Composition: Getting Beyond The Snapshot

A snapshot is a quick, effortless way to capture a moment in time. But for many photographers, the desire to create something more than just a quick photo often arises. Composition is one of the key elements that can help transform a snapshot into a full-fledged work of art. By taking the time to carefully consider the placement of subjects within the frame, photographers can create images that are aesthetically pleasing and tell a story. Furthermore, composition can be used to convey emotion, direct the viewer's attention, and add visual interest. With thoughtful composition, the possibilities for creating stunning photographs are endless.

There are a few basic guidelines that can help you get started with composing your shots. First, it is important to consider the rule of thirds. This rule states that subjects should be placed off-center, rather than in the middle of the frame. Placing subjects in the middle often results in a dull and uninteresting composition. In addition to the rule of thirds, another guideline to consider is leading lines. Leading lines are any type of line that leads the viewer's eye into the frame. They can be created by roads, fences, rivers, or even power lines. By including leading lines in your shots, you can create a sense of depth and dimension. When composing your photos, it is also important to be aware of the background. The background should complement the subject, not compete with it. A cluttered or busy background can distract from the main subject and make the composition seem chaotic. Conversely, an empty background can make the subject seem isolated. The best way to avoid either of these problems is to take a few moments to survey the scene and decide what should be included in the frame and what should be cropped out.

With today's high-tech pro cameras and IS and VR lenses, learning to take perfectly sharp, expertly exposed photographs is a snap. There are thousands of technically perfect photographs in print and on the web and it seems there are as many talented amateurs emerging every day. But there is a notable difference in the work of a photographer who takes the time to think about the composition of their image. The composition sets the mood for the shot and tells the story. Compositions can be used to evoke powerful emotional responses in a viewer, a goal for many photographers, but something that is achieved by few.

In order to create a technically good, visually pleasing photograph it would make sense that a photographer have a solid understanding of both the technical and aesthetic sides of photography. The ability to intertwine the two is what propels the work of masters like John Shaw and Galen Rowell far above the seas of documentary shots. Try to see the compositional elements in every photograph you can find. Look at the lines in the image. Do they work together or against each other? How does your eye travel around through the image? Does it flow smoothly from one thing to the next or jump all around in the image?

Look for space distribution, color, mood, perspective, depth, light and time of day, shapes, etc. How did the photographer use major components of the image like light and shadow, shape and form, background and foreground?

The colors in a photo may have a significant influence on the viewer when they are used carefully. Each color is associated with certain emotions and can help to create a certain mood. For example, warm colors like red and orange are often used to convey energy and excitement, while cool colors like blue and green are more calming. In addition to affecting the mood of a photo, colors can also be used to create depth and perspective. For instance, selective use of color can make a subject appear closer or further away. And by playing with light and shadows, colors can also be used to create distinction between different elements in a photo. Ultimately, understanding the role of color can help you take your photography to another level.

Below there are presented something called "composition maps." They are photographs marked in Photoshop highlighting various aspects of the composition. We can use them as visual teaching aides to break images down to their basic parts and see the underlying composition. As it was said, there are many aspects of these photos you should pay attention to - quality and direction of light, patterns and repetition, balance, weight, shape vs. form, negative space, perspective, contrast, etc. In this image we see highlighted spacing and how it could be viewed on The Rule of Thirds grid:

And here we examine only the lines in the image:

by Gloria Hopkins

Today, photography is characterized by a rapid increase in technology and ideas. Millions of photographs are taken every year, with an increasing number of new films, cameras, and imaging systems entering the market. Anyone may learn how to take a photo in a short period of time; however, before you can become an accomplished photographer, you must first master the fundamentals; therefore, mastery of the basic foundations is the basis on which you will develop your photographic and professional abilities.

Studying compositions builds good design skills even though you are not actively designing the image. Seeing is half of the art of photography and this exercise will help you to recognize that prize-winning shot when you have it in your viewfinder. Look and ask yourself - what is the message of my photo? What is the best way to communicate this message? If you keep composition in mind when in the field, it will eventually become second nature to you! It will go from being a source of uncertainty to a powerful tool that will enable you to speak to the world through your images, exactly how you want and on your own terms. By carefully arranging elements within the frame, they can create an eye-catching image that is both visually appealing and technically clean, start now!