COMPOSITION

Photography I

What is Composition?

Arrangement of the
subject/subjects in a
visually pleasing and
interesting way
Vantage Point: The
angle that a photo is
taken from.
There are 5 rules of
composition
Annie Leibovitz, Susan

Rules of Composition

5 Rules
Rules

of Thirds
Simplicity
Line
Framing
Balance

Rule of Thirds
Rule of Thirds
Picture plane is
divided into 9
equal parts.
The subject is then
placed along one
of the lines or at
one of the 4
intersection points.

Simplicity

Give your subject the

most attention
Avoid complicated or
busy backgrounds

Martin Schoeller, Angelina Jolie

Line

Line and texture

can be used to
draw the
viewers attention
to the subject
Guides the
viewer through
the photograph

Framing

The photographer
uses existing
elements to draw
the viewers
attention to the
subject

Balance

How elements are

arranged
Symmetrical: Evenly
distributes the
elements in the
photograph.
Asymmetrical:
Elements are not
evenly distributed. It
tends to create more
interesting
compositions.

Vantage Point

a position or place that affords a wide or

advantageous perspective; viewpoint

Jeffery Garland

Jeffery Garland

Why are the rules important?

The rules of
composition are meant
to work as guidelines
for creating
photographs that are
visually pleasing,
engaging, and
interesting.