subject: Photography Ideas: How To Use Triangles For Composition [print this page] One great way to grow your photography proficiency is to begin a photography project. Most likely, you will want to choose an idea that will function as the basis for the project. One idea that you may want to try out is the use of triangles as a compositional technique.
Tips on how to Compose with Triangles
There are several compositional techniques from which a photographer can choose. Any time there are numerous objects in an image, the use of triangles is very effective as a composition technique. The technique involves composing an image in such a way that three or more objects form a triangle.
No less than three objects are required. This is because the objects must form the three points of the triangle. The sides of the triangle are formed by imaginary, diagonal lines that link the triangle points. This configuration produces a very dynamic photo. The diagonal lines serve to guide the viewer's eyes. The viewer's eyes go along the diagonals as they move from one triangle point to another. If there are more than three objects in the image, the additional objects will need to lie along the diagonal lines.
The objects need to either be similar (e.g., several flowers) or related somehow (e.g., different types of equipment inside a machine shop).
There are two ways that triangles can be used. They can be used with a single center of interest or with multiple centers of interest.
Let's begin by considering how the technique is used with a single center of interest. When a single center of interest is used, the center of interest has to be situated at one of the triangle points. So, what about the other objects on the triangle? They serve to strengthen the center of interest. These other points can be made subservient to the center of interest in various ways such as reducing their sharpness, contrast, color saturation, or size.
When an image contains multiple objects that are equally important, the image essentially contains multiple centers of interest. When this is the situation, it is vital to compose the image to ensure that all of the objects have an equal weight in the image. One example of this utilization of triangles is a family portrait where the heads of the family members are arranged into a triangle. Each family member's head is of equal importance and should be given equal weight in the portrait.
It is up to the photographer to determine which of these two approaches will work best for any particular image. The decision will need to be made when composing the photo.
Triangles have another purpose. They serve to set the mood in an image. When the base of the triangle is situated along the bottom of the image, and the triangle apex is towards the top, the image tends to communicate a feeling of stability. While those with the base at the top, or side, are more dynamic.
The Photography Project
The goal of this project is to create several images that incorporate triangles into the composition. You can use either single or multiple centers of interest. For that matter, why not try both. You might want to create a portfolio composed of images of different subject matter such as structures, scenery, and people.
