Composition
Ways to make images more interesting.
Golden Mean / Rule of Thirds
The Rule of Thirds is a framing technique. The rules of third helps guides the viewers eyes. This tool splits the frame into thirds. This creates harmony in the composition of an image which makes the image easier to look around at. It is a way to add interest to minimal scenes. Items typically are not centered for this rule often the object is off to one side or another. The golden mean ratio is a compositional tool, also known as the Fibonacci spiral. The golden ratio is part of every natural object this tool adds dynamics and emphasis movement.
Golden Ratio vs Rule of Thirds — Which Is Better? | Photo Composition (expertphotography.com)
Balancing Elements
When images are balanced the composition flows. All elements are equal to one another, like colors and tones. There are 5 ways to balance your images symmetrical which the subject is in the middle each side is balanced or mirrored, asymmetrical which rules of thirds helps create, color, tonal is best in black and white when you can see the difference in tones., and conceptual balance is when two items compliment one another .
What is Balance in Photography? (adorama.com)
Leading Lines
Leading lines direct focus to certain areas in the image this helps with the images composition. There are 4 types of leading lines horizontal which are used more in nature and landscapes, vertical show power making you look up, diagonal show movement and change in images and converging lines want you to focus on the converging point. These leading lines help create dynamic and powerful images that highlight your chosen subject matter.
How to Use Leading Lines in Photography — 2021 — MasterClass
Symmetry and Patterns
Symmetry and patterns helps attract the eye to different items in the photograph and helps your sense of imagination. There are 4 types of symmetry: Vertical symmetry is the most common type of symmetry if you split your image vertically down the middle it would be the same on both sides, Horizontal symmetry is common in landscapes but its splitting the image in half horizontally but is different than reflective symmetry, radical symmetry involves shapes that go round and round with the same patterns and last is reflective symmetry which is all about reflections-objects are mirrored.
What is Symmetry in Photography? (How to Really Use it!) (expertphotography.com)
Viewpoint
The viewpoint or point of view is determined by the cameras’ position. How are you looking at the subject you want to photograph. Items can be distorted by the POV of the photograph, the smallest item could be huge and the biggest building could look like a toy. There are 4 view points that you could shoot from: birds-eye which is shot from above the object, becoming the subject which images are shot from another persons perspective, eye-level which images are eye to eye or on the same foreground and worm’s eye which is from underneath the object.
Point Of View In Photography (nyfa.edu)
Background
The background is a secondary item compared to the main object. It is best for backgrounds to stay constant and fit the overall look for the image so the focus isn't taken away. The background is meant to just add texture and context. In landscape photography they focus on making layers, in landscape photography the image is both the focus and background.
Definition: Background (photokonnexion.com)
Depth
Depth of field is when a the camera is focused on one thing primarily. The focus point can be closer to the camera which then makes the object/model more focused then the further away background which appears more blurred out, this is narrow depth of field. Large depth of field makes the objects that are closer more blurred and the focus point which is further and the background more clear. Depth is built upon adding layers to images in landscapes.
Understanding Depth of Field — A Beginner’s Guide (photographylife.com)
Framing
Framing helps viewer focus on what is inside the frame. Framing helps block out distractions with objects in the scene. Framing can help give images context. As well as give images depth of field and leads viewers eyes to the focal point of the shot.
Framing Your Shots — Photography Composition Technique (digital-photography-school.com)
Cropping
When cropping an image it can either be done in photoshop or when composing the image. Cropping is meant to to crop out distractions or unwanted features and or items. Cropping also changes the aspect ratio of the images.
