For some, composing photos might come naturally, but for most of people, it takes a bit of work to get the hang of it. We also learn about various composition rules, like the rule of thirds or the golden spiral. These rules are great for starting out, but after a while, you might start wondering if there's more to composition than just placing a subject in a specific spot.
I want to share my approach to composition, which focuses on color, light, shadow, detail, and negative space. I believe that once you get a handle on this method, you’ll have a more comprehensive understanding of composition.
Elements
Before diving into how this method works, let's talk about the typical elements you’ll find in a scene you’re about to photograph.
Color
Bright and vibrant colors immediately catch your eye. Think of a red door, a yellow building, or a green bus. These colors grab your attention instantly.
Highlights
These are the brightest parts of your image, like a bright midday sky, a sun flare, snow, or a well-lit part of the street. Anything bright that catches your eye falls into this category.
Shadows
The opposite of highlights, shadows are the darker areas of your image. They’re usually not as attention-grabbing as the highlights but are crucial for contrast and depth.
Detail
These are the busy parts of an image with lots of intricate elements, like a crowd of people, detailed architecture, or a complex background.
Negative Space
This is the empty or minimal part of an image, like a washed-out sky or a dark shadow area. Negative space helps balance the busy parts of an image and gives it breathing room.
Weight
Now that you know the elements, let's talk about their weight—how much attention each element draws and how quickly it does so. Elements with more weight grab your attention faster and hold it longer.
Color
Bright and vibrant colors command the most weight. Even a small splash of color in a dull scene can draw 95% of your focus.
Highlights
Similar to color, highlights draw your attention quickly. Your eyes naturally gravitate towards the brightest parts of an image. If something is both bright and colorful, it will definitely dominate your focus.
Detail & Negative Space
These can balance each other out. Busy areas with lots of detail might make you look closely, while negative space provides a calm area for your eyes to rest. They hold less weight than highlights and colors but still play an important role.
Shadows
Shadows hold the least weight because they are less eye-catching. They tend to be the last thing you notice in a photo.
Balance Principle
The key to a well-composed image is balance. You want an image that doesn’t feel lopsided or heavy in one area. Think of it as balancing the different elements by their weight. A bright, colorful spot might need a larger, darker area to balance it out. A detailed area might need some negative space to keep the image from feeling too busy. By balancing these elements, you create a harmonious and pleasing composition.
Make Your Composition Stronger
While the main focus is on balancing elements, there are three other techniques I always keep in mind:
Leading Lines
These are lines in your image that guide the viewer’s eyes towards the subject. They can enhance the focus and direction of your composition.
Framing
Using elements within the scene to frame your subject helps direct attention and create a clear focal point.
Foreground Elements
Including elements in the foreground adds depth and context, making the viewer feel like they are part of the scene. It’s like shooting through something to create a sense of immersion.
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