How was photography invented?

Examples of Photographic Composition Explained by Foreign Photographers

This important process of finding a unique and beautiful subject while taking a photograph is called determining the composition. According to the previous narration, we know that composition is the process of conveying the photographer's intention to take a photo by laying out the most prominent object or any subject in the photo. And it affects the overall effect and balance of the picture. Now let's find out what kind of composition is needed when expressing a sense of movement and power, and what kind of composition should be used when expressing a sense of quietness and solitude.

There are several basic types of compositions: triangular compositions for stability; S-shaped compositions for guidance; diagonal compositions for tension and movement; parallel and horizontal compositions for calmness; and vertical compositions for heaviness and rigidity. These basic, traditional compositions provide us with great help in shooting, but just as we memorize the multiplication table in order to learn math, it takes constant practice to use this composition.

For example, triangular compositions can show a sense of stability, but it's impossible to fit all subjects into such a composition, and there's no single way of composing an object in real life. In addition, in order to express the characteristics of things, often will be representative of the composition and auxiliary composition arranged together in the picture, in order to shoot an excellent work. That is, by applying and varying, incorporating something that belongs only to you.

Just as 1+1=2, the laws of mathematical logic do not apply to the art of photography. At the same time, it cannot be denied that one cannot create one's own work without being able to fully digest the basic principles and the sense of balance in the image. Here we will focus on a few of the most used and basic compositional methods.

Horizontal line composition

Horizontal lines create a sense of stability and make the image look wider. Compositions that express a sense of calm and stability are usually horizontal line compositions, and this type of composition affects the overall feel of the image depending on where the lines are placed. Horizontal compositions are generally more static than vertical compositions.

Canon EOS 20D ︱ aperture f/13 ︱ speed 1/25 sec ︱ ISO200 ︱ EV O ︱ lens 17mm ︱ multi-spot metering

In the panoramic image, the grape vines, the water ridge- , plus the flat roof at the upper end of the picture all form a horizontal line that forms the picture. The overall image is dominated by the horizontal line, which brings a sense of stability and calmness. The position of the horizontal line in the picture determines the atmosphere expressed in the picture, so the distribution of the lines plays a very important role in the composition of the picture and should be used with care.

In order to show the ticking rain, set the shutter speed to 1/25 second or the use of flash, you can achieve the desired effect

Canon EOS 1D Mark2N ︱ aperture f/1.4 ︱ speed 1/2000 seconds ︱ ISO100 ︱ EV value 0 ︱ lens 50mm ︱ multi-spot metering

If you want to show the quiet mountains and forests If you want to show a quiet mountain teahouse, choose a horizontal line composition that emphasizes the sense of static is the most appropriate. The horizontal lines dominate the composition, reinforcing the atmosphere of calm and serenity.

Canon EOS 20D ︱ Aperture f/6.3 ︱ Speed 1/60 sec ︱ ISO100 ︱ EV 0 ︱ Lens 50mm ︱ Spot Metering

The landscape seen from the front side of the mountain is composed of ridges that form horizontal lines one after another. Including the clouds as well, along with the reddish haze in the distant sky, results in an impeccably executed piece of excellence.

Vertical Line Composition

Vertical line composition produces a photo that shows a strong will, while at the same time showing a certain rawness through its sense of depth and seriousness. This kind of composition is mostly used in vertical format.

Canon EOS 20D ︱ aperture f/4 ︱ speed 1/25 sec ︱ ISO 400 ︱ EV value -0.67 ︱ lens 15mm ︱ spot metering

The use of vertical line composition in vertical format photographs is more in-depth than - compared to the horizontal format photographs. The effect is multiplied by using a wide-angle lens. But with a wide-angle lens with a very short focal length, the vertical lines will be diagonal, and will tend to show only a certain sense of movement and convergence.

