Must Learn! Composition Skills

Beginners must have a basic understanding of using equipment (such as metering and focusing). Composition is also very important. Good composition is very important in taking amazing photos. I will introduce you to different composition rules, mistakes, and different methods, so you can get started quickly. Now let’s take a look at some basic rules of composition!

(1) Appropriate Choice

Many beginners make this mistake: trying to take everything they see in one photo. As a result, the photo would be too complicated, cluttered and lack of subject. Remember, the viewers want to see the theme and message you want to express. The first rule is to understand the trade-offs and make appropriate choices and losses. Do not put both a fish and bear paw together it will throw off the theme of the photo.

The picture is messy and there is no clear theme

The picture is cluttered and has no clear theme

Only one or two flowers are taken for close-up, with a prominent theme.

(B) The Major and Minor

The main character is the subject and is what the photographer wants to express the most. Second is the supporting character, which is used to complement the main character. In the photo, we can use the foreground, medium shot, background, depth of field, distance, location, color, and more, to achieve a distinction between the primary and secondary subjects, so that viewers have a deep impression.

Stone as foreground, flowing water as medium shot, trees and sky as the background.

Use color to highlight the theme.

Highlight the theme with shallow depth of field.

(3) Use Symmetry and Balance

In addition to theme, composition has to be “balanced”. It cannot be crooked or the viewer will not enjoy it. When shooting, you can try to balance the picture with “visual” weight. A book I read summarizes “visual weight” as follows:

Thick Lines are Heavier than Minor Lines
Dense
Near than Far
Rocks are Heavier than Trees
Trees are Heavier than Water

The thick line is below, the picture looks steady Photo by {link: http: //www.flickr.com/photos/todojuanjo/2944411417/} Todo-Juanjo {/ link}

The thick line is below, makes the picture looks smooth.

$Use water reflections to achieve balance Photo by {link: http: //www.flickr.com/photos/marcella_bona/1363356282/} marcella bona {/ link}$

Use water reflections to achieve balance.

The deadwood below and the dark trees above are visually balanced.

(D) Composition Must be Stable

Stable doesn’t mean the picture has a “Thin head and Thin body” or “Upper and Lower Light.” It is not necessary to make each photo square, straight, or impartial. This is also related to. symmetrical balance (3).

The thick trunk is placed below the dark grass, and there are large and small trees to balance the picture.

Note: This is a "bad" example. The horizontal line on the sea surface is distorted, making it uncomfortable to see.

Note: This is a “bad” example. The horizontal line of the sea is distorted, making it uncomfortable to see.

(V) Application Comparison

We can use contrast to highlight the theme. There are 5 contrast methods to make good use of:

Light and Shade: use light and darkness to bring out the theme

Overcast image "photo frame" brings out the theme Photo by {link: http: //www.flickr.com/photos/midnight-digital/2137376199/} Midnight-digital {/ link}

The overcast image “photo frame” brings out the theme.

Size: Use size comparison to highlight the theme.

$Little people show the vastness of the beach Photo by {link: http: //www.flickr.com/photos/good_day/220281557/} Today is a good day {/ link}$

Little people show the vastness of the beach.

Far and Close: Use distant scenery to highlight near subjects (or vice versa).

$The distant mountain stream shows a nearby herd of sheep, making the picture more "depth" and "spatial" Photo by {link: http: //www.flickr.com/photos/jule_berlin/839245545/} Jule_Berlin {/ link}$

The distant mountain stream shows a nearby herd of sheep, making the picture more “depth” and “spatial”.

White in the snow highlights the yellow cat.

If you change the white puppy effect, it will not be so prominent.

Height: Height is important for tall buildings, you can look up to take the photo to show height.

(F) Echo Each Other

Echoing each other can be considered as a continuation of contrast. Sometimes two independent things appear on the same screen and an interesting “connection” occurs, giving the reader a fantasy space. For example, the appearance of babies can connect with adults. Look at the following example:

The appearance of the two swans just formed a heart shape, giving the photo another meaning. Photo by {link: http: //www.flickr.com/photos/darragh/147524994/} Darragh Sherwin {/ link}

The appearance of the two swans formed a heart shape, giving the photo another meaning.

These are just some basic composition techniques, no matter how you apply composition the most important thing is to make the viewer comfortable. It can bring out the deep meaning of the photo. There will be a separate article on problems encountered in actual composition.

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