When we talk about composition, the first thoughts that come to mind may be related to the art of writing, but visual storytelling also has its own composition. Just as written text has its own internal structure, visual narratives also require a similar order. Composition techniques, also known as the art of managing the impact of a photograph, encompass various methods.
All these techniques contribute to presenting the subject of the photograph more effectively. Knowing composition techniques is inevitable for everyone, from beginners in photography to those who have dedicated years to the field, as these techniques are like laying the foundation of a house, constructing the subject of the photos.
There are three immutable elements in visual storytelling. The first is the subject of the photograph. The subject forms the primary element to be conveyed in the photo and is chosen for a specific purpose. The crucial element in visual storytelling, the subject should be reflected within the framework of specific composition techniques by the photographer.
The second element in visual storytelling is the environment that includes the subject. The environment should be organized, free from unnecessary clutter, to allow the subject to stand out. An environment where the subject is overshadowed is not suitable for the composition. The final element in visual storytelling is the photographer’s skill and position during the shot.
The location where the shot is taken should be a specific point where both the subject and the environment are properly arranged; otherwise, images incompatible with the composition may result. Various composition techniques must be employed to adjust the subject, environment, and photographer’s position. Ignoring these fundamentals in visual storytelling may lead to a lack of desired quality and visual appeal in photos.
Golden Ratio And Rule Of Thirds
The golden ratio creates a special technique used in photography calculations. It is based on the sequence 1, 1, 2, 3, 5…, where the main rule is the sum of the last two numbers to find the new number. When applied to photography, a photograph is divided into three equal parts, both horizontally and vertically. The points where the lines intersect during this division are considered the golden ratio. Also known as the 1/3 rule or the rule of thirds, this method enhances the processing of the subject in the photograph.
Golden ratio lines, commonly seen in devices like phones and cameras, provide clues on how to take a photograph. Although there is a misconception in some amateur works that the golden ratio is at the exact center, the intersections of the lines are more important.
In photographs taken with attention to the golden ratio, the subject stands out more prominently and is positioned in a more captivating point. Moreover, photos taken in line with the golden ratio exhibit a general balance. Viewers can easily notice the main subject above the golden ratio lines.
In the golden ratio rule, placing the main subject in the middle causes the focal point in the brain to be stimulated for a longer period. In other words, the golden ratio lines, arranged based on the brain’s perception points, actually revolve around mental stimuli. Therefore, placing the main subject above the golden ratio lines makes it more quickly noticeable, and the brain grasps the subject in the image more rapidly.
Symmetry And Asymmetry Games
The human brain has the ability to automatically complete the other half of partially visible objects. Symmetry and asymmetry are two techniques created based on this completion feature of the brain. Symmetry means that the same image appears on the side as well in a photograph.
An example that can be used to explain symmetry is the reflection in a mirror. For instance, when you hold a mirror to capture a landscape photo, you see the same image in the mirror. This reflected image is the product of symmetry, one of the foundations of visual storytelling. This technique, quite effective in creating compositions in photographs, imparts stability and stillness.
When using the symmetry feature in photographs, the symmetry of the subject should be taken from the exact axis. In other words, if shooting a landscape photo and the reflection of this landscape in the water will be used as symmetry, the point where the water meets the landscape should be used as the photo axis.
The photo axis should be centered during shots. Additionally, there should be a close distance between the main subject and its symmetry, and this distance should be successfully reflected in the photograph. Another application that adds color to compositions as much as symmetry is asymmetry.
Unlike symmetry, asymmetry does not involve equality or reflection. For example, if a tree is symmetric, both sides are the same, while if it is asymmetric, both sides are not equal. Asymmetry, which highlights movement, diversity, and uniqueness in photographs, is a special technique that brings life to compositions.
Asymmetric shots, which allow evaluations from different angles, do not have the subject in the center. It may be challenging to grasp the subject at first glance in areas such as right, left, up, or down. Less commonly used than other techniques, asymmetry can be employed by those who want to create interesting and entertaining compositions.
Perspective And Creating Depth
Perspective, one of the fundamental techniques in visual storytelling, is a feature that allows the photographer to see the subject from their point of view. To give an example, perspective can be considered when a photographer looks at a landscape and reflects that landscape in their photograph from their own point of view.
Perspective, closely related to aesthetic understanding, is an indispensable feature in every photograph. Therefore, it is possible to talk about perspective in every photograph we look at. One of the techniques related to perspective is depth. Every photograph consists of a certain height and width, forming a two-dimensional view.
However, there is also a third dimension in these photographs, known as depth. For example, in pictures of a forest landscape, there is a certain height and width. Additionally, there is a path leading forward within the forest. This path represents the depth in the photograph. Due to the connection between depth and perspective, these two techniques can be considered complementary.
The positions of objects in the composition play a significant role when taking perspective in a photograph. To obtain a correct perspective, the photographer must adjust their position correctly. In compositions, attention should be paid to keeping the subject in the foreground while ensuring that other objects remain in the background. If the subject appears to be lost among other objects, it indicates that the perspective is incorrect.
In pictures without depth, the subject may be visible in the center, but it lacks a realistic stance. Therefore, to reflect the subject more successfully, shots that provide a sense of depth should be taken. For example, in portrait shots where the subject is a person, the focus should be on the person rather than the surroundings.
In these shots, where the person is the main focus, depth should be created by focusing on the individual. In areas such as landscapes, depth occurs naturally within the landscape itself, so the entire landscape should be presented in the clearest way possible. As the landscape becomes clearer, depth will naturally emerge.
Composition techniques, fundamental in visual storytelling, should be seen as key points to be considered to create unity in photos and present the subject successfully.
See you in the next post,
Anil UZUN