15 Common Photography Design Practices
The value of composition guidelines in nature photography can be a controversial subject. Some feel that trying to remember and apply guidelines stifles their creativity and hinders their photographic experience. Conversely, there are others who follow every guideline and end up making the same photos as everyone else.
Composition guidelines, which I like to call design practices, exist to aid us in the design of our photographs. I think of them as tools and not guidelines. They originate from different arts, people, places, times, and ideas and they are used by visual artists spanning many mediums.
Following are some common design practices which have been adopted by nature and wildlife photographers over the years and around the world. Bear in mind it is not an exhaustive list, and these interpretations may be different from what you understand them to be. Some have been in use for hundreds of years and some have only recently been put into practice.
1. Centering the subject
Centering a subject, or group of prominent objects in the frame gives the image a “showcase-style” composition. With this kind of composition the main subject is unmistakable and becomes the star of the show.
There are many times when centering a main subject is appropriate but more often than not in nature photography, artists strive to create something a little more interesting. Often centering a subject can result in what is negatively referred to as a “bull’s-eye” composition. Unless the main subject is special enough to warrant this kind of spotlight composition, this placement can result in a dull and uninteresting design, robbing the scene of uniqueness and impact.
The centered subject works here because the owl is at rest. This photo also illustrates the use of pastel colors, which IMHO contributes to the overall calm and resting feel of the photo. There’s a bit of imbalance in the background forms but it’s offset by balanced background colors where the OOF purple-ish flowers on the left are balanced by the same color on the right, farther out of focus. This photo also illustrates #5 (Using side light and gradients).
2. Subject placement and the Rule-of-Thirds grid
Placing your subject, group of objects, or main focal point, on or near one of the Rule of Thirds grid’s power points is a widely accepted and frequently used design technique. This almost always results in a well balanced, fluid composition.
The primary
Related Blogs
- Related Blogs on Balanced Background
- Related Blogs on Basic Photography
- Related Blogs on Bear In Mind
- Good Comprehending And Training Are The Keys To Be Fortunate With …
- Currency Trading Recommendations You Should Bear In Mind
- Currency Trading Recommendations You Should Bear In Mind « How to …
Related Blogs
- Related Blogs on Balanced Background
- Related Blogs on Basic Photography
- More…
- Related Blogs on Bear In Mind
- Good Comprehending And Training Are The Keys To Be Fortunate With …
- Currency Trading Recommendations You Should Bear In Mind
- Currency Trading Recommendations You Should Bear In Mind « How to …
