I had included the occasional photo composition tip in some of the original Foto Friday posts but they are buried among all of the technical explanations. I thought it might be a good idea to do a post that summarized some of the common “rules” of composition. They can be used by anyone who holds a camera, be it a point-and-shoot or an SLR.
These may be old news to many of you, but they are tried and true. I get asked about composition often enough that I thought it would help to have a post to summarize some composition tips.
The Rule of Thirds
Here is the technical spiel when it comes to the Rule of Thirds.
Imagine that there is a tic-tac-toe grid when you look through the viewfinder. The Rule of Thirds basically states that you should place the subject of your photo along one of the lines in your “grid” or at one of the points where the lines “intersect” (This grid is imaginary; you won’t see it in your viewfinder).
Basically, just place your subject in one of the “thirds” of that imaginary grid (top third, bottom third, left third, right third).
I came make it even simpler. Place the subject of your photo off-centre. Do not put the subject of your photo in dead centre. It’s not bad if you do, but the photo has better depth if your photo subject is in one of the thirds of your frame.
I usually focus on my subject and then shift the camera to the right or the left.
It’s All About The Background
That is actually the opposite of the truth. Unless you are taking a photo of a sweeping vista, you want to keep the background as uncluttered as possible. I am constantly stopping to toss toys off of the lawn when I am outside with the kids and taking photos. An ill-placed object in the background can detract from the photo subject.
See? Who needs a baseball and bat sticking out of their head?
Composition: Framing
This is a really simple aspect of composition. If your subject is framed by an object/surrounding, fill the frame of your viewfinder so that the environmental “frame”, well, frames your subject.
Like this one I took of Emily on our jungle gym last fall.
She was so little. Here’s another one of her looking out of the same opening.
Do you see how the frame of the opening provides a good frame for the photo?
Fill The Frame
If you are taking a photo of your kid playing sports or performing in something you will want to catch more of the scene. If you are taking portraits, you will want to fill the frame as much as possible.
Cropping the top of the head off of your subject is another dynamic composition tactic that goes hand-in-hand with filling the frame.
There are more basics than can be covered, but I think this is a good start…and a good place to stop.
Have a wonderful Friday, everyone.
15 Comments
I heart Foto Fridays!!
K’s last blog post..Back on track
Comment by K on August 29th, 2008 @ 4:57 amYou? Are a genius.
slynnro’s last blog post..What I’m Dying for This Fall.
Comment by slynnro on August 29th, 2008 @ 6:16 amYes, great tips! I’ shall remember them this weekend while snapping away. 
Fit Bottomed Girl’s last blog post..Who Knew? It’s More Herbs, Less Salt Day!
i want to make out with you.
you are the best.
also? miss emily was so wee!
Comment by ali on August 29th, 2008 @ 6:41 amEmily looks so much like Graham in the last photo! Not in a “your little girl looks like a boy” kind of way. Just to clarify.
Have a nice long weekend!
hills’s last blog post..I Got Rusted Anxiety
Comment by hills on August 29th, 2008 @ 9:29 amThanks to you I know all of these but do you think if next time you see me you say each and then wallop me over the head with a hammer I might actually remember them while behind my camera?
I say it’s worth a shot!
Kami’s last blog post..Grade 2 - How do I?
Comment by Kami on August 29th, 2008 @ 12:45 pmSome of my favourite tips there! I just need to take MORE photos and practice getting them all right 
Hannah’s last blog post..Budding photographer?
Here’s my problem: Whenever I try to do an artful-crop in a photo, I always crop off too much of the person’s head and it looks like I have it in for them.
I love the last photo of Emily. Her eyes simply poppity-pop-pop-pop!
The Over-Thinker’s last blog post..Figuratively Mark Your Figurative Calendars!
Comment by The Over-Thinker on August 29th, 2008 @ 5:03 pmAwwww! Miss Emily was so little!!! Doesn’t it seem like it was just yesterday?!? I love the photos you took of Amanda - Beautiful!
Comment by Michele on August 29th, 2008 @ 7:33 pmWooo! I LOVE Foto Fridays!!
Mrs. Wilson’s last blog post..Color Me Happy Swaparooni!
Comment by Mrs. Wilson on August 30th, 2008 @ 2:55 pmVery cute and touching, the best of photo art is to depict children in their height of youth and innocence. Emily stares not just at Mom and Dad, but hundreds or even thousands in this blog. May I ask you thought of joining a photo art contest on the internet? I’m sure you could win first prize, but a photo artist does this for the love of creative artistry. +
Comment by Michael on August 31st, 2008 @ 4:43 amGreat tips Angella. Thanks so much. Emily looks precious (as always) in those photos!!
rachel’s last blog post..Lacy, Chocolatey, Crispy Weekly Winners
Comment by rachel on August 31st, 2008 @ 2:25 pmThat was awesome!
I love taking pictures and love any tips.
Those photos of Emily, to die for!!
Anna’s last blog post..Fuel and fashion
Comment by Anna on September 1st, 2008 @ 10:24 am
Doh. The rule of thirds. I always forget that.
witchypoo’s last blog post..SIL Twice Removed
Comment by witchypoo on August 29th, 2008 @ 4:54 am