Regardless of what you photograph, before picking up the camera, you must decide who the main subject or main hero in the photo shot is? For the viewer to notice the subject, it must be placed correctly. Indeed, one of the reasons why a photo seems harmonious to us is because of being compositionally correctly constructed. The composition helps to control the viewer’s look and place accents correctly. I am not going to discover America, just simply remind you the most important things:
1. The Rule Of Thirds
Divide the frame into nine equal parts. In the imagination we draw two vertical and two horizontal lines, and the main character is placed at the points of intersection or on the lines themselves. If there are minor characters, they should also be placed near the points of intersection.
2. The Golden Ratio rule
We also divide the shot into nine parts, but in a ratio of 3/8 and 2/8. This is the most comfortable proportion for the eye. It is not obligatory to divide a frame with mathematical accuracy.
3. The rule of diagonal golden section
Let’s try to remember a course in geometry at school. Draw an imaginary diagonal across the shot and an imaginary perpendicular to this diagonal from the opposite top. You will have three triangles that will be different in size. Place the main hero on the lines or in the middle of the triangles.
4. The Rule Of Diagonals
Here the elements should be located along the diagonal lines and almost parallel to each other. It is important to select similar objects by size, shape, color… creating a pattern.
5. The Beauty line
This is an S-shaped line in the frame. In this case there are no parallel or perpendicular lines, only a wave that emphasizes, for example, the female figure.
6. Symmetry
The world is not perfect, but nothing prevents us from making it seem like that, at least in photography. Looks like symmetrical shots say: everything is calculated to the smallest detail and everything is under control. For example, if the right part of the picture is almost identical to the left one in several of your photos, this creates a certain style.
7. Asymmetry
The world is still not perfect, but that does not mean that imperfection is a bad thing. Show in the photo naturalness, difference and even strength and energy.
8. The rule of unity
If you have a large number of items in the shot, they should be combined. For example, color, texture or shape.
9. Triangles
I have written a lot about the odd number of main heroes in the shot. Create “Bermuda” triangles, catch the viewer’s eye and make them look at your photo.
10. Perspective
Try to take a three-dimensional photo, for example, by photographing objects from the side (at the level of imaginary eyes), in the background draw imaginary lines that lead to the center of the shot or almost to the center.
11. Views
Show the objects from different angles. For example, near and far away, in the interior, or a top view and side view. The subject can even “travel” from shot to shot, where only the background and place are changing.
12. Minimalism
The simplest rule and my favorite one. Place one or more objects on one side (or in the corner), and leave the rest of the space free! In this way, air and “discharge” photography are created.
13. Chaos
The disordered arrangement of elements makes the viewer “search” for the main hero in the shot.
14. Combine The Rules
Try to combine several rules or take a photo without using any. In any case, you already intuitively know all the rules and understand how to photograph what you need!
