Composition

Understanding exposure is essential, but without the knowledge of basic composition, you will struggle to take really good photos.

You don't have to blindly follow the rules, just use the newly found knowledge to shape your photos to be more visually appealing.

Practice tip: when going outside to take photos, try to implement each of these compositional techniques 3 times (3 photos = 1 technique)

Five Rules will be covered:

Rule of thirds
Balance
Fill the Frame
Leading lines
Symmetry

1. Rule of Thirds

Rule of Thirds is probably the first compositional rule photographers come across because it's simple and it works.

The Camera's frame is divided into thirds and the subject is placed on one of the 2 vertical or horizontal lines.

This creates more depth and balance between the subject and background.

2. balance

Balance in a photo affects how we feel when we look at it. Whether the photo is pleasing and harmonized, or uncomfortable.

Generally, balance is done by balancing the subject with another subject in the photo or an object in the background to fill up the negative space unoccupied by the subject.

3. Fill the Frame

"Fill the Frame" is a technique where the photographer gets closer to the subject or zooms in so that it occupies a significant for portion or the entirety of the frame.

This technique solely emphasis the subject by eliminating distractions and focusing the viewer's attentions on the details of the subject.

4. Leading lines

Leading lines is a powerful tool in photography where natural or man-made lines within an image guide the viewer's eyes towards a specific point fo interest, often the main subject.

5. Symmetry

Symmetry in photography is a compositional technique where elements in an image are balanced and mirrored across a central axis, creating a sense of harmony and order. Most common examples of symmetry are reflection shots.

Images can be mirrored across a vertical axis, meaning the left and right sides of the image are reflections of each other.

Images can be mirrored across a horizontal axis, meaning the top and bottom sides of the image are reflections of each other.