A few thoughts on photography composition

All the individual elements of your photography composition, whatever the subject matter, must work together as a whole if you are looking to create a successful image.

First and foremost photography images are made by you the photographer, they are an amalgam of many elements, including your own inner vision, interpretation and aspiration. If any of these elements are missing then the image will more than likely fail to live up to your expectation.

Attention to detail matters when looking for potential photo opportunities, these details need careful consideration following which it becomes easier to understand that the whole is clearly made up of many individual parts. All these parts inter-relate with each other and without doubt have a vital role to play in your photography composition.

I believe simplicity to be the key to a good strong image, so many images are fussy with too much going on. The main subject within the photography composition frame needs to be clearly identifiable whilst everything else within the frame provides a supporting but nonetheless vital role.

Whilst composing and considering our proposed image we need to look for naturally occurring patterns, be it blocks of colour, strong diagonal lines or an element like a stream, fence or road to lead our eye into the picture. A well selected foreground will provide strong impact to the image and draw the viewer deeper and deeper into the frame.

Placing the subject or horizon on an intersection of thirds makes for a very strong photography composition, known as the Rule of Thirds it is a tried and tested method of producing a strong photography composition. With that said photography is not about rules it is about individual expression, sometimes breaking the rules is liberating and allows our creativity to flow.

Finally, do not be afraid to experiment, push the boundaries within yourself for only then will you realise your full potential.