News Photos and Layout

There are certain basic criteria for good composition that, when followed, will aid in the creation of visual balance or dynamic tension. All of the "rules" of composition aren't always necessary to produce a decent photograph. The principles are intended as guidelines rather than dogma, but they can assist you in creating well-balanced pictures that are pleasing to the eye. While the subject may initially catch people's attention, it is the artistry of arrangement that keeps them there. The following are some of the most important components of excellent composition.

Photography, the Golden Mean, and Geeky Coolness

The Rule Of Thirds dictates the placement of the focus of your photograph. Why?

The rule should actually be called the Rule Of The Golden Mean. Across cultures and history, creators such as artists and architects - and even composers and poets - have adopted the Golden Mean as a ratio that is pleasing to the human eye. Nobody is certain why, but a rectangle with sides in the ratio of 1:1.6180339887499... just seems to please the aesthetic sense of the human brain. Simply - it just looks good.

The ratio of height to width of the rule of thirds is 1:2/3 (or 2/3:1, depending on whether your photo is oriented down or across). This gives a ratio of 1.5. This ratio, however, is only an approximation of the Golden Mean, which is why the rule of thirds seems to work so well: it is building an approximation of the Golden Mean within the boundaries of your photo. Almost mystically, the Golden Mean seems to be a naturally occurring number, like pi or e. The Fibonacci series of numbers starts with 0 and 1, then adds two numbers to produce the next in the series:

0

1

2

3

5

8

13

21

34

55

etc.

Now, if you take successive ratios of consecutive numbers in the Fibonacci series, you get ratios that more and more closely approach the Golden Mean as you use higher and higher pairs of numbers.

What are some additional principles for creating an aesthetically pleasing composition?

Some other guidelines for creating a pleasing composition include the following:

  • Simplicity: A composition is usually more appealing when it isn't overly crowded or chaotic. The most important components of the picture can be left out to achieve this.
  • Balance: The elements can be balanced in a photograph by evenly distributing them within the frame. This lends an air of stability and order to the photo.
  • Texture: Adding texture to a video can add interest and visual appeal. This may be done by including items with varied textures or using light and shade to generate texture.
  • Pattern: Repetition of components may create a sense of rhythm and aesthetic appeal by repeating elements. Geometric patterns are one way to do this.
  • Contrast: High-contrast images, such as those with bright light and dark shadows or distinct hues, may create a striking and eye-catching composition.

What Are Some Of The Most Frequently Made Mistakes When It Comes To Creating An Image?

Some common mistakes that people make when composing an image include the following:

  • Taking into account only the frame: It's critical to consider what'll be included in the frame and what'll be excluded. This may be achieved by paying attention to the frame's edges and using the rule of thirds.
  • The focal point is often more beautiful when it isn't centered. This might result in a more dynamic and interesting photograph..
  • Busy backgrounds: A busy background may detract from the photo's focus. It is often preferable to have the subject in front of a simple backdrop to avoid this problem.
  • A cluttered composition may be off-putting and unpleasant to look at. It is critical to keep only the most essential components in the frame to avoid this.

What other things should you think about while creating an image?

Some other factors to consider when composing an image include the following:

  • Lighting: Excellent lighting may make a significant impact on the quality of an image. It's critical to notice the direction of the light and take advantage of it.
  • Perspective: The viewpoint of an image may have a significant influence on the overall composition. This includes the angle from which the picture is shot as well as the distance between the subject and the camera.
  • The topic of an image is something that piques the viewer's interest and is visually attractive. The construction, lighting, and perspective may be used to achieve this.

Sample Photos

Take a moment to think about how you want your photo to be divided into thirds both horizontally and vertically before taking the shot. The intersections of these imagined lines suggest four potential locations for the subject's focus in the frame. The choice you make is determined by the subject and how you want that topic to be presented.

Leave space for your action. The subject is positioned in the lower-left corner, which we've followed with The Rule Of Thirds and given him plenty of room to run within the frame. Space implies action and stasis. The following two images are the same photograph, cropped and sized differently.

You may also apply the rule of thirds principles to the placement of the horizon in your images. The boat and horizon are positioned in the center, which leads to a static aesthetic. In photography, a horizon line may be used to balance an image. Moving the horizon line up or down in an image can alter how everything looks together. The horizon line, for example, may be placed in the middle of a picture to convey stability, while placing the horizon line closer to the top or bottom of an image might create a sensation of movement.

Make sure the photos are balanced. Both the photo above and below follow The Rule Of Thirds, but only one is naturally balanced.

Sometimes, take that literally:

Most importantly, news photos have to tell a news story. What's going on here?

Obviously, there are many more methods for achieving visual harmony. Then there's the other side of the coin - how to use rulebreaking effectively to create compelling tension. But it is vital to understand and practice the fundamentals before departing from them.