Its worth having a think about composition when taking your photos as it can have a big impact on the success of your final image. In my work, photographing babies and families, my main aim is to capture connections and emotions within little moments and this is definitely the most important thing to me. I love the quote by David Alan Harvey which says "don't shoot what it looks like, shoot what it feels like". This is so true for me. Having said that, if you can master the art of capturing emotion and connection within an image, and the photo has been composed with some thought, this is what creates a really extra special photo. Here are a few 'rules' or guidelines that its worth having a think about.....
The rule of thirds
Probably one of the most well known rules in photography is the rule of thirds. This is about putting a grid over your image separating it into thirds horizontally and vertically. The theory behind this is that an image which has the most striking parts of the image (i.e. the subjects eye, smile, holding hands etc) on the line of thirds, or on the intersections, is more pleasing to view. You can see some examples below.
Central composition
Confusingly contradicting the rule of thirds is central composition! So this is where you would place your subject in the centre of the frame to achieve a striking feel to the image.
Leading lines
If you use lines within the image to lead to the important elements within the image it helps to lead the viewers eye there. You can use paths, tree lines or any part of the scene which offers a leading line in this way.
These blind slats offer lovely leading lines
The path offering leading line through the image
The bold brick wall offering leading line to the subject
Framing within the frame
One of my favourite composition tools to use is framing within the frame. So this is where you find framing for your subject- this might be foliage from an over hanging branch or a building arch etc- to frame within the photo. It is great for adding some lovely depth to an image.
I hope that gives you some good ideas when it comes to creating your own images! If you have any questions or comments please feel free to leave them below. Helen x
