The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi/450D Companion

FINDING AND COMPOSING A PHOTO

HOW TO MAKE A PHOTO

195

Here, the light line at the top of the image balances the dark shape at the bottom.

Sometimes, even empty space can create a balance. Consider this image:

Sometimes you can balance an element in a scene using empty space.

is image is a good example of breaking a rule, because we’re plainly break-

ing the “lead your subject” rule. In this image, though, it works. e woman’s

pensive, reflective expression makes the empty space behind her more powerful.

at space is evocative of emotional weight that is bearing down on her, or of her

past. Graphically, the mostly empty space on the left balances out her presence

on the right.

CHAPTER 8

HOW TO MAKE A PHOTO

196

Geometry

Geometric shapes make great compositional elements and almost always make

an image more interesting. Geometry can be anything from a strong line to a re-

peating pattern. You can see examples of geometry in some of the balance images

we already looked at. e strong line of the airplane contrail makes for compel-

ling compositions and packs a lot of compositional weight.

Circles, lines, patterns–all of these geometric shapes make great compositional

elements that you can use to create more interesting images.

Sometimes, pure geometry itself can be interest