THREE TIPS TO BETTER COMPOSITION
All images copyright Michael Kondrat
You like taking pictures. You like shooting video. But something is lacking. The results just don’t seem to “pop”. Never fear! Employing a couple of simple composition techniques will take your photos and videos to the next level. And once you learn these techniques, you’ll be seeing them everywhere; from professional photographs to your favorite films. Today, we’re going to focus on three of these tricks.
RULE OF THIRDS
This one is simple and can immediately improve your photos and video. Quite simply, the Rule of Thirds breaks down your frame into nine segments via the intersection of two equally spaced vertical and two equally spaced horizontal lines. The subject and detail of your image should fall along these lines and/or live at their intersection. For example, the horizon should always line up with the top or bottom horizontal lines. The Rule of Thirds ensures that your image will be level, and avoid having your subject right in the middle of the frame. It makes for a much more interesting composition. And the best part? Your phone has a setting that will SHOW you the grid lines every time you take a picture or video. In iOS, it’s under Settings -> Camera -> Grid. Turn it on, and you will always have the Rule of Thirds lines on your screen. Couldn’t be easier!
BOLTON CASTLE WITH GRID LINES - RULE OF THIRDS
IOS SETTINGS TO ENABLE GRID
IOS CAMERA AFTER GRID LINES ARE ENABLED
SYMMETRY
Symmetry is simply ensuring that parts of your composition mirror each other. This can be done horizontally (top and bottom of the image mirror each other) or vertically (left and right sides mirror each other),
An example of horizontal symmetry is a nature scene at a still lake where the reflection of your subject is seen in the water in a proportional way. The horizontal line is drawn through the middle of your image. That doesn’t sound much like the Rule of Thirds, now does it? Keep in mind that there are use cases for these techniques. There are times when the Rule of Thirds will not make sense for your image.
An example of vertical symmetry could that of a symmetrical building. The center of the building will be right in the middle of your frame with equal parts of the building on either side. This creates balance. And in this case, the Rule of Thirds could still be used for your horizon.
Employing vertical and horizontal symmetry simultaneously can be used if you have a circular subject. This is called radial symmetry. The middle of the circle will be right in the center of your frame. There are equal parts vertical and horizontal.
Symmetry is more likely to be used when your subject fills the frame and naturally has a degree of symmetry about it.
EXAMPLE OF HORIZONTAL SYMMETRY - CASTLE HOWARD
EXAMPLE OF VERTICAL SYMMETRY - YORK MINSTER
LEADING LINES
Leading lines are lines that naturally occur and are utilized by the photographer to guide the viewer’s eye to a particular point of interest. These could be train tracks, the yellow lines on a road, a river, etc. In order to best utilize leading lines, firstly keep your eyes open to recognize them. They’re everywhere, so you just need to be aware. Once you’ve found the lines you like, walk around a little and find the position in which they’ll be the most useful to convey your creative point of view. Don’t be afraid to take multiple shots from a variety of angles. Instead of zooming in with your camera, take a few steps and reset. Physically moving can help you to see things in a new light. And that’s a good tip in general. Find your frame. Don’t be satisfied with the first shot you take. There may be something better only a few feet away.
THE PATHWAY LEADS YOUR EYE TO ST MICHAEL’S MOUNT
Employing these simple techniques will take your photography and videography to the next level. There are many more photography tips and tricks to explore, but starting with these and mastering them will achieve immediate results. Your friends and family won’t know what hit them! Happy shooting!
MIKE KONDRAT
