Nikon D7100 Digital Field Guide

Appendix A: General Composition Tips

Similar to painting, drawing, or just about any visual art medium, photography has general rules of composition. These rules are more aptly called guidelines, but they have been developed throughout history and applied because, quite simply, they work. These aren’t hard and fast rules that must be strictly adhered to — honestly every subject calls for a different approach and common subjects can usually benefit from a unique approach. These simple techniques will transform your pictures from snapshots into photographs. Know the rules of composition, because when you know them you will also know when you should deviate from them.

Keep It Simple

Keeping it simple is just about the easiest way to create an interesting composition. Creating an image using an easily identifiable subject with an uncluttered background makes it easier to command and hold the viewer’s attention. If you have a number of competing elements your composition will be distracting. Viewers who can’t readily see a subject will more often than not move on to another more engaging image.

One technique for achieving simplicity in a photograph is to use a wide aperture to create shallow depth of field isolating the subject from a busy background. With the background out of focus, the subject stands out better.

You can also isolate your subject is by changing perspective. For example, instead of shooting down on a subject and including the ground in the composition, try shooting ...