Canon EOS 20D ︱ aperture f/8 ︱ speed 1/320 seconds ︱ ISO400 ︱ EV value 0 ︱ lens 17mm ︱ multi-spot metering

moored in the seaside speedboat masts form a vertical - line composition. Together with the reflections in the water, the vertical lines from the top to the bottom of the frame give a dignified look. In addition, the lines in the picture attract the eye. The extension of the vertical lines at the top and bottom, if continued, also brings a sense of depth.

Canon EOS 20D ︱ aperture f/6.3 ︱ speed 1/60 seconds ︱ ISO400 ︱ EV value -0.33 ︱ lens 22mm ︱ multi-spot metering

Vertical line composition is best suited to the expression of wooded scenery. Especially in the foggy morning, the morning sunshine illuminated pine forest scenery is the most dreamy. Because the morning sun shines at a lower angle, the texture of the pine bark can be well expressed.

Diagonal composition

The diagonal composition with lines running through the picture can add a sense of movement to the picture, and is the most effective way to express a bright and active atmosphere. With the perspective of the picture together to form a vanishing point for the expression of the picture of the sense of distance. It is important to note that there must be a vertical line in the picture that serves as a benchmark in order to produce a picture with a sense of distance and proximity.

Canon EOS 20D ︱ aperture f/6.3 ︱ speed 1/100 seconds ︱ ISO100 ︱ EV value -0.33 ︱ lens 75mm ︱ multi-point metering

The front end of the large daisy flower beds and avenue across the boulevard of shade trees naturally form a balanced picture, diagonally across the picture of the aisle line of sight will be the people's attention to the sunlit place, more prominent sunshine The feeling of sunshine, coupled with the traveling cyclist, adds a sense of dynamism to the picture.

Canon EOS 20D ︱ aperture f/6.3 ︱ speed 0.4 seconds ︱ ISO200 ︱ EV value 0.33 ︱ lens 17mm ︱ spot metering

If there is no structure running through the picture, it can be - to show the calm and harmonious atmosphere of the lake. This diagonal composition using the reflection of the appropriate adjustments can constitute a good landscape photo. Remember not to tilt the horizontal line at this point.

Canon EOS 20D ︱ aperture f/4 ︱ speed 1/25 second ︱ ISO400 ︱ EV value 0.33 ︱ lens 17mm ︱ multi-spot metering

As shown in the figure, want to show the train into the subway station in front of the dynamic moment, diagonal composition is very necessary and indispensable. Dynamic objects such as this performance and the beginning of the dynamic direction of the white part of the formation of diagonal composition, in order to constitute the expression of dynamic stability of the picture.

Circular Composition

Circular compositions, in which subjects are arranged in a circle, have the effect of focusing the viewer's attention from the periphery to the center. The same is true of silhouette compositions in photos of trees and tunnels. The blurred corners of the photo and the lack of light can also focus the eye on the center.

Canon EOS 20D ︱ Aperture f/6.3 ︱ Speed 1/160 sec ︱ ISO200 ︱ EV -0.33 ︱ Lens 417mm ︱ Spot Metering

Circular composition is characterized by the fact that it can focus the eye to the center of the picture. For example, when showing lotus leaves, the unique composition of many leaf veins distributed from the center outward is ideal for focusing the eye. The greatest advantage of the circular composition is that the subject is portrayed in the center of the picture where the line of sight is concentrated, while other factors in the surrounding area are not interfered with. In such a case, even if there are other elements around the subject, the eye is usually not drawn away from it. The disadvantage of this kind of composition is that the eye is too concentrated, and after a long time, it will produce a feeling of fatigue.

Canon EOS 20D ︱ Aperture f/8 ︱ Speed 1/100 sec ︱ ISO100 ︱ EV 07 ︱ Lens 17mm ︱ Multi Spot Metering

As in the case of the watercourse form, a circular composition is naturally formed by the elements surrounding the subject. In the landscape shown here, the surrounding mountains are also framed into the picture, creating an enclosure that can easily focus the eye on the center of the frame.

