Basic Photography Guide for New Designers Part 01 - Composition

Basic Photography Guide for New Designers Part 01 - Composition
Photography is a combination of art and technique, where every detail plays an important role. Among them, composition is a basic element that any photographer must master. Composition not only helps the photo become harmonious and easy to see, but can also convey strong messages and emotions to the viewer. In this article, Sadesign will help you learn basic but extremely effective composition techniques. This is important knowledge to help you improve your skills and create more impressive photos.

1. Thirds composition

The Rule of Thirds is one of the most basic and easiest principles to apply in photography. It divides the image into nine equal sections, creating a grid with two vertical and two horizontal lines. The goal of the Rule of Thirds is to not place the main subject in the center of the image, but instead place it at one of the four intersections of the lines.

1.1. Why is the Rule of Thirds important?

The rule of thirds not only makes a photo look more organized and visually pleasing, but it also creates balance and movement in the image. Placing the main subject off-center makes the photo more interesting and less boring. This is especially important when you are shooting action scenes, landscapes, or even portraits.

By using the rule of thirds, you create a subtle contrast between the parts of your photo. This not only makes your photo look beautiful, but also guides the viewer's eye through the entire photo, rather than focusing on just one point.

1.2. How to apply the Rule of Thirds

To apply the rule of thirds effectively, you first need to enable a grid in your camera or photo editing software to create a clear grid of areas. Then, try placing your main subject at one of the intersections of the grid. You can place your main subject on the left or right side, or at the top or bottom of the photo, depending on your purpose and the message you want to convey.

Note that although the rule of thirds is a basic rule, sometimes breaking it can have unexpected effects, creating uniqueness in your photo.

2. Frame within frame

Framing is a photographic technique that emphasizes the main subject in a photo by using elements in the scene to form a surrounding frame. These elements can be windows, doors, trees, or any object that can create a shape similar to a natural frame.

2.1. Why is Frame within a Frame important?

A frame within a frame helps you draw the viewer’s attention to the main subject of your photo. By using surrounding elements to “surround” your subject, you create a connection between your subject and its surroundings, and make your photo richer and more interesting.

An important element when applying a frame within a frame is the depth of your choice of the objects that make up the frame. These elements not only help create hierarchy in the image but also highlight space and depth, giving it a truly dynamic and engaging feel.

2.2. How to apply Frame within frame

When practicing the frame within a frame technique, look for elements in the scene that can act as a natural frame. For example, you can stand in a doorway, look through a window, or even use tree branches to create a frame around your subject.

It is important to make sure that the frame is not just a secondary element but is closely related to the main subject. If the frame is too complicated or inappropriate, it can distract from the main subject and make the photo confusing.

3. Centered & Symmetrical Layout

Centered and symmetrical composition is one of the powerful compositional techniques to create perfect balance in a photo. When applying this composition, you will place the main subject in the center of the photo or create a symmetry between the elements in the scene.

3.1. Why are Centered & Symmetrical Compositions Important?

Centered composition creates stability and balance in a photo. Placing the subject in the center makes it easy for the viewer to recognize the main subject immediately. Meanwhile, symmetry creates a sense of harmony and ease for the eye, creating repetition and consistency between elements in the photo.

A perfectly symmetrical photo can be powerful and represent the balance of the world around us. However, if not used carefully, centered and symmetrical compositions can also be boring and lifeless without creativity.

3.2. How to apply Centered & Symmetrical Layout

When using a centered composition, you simply need to make sure that your main subject is placed in the middle of the frame. However, for a symmetrical composition, you will need to look for elements in the scene that can create a perfect reflection or repetition, such as a calm lake, doors facing each other, or symmetrical buildings.

To create a beautiful and interesting photo, you can combine a centered composition with a symmetrical element in some cases, such as when photographing a classical architecture or a natural scene with natural symmetry.

4. Guide line

Leading lines are one of the most important principles in photography that help create interest and lead the viewer along a clear path in a photo. This is a technique in photography where elements in the scene such as roads, rivers, fences, or other straight lines are used to direct the viewer’s eyes to a certain point in the frame. This not only adds to the aesthetic of the photo but also helps create depth and a sense of space.

When using leading lines, one of the things to keep in mind is where the line starts and ends. Make sure that the line is not just a decorative element, but serves a clear purpose, making it easy for the viewer to follow the path you want their attention to follow.

An important tip when applying leading lines is to avoid having them intersected by other objects in the photo. This can disrupt the smoothness of the way the viewer’s eye moves through the photo. Make sure that the lines flow seamlessly and that there is a connection between the elements in the scene.

Using leading lines not only gives a photo depth but also connection, creating a sense that the viewer is going on a journey, rather than simply looking at a scene.

