Although it is true that many of the rules we are going to talk about are more than well known. It is also necessary to remind oneself of the basic principles of composition. In order to be able to go a little further, to improve and to experiment. So, whether you know them or not, this series of tips, rules and techniques will be very useful for you to apply to your photographic compositions.
The rule of thirds
The visual field is decomposed into three horizontal and three vertical parts. Obtaining 9 equal parts. There are already some cameras that have this function integrated. The aim is to place the most interesting points of the photograph at the intersections of the lines.
2. Symmetry
Symmetry is always pleasing to the eye. This is because it produces a perfect balance, with the centre of the image as the reference point, distributing the visual weight equally across the image.
3.Patterns
Patterns and textures are also elements that our brain finds pleasing. So you can take advantage of them, using all those that surround us. Like the shape of flowers, tiles or a carpet. It can be a very expressive element to photograph.
You can also use the moment when the pattern is broken, interrupt it to highlight an expressive element or tell a story.
4. The details
Use details to highlight the background. Achieving a contrast of perspectives, with a detail in the foreground that serves to highlight the background of the photograph.
5. Natural frames
If you have a natural frame in front of you, be it a door, a tree, the side of a person. That already works as a frame, take advantage of it to add a natural frame to your image. It serves to give depth to your shots and depending on the frame you have chosen, you can add different values to the scene.
6. Guiding lines
Sometimes the scene we want to photograph already has lines that lead our gaze. We simply have to take advantage of them, obtaining images that stand out for their ability to take advantage of the environment.
7. Diagonals
The line in the composition when it is diagonal gives tension to the image. Both triangles and diagonals offer a sense of perspective and movement. This is something the Renaissance painters taught us, when they experimented with the vanishing point. If you want to master it you have to be aware of the objects around you, and use different perspectives in each of the shots you take to obtain different compositions.
8. The odd-numbered rule
Numerical successions and regularity form a rule. This is how this technique is developed, which is based on the opposite, on breaking a succession to arrive at the rule of odd numbers. Finding odd elements in the composition by playing with numbers, and including them in the composition. Perhaps with the example below you will see it more clearly.
9. Fill the frame
Sometimes by filling the frame, getting closer to the object to be photographed, we can capture the viewer's full attention. By offering detail of something we are not used to looking at in that way, we can highlight textures, give emphasis to a motif, or express emotions.
10. Negative space
Empty spaces can be very useful in compositions. Providing contrast, geometry or expressiveness. A wall, the sky. They can create and give expression to the composition.
11. Less is more
Sometimes a few elements in a composition can be synonymous with a great photograph. It is about giving emphasis to an element, or conveying something through detail. They are usually photographs full of great expressiveness.
Image by Yoshinori Mizutani.
12. Change the point of view
Look for new perspectives when you find yourself in a frame. If they are not typical scenes, play with the space to achieve an alternative point of view. It is always possible to find a new point of view to take the photograph, the results can be as varied as your imagination allows.
13. The colour
Having a good knowledge of colour theory is basic for any photographer. To know that there are combinations in harmony and in contrast. And to experiment with them to get the most out of them.
14. The rule of space
It is one of the best known in photography. If we have an element that marks a rhythm, such as a look, or an object that we know is in movement, we must leave space where that element is going, otherwise we will be creating too much tension in the composition.
15. From left to right and from top to bottom
In the West, we read from left to right and we transfer this habit to images. We are used to start “reading” the image from left to right and from top to bottom. This rule can help us to give certain dynamics to the compositions. So we can say that where the most visual “weight” is borne by the composition is in the lower right corner. It is clear that we can intentionally break this rule to bring tension to the composition. But we must be careful because we can create a composition that is too unstable.
16. Golden triangles
This rule is inherited from classical antiquity. It holds that every image can be divided into four parts, divided by two diagonals that cross from right to left, meeting at the centre of the image with an intersection.
The elements occupying the space of these lines shall be within a harmonious composition.
This image is by Luc Bresson.
17. Golden ratio
This ratio is based on geometry. It is based on a mathematical principle, which states that two quantities are in golden ratio if their ratio is equal to the sum of the two, divided by the larger of them. It occurs continuously in nature. Photo xavirocasancho
Remember if you need to ask us a question or want to contact us you can do so by phone: 965 46 18 62; through our contact form or directly in our physical shop, we will be happy to help you.
via:
Spanish 
English 
Portuguese 
German 
French 
Italian 