Canon EOS 20D ︱ Aperture f/8 ︱ Speed 1.3 sec ︱ ISO200 ︱ EV 0 ︱ Lens 25mm ︱ Spot Metering

The arched bridge and its reflection in the water form a circular composition in the picture. In this circular composition, if the position of the angler is rearranged, the outside of the bridge will be removed from the view of the person looking at the photo, and people's eyes will naturally focus toward the inside of the bridge.

Triangle composition

Triangles are the most stable of all geometric shapes. If you want to express a calm atmosphere, a triangle composition is the most suitable. When composing a layout in the form of a triangle, note that the weight sense is located at the lower end of the picture, so as to express a sense of calm and stability. Triangle composition is especially suitable for group photos and multi-person memorial photos.

Canon EOS 1D Mark2N ︱ aperture f/11 ︱ speed 1/8 sec ︱ ISO100 ︱ EV value 0 ︱ lens 31mm ︱ multi-spot metering

The foggy mountain as a background to shoot the morning frosty landscape, the front of the pine trees and the far end of the strange rocky cliffs in a triangular composition in a wide-angle lens, due to the sense of calm and quiet, so that the picture does not appear heavy. The composition of the triangle does not look heavy. The triangular composition is not affected by the change of shooting position, and the use of a telescopic lens will give better results than a wide-angle lens.

Canon EOS 1D Mark2N ︱ Aperture f/6.3 ︱ Speed 1/125 sec ︱ ISO160 ︱ EV -0.67 ︱ Lens 165mm ︱ Spot Metering

As shown in the picture, the two lines that form the parallel railroad tracks are converging towards the vanishing point if viewed from the front. If you look at the composition, it is actually a triangle composition. This kind of composition is mostly used to show the sense of distance and proximity.

Canon EOS 20D ︱ aperture f/8 ︱ speed 1/160 seconds ︱ ISO100 ︱ EV value 0 ︱ lens 28mm ︱ multi-spot metering

The right side of the picture of the building in the picture occupies a lot of space, while the left side of the figure is a very small point, the combination of the two elements, that is, through the combination of the figure and the building, the formation of a triangle composition, can make the photo more vivid. It can make the photo appear more vivid.

Curve composition (S, Z shape)

Curve itself has a change, and has a sense of flow, it can make the picture active, curve composition can show a beautiful sense of rhythm and the beauty of the curve. It is especially suitable for shooting objects such as roads, rivers and tea plantations. The strong effect of the curve composition will be reflected by placing the subject at the beginning or end of the curve.

Canon EOS 20D ︱ Aperture f/5 ︱ Speed 0.8 sec ︱ ISO200 ︱ EV +0.33 ︱ Lens 17mm ︱ Spot Metering

While the stream forms a straight line, the rocks and moldings near it form a curved pool. The curvilinear composition of the pool allows the line of sight to start from the water channel, pass through the waterfall and the water fountain, and finally extend to the building up to the sky. And the view at sunset is better suited to night photography than after sunset.

Canon EOS 1D Mark2N ︱ Aperture f/9 ︱ Speed 500 sec ︱ ISO50 ︱ EV 0 ︱ Lens 17mm ︱ Multi Spot Metering

The tracks of the headlights of a car traveling along the rugged road make a good subject for curved compositions. In order to emphasize the track of the headlights, the aperture value setting is very important. If the aperture value is set too small, the light will be too weak to capture the track of the lights; if the aperture value is set too large, the light will be dispersed, and an aperture value between f/5.6 and f/8 is most suitable. If multiple shots are possible, it would be more vivid to put the track of the sun going down and the night scene together in the picture.

Canon EOS 20D ︱ Aperture f/8 ︱ Speed 1/800 sec ︱ ISO200 ︱ EV value 0 ︱ Lens 40mm ︱ Multi Spot Metering

As shown in the picture, in the curved composition of the quiet countryside path, the two sides of the path are covered with greenery, which makes it stand out more due to the contrast of the color tone. And unlike the asphalt road, the concrete road is strongly reflective and appears brighter, so the objects on the surface will also appear more obvious. Arranging the subject and the supporting elements contrastingly at the end of a curved composition can spark curiosity.