5. Fill the frame

One of the most basic yet powerful techniques in photography is to fill the frame. Instead of leaving the space around the photo empty, find ways to use elements in the scene to take up the entire frame. This technique helps you create a powerful and complete photo, without being distracted by unnecessary elements.

Filling the frame doesn’t mean you have to completely eliminate negative space. Instead, you want to arrange the objects in your photo so that they take up the majority of the space while still maintaining balance and harmony. This can help your photo stand out and grab the viewer’s attention immediately.

Another tip when filling the frame is to use elements that have a strong shape or color. These can be objects with clear shapes, like leaves, rocks, or even a door. These elements not only help fill the frame, but also add clarity and visual interest to the photo.

This technique also helps you control the viewer’s attention, preventing their eyes from being distracted by elements other than the main scene. By filling the frame, you can also create tension or emphasis on important elements in the photo, thereby enhancing its artistic appeal.

6. Foreground and depth composition

Foreground and depth composition is one of the advanced techniques for creating a sense of space in photography. When you include elements in the foreground, you not only enrich the photo, but you can also create a sense of depth, making the photo more dynamic and realistic.

The foreground can be any element of the scene that you want to include in the frame, such as leaves, flower petals, rocks, or small objects. These elements not only help you layer the photo, but also add depth, drawing the viewer from near to far.

Creating depth in your photo makes it feel less flat and more like you’re walking through different layers of space. This is especially important in landscape photos where you want to show the entire space in detail and clarity.

When applying foreground and depth composition, you also need to pay attention to how elements interact with each other in space. Make sure each element is well-placed, not overlapping too much, but not so far apart that the image becomes isolated. A photo with depth typically has at least three layers: foreground, midground, and background, with each layer providing a different level of detail and sharpness.

7. Simple & Minimalism

Composition in photography is not just about arranging elements in a frame, but also about creating a story, a message through every little detail. The style of "Simple & Minimalism" or Minimalism is one of the most powerful ways to express sophistication in photography.

In photography, minimalism does not mean a lack of creativity or emotion, but rather the removal of unnecessary elements, leaving only what is necessary. This composition helps to create clear, accessible photos that make a strong impression at first sight. Especially for those who are new to photography, applying a minimalist style will help you easily focus on the most important elements of a photo, thereby developing your photography skills quickly.

7.1. Use of Negative Space

One of the key elements of minimalist style is the effective use of negative space. Negative space is the area in the frame that is devoid of any object, allowing the main subject to stand out. By using negative space, you create a sense of space and lightness while also highlighting the simplicity and ease of viewing of the photo.

7.2. Pay attention to small details

Minimalism doesn’t mean you have to ignore details. On the contrary, paying attention to the small details in a frame can make a big difference. Elements like light, shadow, and texture can add unique flair to your photos, adding artistic value without complexity.

7.3. Minimalist color choices

Color also plays an important role in minimalist style. Typically, minimalist photography will use a limited color palette, such as whites, blacks, grays, or pale, low-contrast colors. This helps the viewer focus on the main elements of the photo without being distracted by a variety of colors.

8. Left to right

“Left to right” composition is another fundamental principle in photography, widely applied to the arrangement of elements in a frame. This principle is inspired by human reading habits: our eyes naturally move from left to right. This creates a natural and easy arrangement for the viewer to approach and understand the photo.

8.1. The natural flow of light and shadow

When arranging elements in a frame from left to right, light and shadow are used to create a natural flow. You can adjust the direction of light, shadow, and other elements to guide the viewer's eye from one point in the photo to another. This helps create a sense of harmony and makes the photo more interesting.

8.2. Balance the elements in the frame

One of the most important elements of applying the "Left to Right" composition is the balance of the objects in the frame. You need to pay attention to the distribution of elements so that there is harmony between the light and dark parts, between the main and secondary objects. Sometimes, just a small adjustment in the position of the objects in the frame can make a big difference, making the photo easier to see and feel.

8.3. Using Leading Lines

An effective way to apply the “Left to Right” composition is to use Leading Lines. These are elements in the frame, such as a road, fence, or horizon, that can lead the viewer’s eye from one point to another. These lines not only help create depth in the photo, but also help the viewer feel movement within the frame, creating a smooth and emotional visual experience.

9. Conclusion

Composition in photography is not only a technique but also an art to create attractive and meaningful photos. If you know how to apply these techniques correctly, it will help you improve your photography skills, creating photos that are not only beautiful but also have depth and emotion. Understanding and applying these composition principles will capture impressive moments and convey strong messages through each photo. Always experiment and be creative, because each photo is your own work of art.