October 18, 2024
Easy-to-understand explanations of the basics of composition and angles for taking good photographs! [Must-see for beginners]
![Easy-to-understand explanations of the basics of composition and angles for taking good photographs! [Must-see for beginners]](/global/consumer/article_file/file/article-basics-of-composition_01.webp "Easy-to-understand explanations of the basics of composition and angles for taking good photographs! [Must-see for beginners]")
Some people who have just started using interchangeable-lens cameras may have the problem of “not being able to take pictures well as I imagined. We recommend that the first thing you should be aware to take beautiful pictures is to try to compose your pictures. In this article, we will introduce an overview of composition, key elements, and examples of typical compositions.
Composition is the key to good photography. So what exactly is composition? Composition is a way of thinking about how to arrange and organize subjects and elements in a picture.
Composition is used not only in photography, but also in painting, graphic design, video, cartoons, and many other types of works. This method of composition can create balance, rhythm, and harmony in a work of art. It is no exaggeration to say that composition greatly influences the overall impression and message of a work.
To make good use of composition, we will first introduce the key elements of composition. Here, we will discuss the five elements of framing, leading lines, layering, vertical and horizontal format, and the amount of information in the background.
“Framing” is a word that describes how to capture the scene you see in front of you as a photograph.
To put the spotlight on the main subject, it is important not only to “add” but also to “subtract” to remove unnecessary elements. For example, simplifying the background and adding blur to the background will naturally focus attention on the central subject.
On the other hand, effectively including foreground and background elements can convey the situation in which the subject is placed and emphasize the contrast with the surroundings.
After deciding on the main subject of the photo, consider framing while keeping in mind “how can I make the main subject stand out?
There are two general types of photo formats: vertical and horizontal. Vertical photos tend to move the eye from top to bottom, giving the impression of emphasizing size, shape, and lines, not to mention capturing the entire image of a long, vertical subject. For example, it is often chosen for portraits, architecture, and lifestyle photography.
On the other hand, horizontal photos tend to move the eye from left to right. This creates an impression of scale when photographing landscapes and nature, and expresses dynamism when photographing sports and other subjects that move from side to side. It is best to choose the most appropriate format, keeping in mind the movement of the human eye.
Leading lines are lines that guide the eye. There are a variety of leading lines, including horizontal, vertical, diagonal, and curved lines. If you make good use of these lines, you can subconsciously lead people's eyes to the subject area.
For example, in landscape photography, vertical, horizontal, and diagonal placement of lines created by nature, such as mountain ranges and rivers, can create depth and a three-dimensional effect. In addition, placing the subject and subtopics at the intersections in a three-part composition, for example, will create a flowing, well-balanced photograph.
Layering refers to the superposition of foreground, midground, and background. The foreground is the foremost object in the foreground and the background is the farthest object in the background. The midground is what lies between the foreground and the background. Layering the foreground, middle ground, and background creates depth and dynamism in a photo.
In portraits, for example, the inclusion of a foreground blur can give the impression of looking into the subject and create an emotional atmosphere. It is possible to create a crisp, attention-grabbing photo without boring the viewer.
The amount of information in the background is also an important element of composition. If the amount of information in the background is small, the impression of the subject is enhanced. On the other hand, if the background contains more information, the relationship between the subject and the surrounding situation is emphasized.
For example, a simple wall surface for the background in a portrait or the creation of a large blur will reduce the amount of background information. The viewer will then inevitably focus on the subject. On the other hand, capturing a solid background of natural scenery or a cityscape will strengthen the meaning and story of the subject's presence in the scene and create drama. Use different amounts of bokeh and different angles of view (wide-angle lens or telephoto lens, etc.) to crop the background in different ways.
Triptych composition is a composition in which the image is divided vertically and horizontally into 3 x 3 sections, and the central subject and supporting material are placed at each intersection. This composition creates the appropriate amount of blank space and crispness in the image, resulting in a well-balanced photograph.
The three-division composition is one of the most versatile compositions that can be used in a variety of photographic situations, including portraits, landscapes, and wildlife photography, so it is best to master it first.
The quadrant composition is a composition in which the image is divided vertically and horizontally into 4 x 4 sections, with the key subject placed at each intersection, and the foreground and scene borders placed at each intersection. Like the triangular composition, it is one of the compositions in which it is easy to obtain a good balance of margins and top and bottom.
It is a composition similar to the aforementioned three-division composition, but it can be used to create a sense of stability when there is little density in relation to the sense of scale, such as in a vast landscape, or when you want to emphasize a sense of distance and plenty.
A split composition is a composition in which the subject is placed in two equal sections, either vertically or horizontally. It is often used in landscape photography of seascapes, mountains, rivers, and cityscapes. By focusing on the borderline, such as a horizontal or vertical line, a simple yet powerful impression is created.
It can also be used to emphasize the contrast between the inside and outside of a boundary, such as the contrast between indoors and outdoors.
Hinomaru composition is a composition in which the central subject is placed in the center of the picture, like the Japanese national flag. It is often used when you want to capture a single subject, such as a portrait, animals, plants, insects, or portraits. When using this composition, a simple background will make the subject stand out more.
Diagonal composition is a composition in which the subject is placed on the diagonal of the frame. For example, placing the lines of buildings, bridges, roads, and other structures on the diagonal creates depth and dynamism. Also, arranging objects on the diagonal in a table photo, for example, can create a rhythm without being flat.
Triangular composition is a composition in which the subject is placed on the vertices or sides of a triangle. It is also used in landscapes, portraits, and other types of photography. This composition is recommended when you want to create a sense of balance and stability. It is also suitable for expressing the majesty of natural landscapes and for photographing large subjects such as mountains or buildings in a balanced manner.
Curved line composition is a composition that takes advantage of the curves of the subject or places the point of interest on the curves. In addition to photographing curved structures and roads, it can also be used to express the dynamic and rhythm of mountain ranges and coastlines.
Symmetrical composition is a composition in which the subjects are arranged so that they are symmetrical either vertically or horizontally. It gives the impression of a mirror, and the geometric beauty of the composition is emphasized.
In framing and composing a photograph, the distance and positioning of the subject is also an important point. Find the best composition by changing the distance between you and the subject, the position of the camera, and the angle. Here we will introduce three key points: “angle,” “position,” and “leaning in.
Angle refers to the angle at which the camera is pointed. There are three main types of angles: low angle, high angle, and horizontal angle.
For example, a low angle with the camera pointing up can create a sense of openness and dynamism, while a high angle with the camera pointing down can create a sense of stability, protection, and ownership. In addition, horizontal angles, where the camera is level, will tend to create a balanced and calm impression.
Position refers to the position in which the camera is held. There are three main categories: high position, low position, and eye level. For example, a high camera position creates the sensation of looking down on the subject. On the other hand, shooting from a low position, with the camera held low, creates a sense of space, power, and dignity. Eye level, where the camera is held at the subject's eye level, can give a sense of realism.
“Close-up” means to get close to the subject. Since the subject appears larger, details and textures are emphasized, and a sense of realism and intimacy can be expressed. On the other hand, a pull-up (wide shot) is a shot taken at a distance from the subject. By taking distance from the subject, you can express a sense of scale and spatial expanse of the entire scene.
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Composition is an important technique that affects the impression of a photograph. You should consider composition while keeping in mind factors such as framing, leading lines, layering, and the amount of information in the background. Finding the best composition to create a better work of art also requires ingenuity in angles, positions, and leaning in and out. Use the typical compositions introduced in this article as a guide as you repeatedly release the shutter.
