Rules of Composition

By  following some simple but tried and tested methods in the rules of composition, you can aim to better your photography. This does not mean you will become an expert photographer overnight, but by following these simple rules, you can avoid making the most common mistakes. Most people new to photography want to centre everything in the frame. Except in exceptional circumstances, this is the one thing you should NOT do.

Obviously, picture content (the subject matter) plays a large part in the composition of your photograph, along with lighting, exposure, focus and depth of field, to name but a few. Unless you're aiming for dramatic compositions, it's also important to try to keep your horizons level and your buildings straight.

Here, I try to show you some examples of the basic rules of composition to help you in framing and (hopefully) take better pictures.

Rule of Thirds

This is probably the best known and most widely used rule of photography. The idea is simple. You divide the subject into 9 squares, placing the horizon either on the 1st or 2nd third, never centre! Other points of interest are placed on an intersection, as in the example of the tree.

Diagonals

These two examples show the use of the Diagonals rule. This is one such rule which can be applied to the horizon of landscapes in the case of dramatic shots. The aim is to show a point of interest, diagonally. These examples can also show the Rule of Thirds.

Leading Lines

Try to use points of interest that lead the eye into the subject. This could be a bridge, steps, a pathway, wires, a bench, anything that leads to a main focal point. Try to also include a focal point, otherwise the eye will have nowhere to rest. Again, the Rule of Thirds can be applied in these examples.

Symmetry

This is one exception to the rule never to centre your subjects, by using the Symmetry rule. The idea is simple, in that the left half of the picture is as near identical to the right half as possible.

Framing

Try to use natural elements of your subject surroundings to frame your main point of interest. Here is another example where you can centre your subjects. Try to use bridges or hedges as in the example on the left. In the example on the right, I have used the body and legs of the statue of the mother elephant to frame the baby elephant. Below is an example of using trees and grassy banks to frame your subject. Also consider taking shots through windows, using the edges of the window to frame your subject.

Triangles

This composition rule is where three main points of interest intersect to form a triangle. These need not be faces of people, but animals or other objects too. Again, this is another example where centre framing can be accepted.

Circles/Ovals

This rule is applied when the points of interest flow in a circular or oval motion. In the example on the right, the viewers eye would rotate between each subject in turn. In the example on the left, some people could argue that this also fits the Triangular rule. What is going on with the girl on the right draws the eye from the girl on the left across the horses body and back to the horses head. The Rule of Thirds could also apply to both of these examples.

Golden Section

When there is little else but one main subject, the general consensus is to crop tight, but NEVER centre. This is where the Golden Section rule can be applied. Imagine the frame divided into thirteen sections. Now place the focal point of your subject in either the 5th or 9th section. This is called the Golden Section.

Many thanks to Gareth Kitchener, John Chessar and Jeremy Eddon and Gary Olsen for providing their photographs with their permission to display in helping to explain the above rules of composition. All photographs remain the copyright of their respective owners. Tutorial ©Gary Olsen (Legsmaniac)

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