Create Highlights With 8 Simple Compositions in Photography

Photography is not simply about pressing the shutter and capturing a moment. To get a beautiful photo, in addition to light, color and camera techniques, composition is one of the most important factors that help improve image quality. So what is composition in photography? Simply put, composition is the way to arrange elements in the frame in a reasonable, balanced and aesthetic way. A photo with good composition will attract viewers, helping them feel the story or emotion that the photographer wants to convey. In this article, we will learn the basic principles of composition in photography , thereby helping you improve your photography skills and create more impressive photos.

1. What is composition in photography?

Composition in photography is the arrangement of elements in a frame to create harmony, balance and appeal to the viewer. A well-composed photo is not only aesthetically pleasing but also helps to convey messages and emotions effectively. Simply put, composition is the "framework" that helps you arrange the subject, background and other elements in the photo to create an attractive whole. Without a reasonable composition, the photo can become messy, lose focus or not convey the desired meaning.

2. Why is composition important in photography?

Guide the viewer's eyes

A good composition helps guide the viewer's eye to important details in the photo.

By using principles like leading lines or the rule of thirds, you can control how your photo is perceived by the viewer.

Create a sense of harmony and professionalism

A well-composed photo will feel more balanced, pleasing, and artistic.

Well composed photos often create a stronger and more professional impression in the eyes of the viewer.

Convey stories and emotions

Photography is not just about capturing images, it's about telling a story.

The way subjects are arranged, the space or symmetry in a photo can evoke different emotions such as loneliness, joy, strength or peace.

Gives the photo depth and appeal

A good composition helps create a sense of space and depth, making the photo look more dynamic and engaging.

Conversely, without attention to composition, photos can become flat, disjointed, and unfocused.

Is layout a hard and fast rule?

Not at all! Composition is a guideline, not a rule. In many cases, you can “break” the traditional rules to create more unique and creative photos. However, before you break the rules, you need to understand them so you can use them intentionally and effectively.

3. Basic principles of photo composition

Composition in photography is not a set of hard and fast rules, but rather a guide that gives you a solid foundation to work from. Here are some important composition principles that every photographer should know.

3.1. 1/3 photo composition

The rule of thirds is one of the most classic rules in photography. Accordingly, when dividing the frame into 9 equal parts with 2 vertical lines and 2 horizontal lines, you need to focus the key elements in 1/3 of the photo composition, while balancing the space in the remaining 2/3 of the frame.

To maximize the effectiveness of the 1/3 composition, place the main subject of the photo at the intersection of the lines. This way, you can both create a direction for the viewer to the focal point and create more interest for your photo than if the main subject was placed in the middle of the frame.

3.2. Symmetrical layout

In a symmetrical composition, the photo is divided into two identical halves, as if taken with a mirror. This composition emphasizes the balance and harmony of the subjects, minimizing the contrast between the elements present in the frame.

Reflections of subjects in mirrors or water are one of the most common examples of symmetrical composition in photography.

To take a photo with a symmetrical composition, you will need to stand in a central position so that you can capture all the subjects, then hold the camera parallel to the subjects and align it exactly in the center of the frame. Press the shutter button and you have a beautiful and artistic photo.

3.3. Balanced layout

If symmetrical compositions feel too artificial or rigid, consider using a balanced composition. With a balanced composition, symmetry still plays a fundamental role, but all the objects do not have to be identical in the middle of the photo. Instead, the parts of the photo complement and balance each other, creating a pleasing overall composition.

If the rule of thirds balances the photo by placing the main subjects in 1/3 of the frame, then with the balanced photo composition, you will need to create an empty space between the 2 main subjects in the 2 halves of the frame.

3.4. Path layout

Leading lines are a great way to guide the viewer to the focal point of a photo. However, don’t think of them as “lines” in the literal sense of the word. They can be anything from an outstretched arm to a growing tree branch—anything that can guide the viewer to an object in the frame.

Leading lines create an effect of depth in your photo, as if the viewer is not just looking at a flat surface, but is immersed and traveling in another dimension within the photo. This makes the photo much more powerful and attractive.

3.5. Framing layout

Another composition that can help you add depth to your photos is the framing composition. With this composition, you place the main subject within a frame, which can be an arch, window, fence, etc. This way, the viewer will immediately notice the object in the frame and not be distracted by other supporting objects.

Besides the aesthetic, framing can also help you convey the emotion and message of the photo. For example, a photo of the blue sky through a window in a dark room or a photo of an ancient castle from afar through a canopy of green leaves. As for the emotion of these photos, perhaps I will let you think for yourself. What is more important is that you have understood the power of framing.

3.6. Triangular layout

Our eyes are always attracted to shapes, especially triangles. Each side of the triangle is a leading line, leading the viewer's eye to the subject. This shape, when combined with leading lines and hidden triangles in the scene, will create drama for the photo. If in the 1/3 rule, the subject is placed in 1/3 of the frame, in this rule, you need to calculate the leading lines, dividing lines, focal points, ... to highlight the subject you want to focus on.

3.7. Foreground composition

Foreground is the scene, the subject closest, clearest to the observer. Taking photos according to the foreground rule is a great way to create depth for the photo. Nature photos are usually 2D photos, using foreground elements when taking photos will create a photo that is almost like a 3D photo, bringing realism to the viewer. This photography technique is suitable for wide-angle lenses.

3.8. Golden ratio photography composition

The Golden Ratio is used in photographs with relatively simple compositions so that the viewer's focus is on the subject without being distracted by other elements in the photo. The Golden Ratio consists of a spiral that guides the viewer's eye to the subject. Similar to the rule of thirds, in this rule, the central subject will be within the smallest circle of the spiral and the objects on the outside are the background.

 
Composition in photography is not just a set of hard and fast rules, but a tool to help you tell a story more effectively with your images. Understanding and practicing these principles will help you improve your photography skills, creating images that are not only beautiful but also have soul.