Arguably one of the harder parts of photography when it comes to taking the actual photo in my opinion. Here’s how to do it like a pro:
Classic composition techniques
Let’s start with the basic composition techniques first.
Rule of Thirds
I can’t make the list without starting with this one. Place your subject of center, in the middle of the crossing lines to create a dynamic composition.
Leading Lines
Utilize leading lines, to guide your viewers eye into the frame.
Symmetry
Textures, architecture, reflections… Symmetry creates balance & harmony.
Frame within a frame
Use windows, tree branches, or even your hands to surround your object to draw focus
The Golden Ratio (or Fibonacci Spiral)
A more advanced, natural-feeling alternative to Rule of Thirds. Use it to lead the viewers eye in a spiral through your image toward your subject.
Combine these composition techniques with these rules to master the composition:
Rule of odds
Images with an odd number of subjects are often more interesting, and visually pleasing. Especially three subjects because it is thought to create harmony and avoid visual competition.
Fill the frame
Eliminate distractions. Don’t be afraid to zoom in because filling the frame emphasizes detail.
Watch the background
Make sure your background isn’t too cluttered because it can result in an overwhelming photo. The viewer might not know where to look.
Mind the horizon
Keep horizons level unless you’re deliberately going for a creative effect. Also, try to avoid having the horizon cutting your subjects neck or other awkward points.
Creative framing
Let’s go beyond the basics and move onto more creative framing techniques. These techniques are made to create emotion, atmosphere, or storytelling.
Negative space
Give your subject space to breathe. Open skies, empty fields, walls can make your subject stand out naturally.
Foreground interest & Depth
Add depth to your image by putting something close to the lens. This creates dimension and scale.
Use moving elements
Combining moving elements with low shutter speed and motion blur, creates a sence of movement
Break symmetry
Have a symmetric composition and put a single asymmetric subject into the frame.
Golden triangle
Frame divided into four triangles of two different sizes. Can be used in two different ways:
Filling one of the triangles with the subject
Placing diagonal elements so that they run along the two lines
There are bunch of different creative framing techniques but these are some of my favourite ones. Maybe I’ll do a part two of composition techniques in the future.
Storytelling with framing
What is the purpose with all of the different framing methods other than to look good?
Well, each of them create a unique sense of emotion and tell a different story.
For example, a close up shot often shows emotion and creates connection between the subject and the viewer.
Placing the subject at the center of the frame creates a sense of power and authority.
The point is that the placement of your subject has a huge impact on the message of your photo. The same applies even if you don’t have a clear subject in your image.
For example, symmetrical architecture creates a sense of harmony and balance.
So next time you are framing your shot, think about the message you want to give with the image. Make sure your framing supports the message.
One thing I also want to note is that great photographers know when to break the rules. This is often done for storytelling purposes and can create quite unique and impactful photos.
Common framing mistakes to avoid
So what are the things you shouldn’t do when it comes to framing?
The thing is that you are free to do anything you want! And that’s the beauty of photography.
Only thing I would say is that if you’re a beginner and want to learn different composition techniques, you should avoid doing these:
Always placing your subject at the center of the frame
Distracting or messy background
Ignoring the edges of the frame
Relying on rules without intent
But the best way to learn is to have fun and create everything that comes to mind. Experiment, enjoy and take cool photos!
Coming up
As I'm writing this, it's only a week until my official graduation from highschool and the week after that is from my first day of Interrail.
After that, in July I’m joining the Finnish Army.
Safe to say that exciting things are coming up! I will try to keep the blog posts and emails coming but be understanding if I end up missing some weeks. Also the dates and timings of the posts may vary during those times so don’t be surprised.
After the army I’m probably going to University to study Mechanical Engineering. That won’t stop the photography journey though. I will keep creating content when I have the time.
It will feel very refreshing to finally have a break. I have been posting daily on Instagram for over a year, while also being at school studying and learning the basics of having a business, doing taxes, making my own website and bunch of other stuff.
I’m so grateful of this journey and I can’t wait to see where it leads in the future.
For now, I’ll see you next week!
