subject: Top Five Composition Rules For Photographers [print this page] While taking hundreds of photos is a good way to get a feel for your camera without any extra cost thanks to digital technology, having some idea about composition is important in helping you take a better shot with less tries. No composition rule is hard and fast, but it pays to know them before you break them, so that you have guidelines and ideas to work off.
Rule Of Thirds
The rule of thirds is perhaps the most commonly quoted composition rule in photography and art. The rule of thirds states that you should divide your image into thirds; vertical and horizontal, then place points of interest along intersecting lines. To make this easier, many cameras have an option where the photo is divided into these segments on your screen.
Symmetry And Patterns
Symmetry draws the eye and looks great in print. Look for unexpected symmetry or patterns when taking your photo and you'll see how easily they can make a dramatic shot. But, if you like your photos a little more chaotic, why not introduce an element that breaks the symmetry deliberately? The key to good photography is creating a style that is your own, so give this one a shot.
Leading Lines
Try photographing objects or landscapes that have lines that draw the eye. Compose your photograph to focus on these lines, pulling us into the scene and getting people to really take notice of your shot.
Crop
Cropping your image before or after taking it, can ensure your subject is not lost in its background. Cropping something small to take up the whole frame can be dramatic, highlighting details not normally seen. Be careful in cropping afterward however that you do not crop the image so small that blowing it up will compromise its quality. Try to decide the focus beforehand and get as close as possible.
Viewpoint
Changing your viewpoint is a great way to completely change a photograph or scene. Experiment with taking photos from above, below, behind - any view that you wouldn't normally come across. This brings new life to what might be a tired subject, and could even become a bit fof a theme for your future shots.
Printing your photos to canvas makes them special, singling them out from the hundreds on your computer. It also allows you to exhibit your work in your home, office or even in a gallery. The texture of canvas lends depth and interest to photographs, without taking away from their existing appeal.
