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COMPOSITION, THE PUZZLE THAT COMPLETES A PHOTO

Quick Guide
Written by Kent DuFault
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 Why is photo composition so dang important?

Composition is essential because we must fool the brain of a

random spectator that views our photographs!

From birth, our brain is trained to see the world in three

dimensions. We have two eyes placed on opposite sides
of our heads. They send visual stimuli to our brain, which
produces a three-dimensional image.

There is nothing magical about composition.

Whenever you compose a picture, you are trying to inform

the brain of someone else who wasn’t there of what you
found interesting.

When you raise the camera to your eye, you are, in fact,
subconsciously composing a picture.

The magic (your photographic superpower) comes in the

knowledge of HOW to compose your photographs in
a pleasing fashion to others, how it communicates your
message, and how it derives an emotional response.

That’s why composition is important, and now you know why!

Here is what you will learn:

Artwork by Clarisa Ponce de Leon

· The importance of composition in photography

· Producing a solid message versus a weak one

· The definition of composition

COMPOSITION, THE PUZZLE THAT COMPLETES A PHOTO // © PHOTZY.COM 3

 · The relationship between composition and story

· Why leaving a mystery in the photo story is good

· Using the concept of intent

· Weaving a path and telling a story at the same time

Recommended Reading: If you’d like to improve

your composition skills for better images, grab a
copy of Photzy’s best-selling premium guide:
Understanding Composition.

Composition is simply the arrangement of elements within

your photograph to make it appealing to the broadest
audience possible.

When starting out, this will take thought and practice.

As your skill level increases (much like riding a bicycle), it
will become second nature – an unconscious reaction to
Photograph by Callum Hill
events that unfold around you.

Let’s look at a couple of example photos to help

solidify the ‘why’ of composition.

The intention here was to show this boy enjoying blowing

bubbles.

However, the unorganized composition has weakened

the message considerably. Rather than appealing to a
broad audience, it comes across as uninteresting (except
possibly to this child’s relatives).

It has little universal artistic appeal.

COMPOSITION, THE PUZZLE THAT COMPLETES A PHOTO // © PHOTZY.COM 4

 This bubble-blowing photo has
immediate universal appeal.

Why? It is superbly composed.

Here are the composition elements that

work well in the image on the left:

· It has a clean background that

provides color contrast and location
information without interfering with
the subject or her activity of blowing
bubbles.

· The bubbles are repeating and

provide interesting shapes that are
clearly defined and easily visible
against the background.

· All the critical elements are in focus,

and all the non-critical parts are out
of focus.

· We can see the subject’s facial

expression.

· The line of sight from the model

points toward the bubble-blowing
activity.

· The bubbles and hand are placed

in the ‘sweet spot’ within the entire
image framework.
Photograph by Gianandrea Villa

COMPOSITION, THE PUZZLE THAT COMPLETES A PHOTO // © PHOTZY.COM 5

 DEFINITION

Composition – noun.

1) The nature of something’s

ingredients or constituents. The way
in which a whole or mixture is made
up.

Synonyms: configuration, structure,

formation, framework, form, and
organization.

Let’s look at another example.

This shot really represents an opportunity

lost. At a minimum, we can determine
that something interesting was going on.

However, beyond that, we are very much

in the dark. We don’t know what the
gathering is about. We know nothing
about the people involved, especially
the boy, who the photographer aimed to
feature.

Leaving some mystery in a photo can

be good. It stimulates the viewer’s
imagination. However, the photographer
must include enough information to allow
the viewer to formulate a story in their
Photograph by Gayatri Malhotra mind.

COMPOSITION, THE PUZZLE THAT COMPLETES A PHOTO // © PHOTZY.COM 6

 This photograph, by the same photographer, is a much better-composed shot.

· We now know what the gathering is about.

· We now have a clear sense of the mood and story involved.

· The placement of the man holding the sign creates a vital subject, with the
background providing additional storytelling elements.

· The shape and graphics of the sign immediately establish the man as the
subject.

When talking with photography students about composition, I often try to

hammer home the concept of intent.

The intent should be clearly tied to composing your photos.

1) The photographer sees something that catches their eye.

2) They make a decision to photograph it.

3) They determine what they are trying to say about the situation that caught
their eye. This is determining intent.

4) They compose elements of the scene to complete their intent.

5) They take the picture.

6) When post-processing, they edit to further enhance their intent.

7) They complete their photo.

Many photographers only complete steps 1, 2, and 7. The results are often
photos that don’t communicate an intended message.
Photograph by Gayatri Malhotra Give it a try! Compose with intent!
COMPOSITION, THE PUZZLE THAT COMPLETES A PHOTO // © PHOTZY.COM 7
 The image on the left is a fine example of
weaving a path and telling a story with a
photograph.

Let’s break it down.

THE PATH:

· A robust leading line is created by

the road into the scene.

· Secondary leading lines are created

by the contrast between the dark
trees and the sky.

· Monochromatic color sets the mood.

· The car is a focal point and creates a

subject area for the overall scene.

THE STORY:

· It is a dreary day to be out driving

on the road. There is a sense of
Photograph by Kent DuFault loneliness and cold in the moment.
Perhaps because of the conditions,
there could be danger around the
corner.

COMPOSITION, THE PUZZLE THAT COMPLETES A PHOTO // © PHOTZY.COM 8

 Here are a few composition techniques I
would like you to try. Include a story with
each attempt:

1) Leading line

2) Focal point

3) Rule of Thirds

4) Monochromatic color

5) Depth of field

6) Frames

Photograph by Kent DuFault

COMPOSITION, THE PUZZLE THAT COMPLETES A PHOTO // © PHOTZY.COM 9

 CONCLUSION

The concept of composition can

be daunting when starting out in
photography. However, it’s much like
riding a bike. If you practice at some
point, it will become automatic, and
you won’t even think about it anymore.
Start learning with the six composition
tools listed above, and when you’ve
mastered them, go on to more complex
composition techniques. Start with a
good base and build from there. Most of
all, have fun!

Recommended Reading: If you’d

like to improve your composition
skills for better images, grab a copy
of Photzy’s best-selling premium
guide: Understanding Composition.

Photograph by Kent DuFault

COMPOSITION, THE PUZZLE THAT COMPLETES A PHOTO // © PHOTZY.COM 10

 Self-Check Quiz:

1) Why is photo composition essential?

2) What is your brain trained to see from birth?

3) What three superpowers do composition skills give you as a photographer?

4) Why is universal appeal important?

5) What is the definition of composition?

6) True or False: You should never have a mysterious unexplained element in a photo composition!

7) Composition and _____________ are closely tied together.

8) True or False: You should always compose with intent.

9) Name four of the six beginner composition tools listed at the end of the guide.

COMPOSITION, THE PUZZLE THAT COMPLETES A PHOTO // © PHOTZY.COM 11

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(free for a limited time)

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 ABOUT THE AUTHOR Congratulations! You’ve completed
this Photzy guide!

If you liked this photography tutorial,

check out this premium composition
guide to help you better compose
images: Understanding Composition.

Kent DuFault is a professional photographer and author.

Follow him here:

LinkedIn | Flickr | Clippings | Gurushots | 500px IF YOU’D LIKE TO CONTINUE

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