If you want to improve your photography, whether you’re taking photos with your phone or an expensive camera, there are a few things that you need to consider. One thing that you should be looking at is the composition of your photographs. Composition refers to how the different elements within a photograph are arranged.
A good photograph is one that takes a number of different parts, combining them to ensure the outcome is aesthetically pleasing. With that being said, let’s take a look at some of the different ways that you can enhance the composition of your photographs.
Table of Contents
Have a vision in your mind
The first thing you need to do is make sure that you have an idea or vision whenever you are planning to take photographs. See the image you want to capture in your mind, and then do anything that is possible to make this photograph a reality. This is simply visualisation. It is a very effective technique that people across all forms of art tend to use. While it is simple, it does require some practice, though, so you need to be persistent when it comes to using visualisation.
To view examples of how photographers have successfully used this technique, check out photo sharing websites. Not only can you view other people’s photography, but you could also upload your own, for people to comment on. You could pick up some great tips this way.
Pay attention to the edges
A photograph’s edges can be just as vital as the middle of the photo. In some ways, they are just as critical. A tiny distraction near the edge of your frame can have a much bigger impact than a similar distraction within the middle of the photograph. That is why a lot of people use vignetting, which is an editing approach that involves the corners and edges of the photograph being darkened. Thinking about the edges of your photos while composing can make a big difference.
Balance the composition
It is also important to make sure that you make a conscious decision of whether you want to generate imbalance or balance within your composition. In other words, do you want to have equal weights on both sides, creating a more harmonious feel? Or would you rather create a sense of tension by having a photo that leans to the right or left? Balance is all about evaluating the visual weight of your scene, and determining whether there is more on the right or left.
Observe how the light changes
Finally, colour and light are two of the most critical qualities when it comes to determining a photo’s overall mood. For example, pastel orange at sunset is going to create a very different vibe when compared with high-contrast blue light. However, both of these can occur within half an hour of one and another. This is why it is imperative to make sure you observe the changing light at the scene.
Now, hopefully, you have an insight into some of the different ways that you can enhance the composition of your photographs. It may take a while to set up your shots, but the results are sure to be worth it.