, shooting from below looking up is not flattering!  Shooting from above looking down gives a flattering look.  

Framing

Use arch ways, doorways, tree branches, to create a natural frame that emphasizes your focal point.

Framing with doors and doorways is a great way to give the sense that you are getting a glimpse into your subjects real life.

Symmetry & Pattern

Filling the frame with a pattern that repeats gives the photo more impact.  A line of lamp posts, trees, or series of arches help lead the eye to a single point.

Don't Cut Off Limbs

Avoid amputating your subject!  Keep an eye on the edge of your frame to avoid unintentional cropping.  Be sure you are completing all of your limbs, or cropping in the appropriate places.  Don’t crop at the joints, don’t crop off feet, ears, hands, or fingers.