14th March 2023
I am Raghav Aggarwal, focused on bringing the latest trends in digital photography to aspiring photographers and hobbyists. I work to build a team of experienced photographers dedicated to sharing their practical knowledge with young talent, helping them turn their passion for photography into a career.
Are you wondering why some images catch your eye the very first time and others get lost in the back? That’s the trick: composition, or how to arrange your frame in a way that produces eye-catching masterworks.
Since 2017, at Pixel Photography, the top photography college in Delhi, we’ve trained aspirants in the art of photography from all genres of photography, from captivating portraits to landscapes. Think of composition as the foundation of photography — the science, art and a bit of magic that turns mundane moments into memorable images.
This blog will help to explain photography composition principles, types, and methods that go into each good photograph. Want to know the secrets to stunning imagery? Let’s dive in!
If you’re wondering, “What is composition in photography?”, think of it as the blueprint for creating visually stunning images. Composition is the art of arranging the elements within your frame to tell a story, evoke emotions, and guide the viewer's attention. Essentially, composition photography is what separates a good photo from a great one.
The rules of composition are an important part of any great photograph. They set how we visually experience the picture. Whether it’s the photography composition rules like the Rule of Thirds or more advanced photography composition techniques like the Golden Ratio, understanding these principles is essential for every photographer.
Consequently, when we talk about what is image composition, we’re not just taking a picture – it’s about creating harmony and meaning. These tips will show you how to turn a mere snapshot into a photograph that speaks to the viewer. Are you ready to learn more about different forms of photography composition? Now let’s go over the fundamentals of what makes an image look powerful visually, and how you can use framing composition in photography to further your narrative.
Researchers estimate that the viewer decides whether they like an image in 50 milliseconds (Source: Behaviour & Information Technology). A strong composition will also make sure that your photograph stands out from the crowd immediately.
Great composition draws viewers in and leaves a lasting impression.
Content with high-quality, visually appealing images gets 94% more views than text-heavy alternatives (Source: Skyword).
Fun Fact: The Rule of Thirds, one of the most basic composition techniques, has been used in art for centuries. Leonardo Da Vinci’s Vitruvian Man illustrates the same point!
Rules are the scaffolding of the imagination. Learn these rules of composition and then bend them to your creative will.
Try dividing your frame into a tic-tac-toe grid. Place your subject on either of these planes or where they intersect for instant aesthetic impact.
Pro Tip: Make sure to do this with your camera’s grid overlay and you’ll be good to go.
Straight lines (drives, fences, lights) direct the eyes towards your subject. They bring texture, drama and narrative together in one shot.
Did you know that leading lines are 42% more engaging as it is an intuitive movement for the viewers' eyes (Source: Venngage)?
Symmetry appeals to human beings — it’s wired into our heads. Harmony breeds symmetry, and asymmetry brings energy and interest.
Frame your subject with natural borders like windows, arches, or branches. Photographic framing compositions provide depth and shine like a spotlight.
Fun fact: The Taj Mahal entrance gate is a prime example of natural framing in photography.
Sometimes, less is more. Be sure to leave a bit of blank space around your topic so you emphasize simplicity and calm.
Each kind of photography composition has its own purpose of mood, focus, and narrative. So, let’s examine the most influential styles:
Minimalist composition takes your subject and lets it dominate the frame. In removing background noise, the focus remains on the object in front of them.
Example: A single tree in a wide desert. The blankness enhances the subject’s isolation.
As opposed to bare simplicity, elaborate pieces employ layers to communicate complex narratives. They involve navigating multiple agendas without overwhelming the audience.
Example: Street Market Scene in Chandni Chowk with vendors, shoppers and vivid colours filling the frame.
Pro Tip: Apply depth of field to focus on the subject but incorporate some supporting subjects.
Quasi-moving compositions use diagonal lines, curves and spirals to communicate motion and energy. These methods draw the viewer’s eye around the photo, giving it a life of its own.
Example: A cyclist pedalling along a curving road with the curve bringing in a sense of movement.
Abstract compositions go against the grain and emphasize pattern, texture and form. Such forms are open for interpretation and give photography its artistic edge.
Example: Close-up shots of rusting metal or flaking paint.
Pro Tip: Abstract images tend to resonate because our brains naturally look for patterns in randomness too.
Balanced composition can be symmetrical or asymmetrical. Symmetry provides harmony; asymmetry offers fascination.
Example: A perfectly mirrored landscape in a lake is symmetrical, but an off-centre subject with complementary aspects is asymmetrical.
Patterns are naturally pleasing to the eye. By capturing repetitive shapes, textures, or colours, you create a mesmerizing rhythm in your photos. Breaking the pattern with a focal point can add extra intrigue.
Example: A tiled floor with one tile of a contrasting colour.
Pro Tip: Look for patterns in urban settings, like rows of buildings or parked cars, for impactful shots.
Experiment with these styles to find your voice as a photographer, and remember, the best compositions often come from combining multiple techniques!
After getting the hang of it, step up your game by mastering these composition tips for photos:
Imagine Rule of Thirds’ sophisticated cousin. The Golden Ratio spiral creates divine proportions that are naturally pleasing to the eye.
Combine foreground, middle ground, and background to create depth and dimension.
Example: A person around a campfire, with mountains and scattered leaves in the foreground.
Contrast colours to really highlight your subject. Imagine a yellow saree against a blue cityscape in Jodhpur.
Fun Fact: Bright colours such as red and yellow can improve emotional connection by 70% (Source: Psychology of Colour).
Highlight detailed textures or repetitive patterns to create a tactile response.
Use light to create contrast and mood. Dramatic shadows can make portraits feel cinematic.
Pro Tip: Golden hour (the first and last hour of sunlight) is the holy grail for photographers.
Among these are some iconic photos of exceptional photo composition that continue to inspire photographers around the world:
This classic picture employs the Rule of Thirds and framing to emphasize the emotion of the subject, as it depicts the Great Depression.
Just right – motion, symmetry and pivotal moments, hence Cartier-Bresson’s nickname as street photographer’s father.
The masterful use of negative space and dramatic lighting accentuate the grandiosity of nature.
A: Image composition is the skill of arranging elements in your photo to create balance, focus, and visual appeal. Practice techniques like the Rule of Thirds and framing to improve.
A: Framing is the art of using natural or man-made borders (arches or branches) to bring attention to your subject and create depth and drama.
A: Start with the Rule of Thirds, Leading Lines, and Negative Space. These are very straightforward and highly effective.
A: Absolutely! Once you understand the rules, breaking them creatively can lead to unique and striking images.
A: Focus on a theme, ensure every element supports the story and use dynamic techniques to enhance visual impact.
At Pixel Photography, we believe learning should be as much fun as taking selfies in India Gate. This is why students love studying with us:
The key to taking compeling pictures is to know what is composition in photography. It’s not about the composition rules of photography but knowing when and how to circumvent them to tell your story in a new way.
At Pixel Photography, we train students to put their passion for photography into the hands of professionals. Whether you are studying framing composition in photography or exploring more advanced composition, our courses never let you fall behind.
Ready to transform your photography skills? Enrol at Pixel Photography today and let your creativity shine!
