Rules of Compostion
Rule of Thirds
This is a simple and effective way to frame your composition. According to this rule, if we divide the frame vertically and horizontally into 3 equal sections, then place the elements or subject(s) in this case on the line or intersection of the lines. The objective is to stop the subject(s) from bisecting the image, by placing them near one of the lines that would divide the image into three columns and rows, ideally near the intersection of those lines.
The Rule of Space
This is a straightforward principle. The Rule of Space is the act of adding visual space in front of the direction that an object is moving, pointing or looking to imply motion and direction and to lead the eyes of the viewer. the idea is the viewer needs enough room to imagine the subject carrying out the action that it's performing.
Look at the first image above and think about where you looked first, you looked at the car . Where did you look next? Mostly likely you looked in the direction the car is facing, and because nothing is there, your eyes go back to the car. This is how the human brain works and knowing this gives you the photographer immense power on how to compose an image. And where to place your subject for maximum attention.
The Rule of Odds
This is based on the principle that people find it more interesting to see odd numbers like 3 or 5 instead of 2 or 4. While even number show stability and work well for symmetric composition, odd numbers allow the eyes to flow through the image.
According to the rule, you should pace odd numbers of items in your composition. When you're shooting food or products it's easier to follow the rule of odds. You can make changes like making the text bold, underline or italic. This is a great place for you to tell your clients more about your story and to describe the type of photographer you are. You can come back at any time to make more changes.
The Rule of Odds deals with the number of subjects in the frame. The image is more pleasing for the viewer when the number of subjects is odd instead of even. The mind tries to divide subjects in a frame into pairs, which makes the photo less pleasing for the viewer.
A single subject does not satisfy the Rule since one is neither odd or even.
- 3 Subjects
- 5 Subjects
- 7 Subjects
- 9 Subjects
Golden Triangle
This Composition technique divides the frame first with a line that connects one corner with the opposite one, then adds two smaller lines coming out of each of the remaining corners.
You are to place your element or subject of your composition where the line intersects.
There will be two points of intersection in the golden triangle grid. You're to align your subjects or point of interest points in any of these intersection points. if there are a couple of subjects, you can align each of them in each of these points.
The Golden Spiral( aka the fibonacci Spiral)
The Spiral is found in natural structures such as sunflowers, seashells etc. You can find it in many artworks or buildings.
Leonardo fibonacci first designed this mathematical expression. without getting too complicated , the ratio is 1.618 to 1. The golden spiral uses the ratio to create a series of squares. the size and placement of the squares are based on Fibonacci sequence. working from the opposite corner of each square, you should be able to connect them , which will form a spiralling arc.
