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Composition Part 2


Composing an image is without any doubt the most critical part of producing a good image. Yet, it is overlooked by most beginners and amateurs. We rely so much on our cameras to do the job, that we often forget how to actually design a successful image. After all, the reason we spend so much money on our equipment was to produce good photographs. This article is designed to show you how to set up and compose an image. Several examples are used on this page with the focusing grid shown which divides the image into several sections for proper alignment of each line and shape in the picture. Lets start by looking at the first image and how it was taken.

Example 1



This image was taken across the street rather than in front of the building. This gives a unique perspective opposed to what most people see. A tripod was used to precisely position the camera and the long lens, in this case a 70-210mm f-2.8 Tamron. I purposely included the old street light and placed it at the left edge of the frame which adds a starting point for the main subject which is the building. The street light also balances out the whole image which would other wise be very empty and boring. Note the bottom left edge of the light stand. It is placed at the starting edge of the frame wasting no space whatsoever. Even a small empty space would have damaged this composition. The building itself also is precisely placed inside the frame. Note the first horizontal line from the top and how well aligned it has divided the first third of the frame. The two tallest points of the building are in perfect line. As you go down, the second and third portion of the frame are also in perfect balance. There was no reason to add more sky nor more foreground. The photo is to the point. Starting with an old lonely street light next to a magnificent structure which begins boldly and ends into the horizon.

 

Example 2

For the image above, I was forced to use my camera handheld. Candid photography does not always allow you to position and set up the tripod. Without a tripod, the first major distraction is visible on the original image shown left. The portion of the window frame is placed above the subject's head as pointed with the arrow. The powerful and sad features of this man was the main reason I chose to photograph him. I wanted the emphasis to be on his face and his glare, followed by how he is holding his cigarette. This combination along with how his hand is resting on his knee, makes a powerful yet sad image of a lonely man. The window frame above the first image, immediately distract your attention. It is a competing factor which must be removed. Since I could not possibly frame him in time with a tripod, I cropped the image in Photoshop the way I wanted it. The empty space on the left is necessary to give the image a bit of depth.

Move your eyes slowly from the left picture to the right. On the left picture, your eyes are distracted by the window frame. The right picture grabs your attention by seeing the man's face, immediately followed by his hand and how it is trying to communicate with you without saying a word.

 

Example 3

The images bellow are another example of a composition that needed a little correction. I was interested with lines and shape of the structure than anything else. The left image includes a column that is no more than a distraction. It does not show the top portion of its design as the rest of the columns do. It has no relation with the rest of its surrounding. The last column also, appears to be cut off. I liked the repetition of the lines. By zooming just a bit, and moving the camera to the right I got the shot I wanted. The first column is removed and the last column is now included in the picture. Nothing more is shown. The picture must end with the last column right at the edge of the frame without showing the sky which would have been distracting.

 

 

Example 4

The left image below has a compositional fault. The statue and the moon have no relation with each other, and are two competing factors. What is the reason of including the moon? The statue is looking outside of the frame with large empty space behind it. This along with the placement of the moon at the right edge of the frame creates an imbalance. The right images is more pleasing to the eye. The statue is now placed at the right edge of the frame looking into the sky with the moon now moved to the left left adding some depth to the image. The two subjects no longer compete, rather are part of a balanced composition. I would have preferred the moon to be placed two squares higher. It would have dramatically change the whole composition by being slightly above the statue's eye level. Unfortunately, It was impossible for me to get my camera into position for the shot. Still, I'm pleased with the shot.

 

Example 5

The colors and the front door of an old building in Oderzo, a small town in Italy, grabbed my attention. While setting up my tripod, I noticed a man walking into the picture. I immediately fired off several shots. The first image is simply the best. The individual has added some life to the picture without distracting the main subject which is the door. The door is placed neatly in the center with the man at the right edge of the frame slowly walking into the frame. A perfect balance with no distractions. The right image on the other hand, is a useless photograph. The man and the door are centered in the middle. Furthermore, the figure is now obscuring the framing of the door with a large distracting space behind him. The front door without the man would have been much better, even placed dead in the center. It would have been neatly framed from either side. The two subjects are no longer in harmony and are in competition with each other. The only pleasing composition is the first shot. There was no other way to photograph this image with the man included in the frame.

 

Recommended reading:

Photographic Composition

Step-by-Step Composition Techniques for Digital Photographers

This series of step-by-step guides acquaints amateur digital photographers with the full spectrum of techniques and technology they need to attain the professional edge in digital imaging. The manuals offer a clear, no-nonsense approach to teaching basic skills, such as understanding the basic functions of the digital camera and how to arrange a photograph artistically, while more experienced photographers will profit from the guides that focus on complex issues, including effective posing and lighting strategies, color and image balancing methods, and design techniques for perfecting the digital image in Adobe Photoshop Elements.

This thorough composition guide details the various components involved in composing a professional-looking, artistically arranged photograph. Basic elements of photography, different image formats and backgrounds, and the importance of color and image balance are discussed along with tips on subject placement, such as using attention-grabbing elements and naturally existing lines to help a scene or subject look its best. How to keep the image simple and improve backgrounds post-capture are also reviewed.