A big topic in photography and in art in general. In fact, it’s impossible to address photography, as well as other fields of art (painting, music, sculpture, architecture, cinema, etc.), without referring to composition. Let’s start with classical definitions:
“In art, composition is the result of the relationship between the object and the frame of the artwork, as well as between the different objects within the artwork.” (Wikipedia)
The result of the relationship between the object(s) and the frame of the artwork (the frame in photography).
As well as between the different objects within the artwork.
And to illustrate this through photographs:
The composition of the photo expresses the relationship between the building's geometry and the boundaries of the frame. The building’s geometry enters and exits the frame.
The composition of the photo expresses the relationships within the boundaries of the frame — in this case, the relationship between the woman bathing in the sea and the wave, as well as the background of Jaffa.
Another definition: Composition = the way in which the artwork is constructed and organized.
Okay, let’s try to simplify this a bit by comparing composition in photography to composition in music. Like so:
Just as in music (1) composition (2) is the arrangement or writing (3) of the piece (4),
So in photography (1) composition (2) is the arrangement or positioning (3) of the piece — the frame (4).
A musical piece is made up of notes that are heard by the ear.
A photographic piece is made up of different objects and visual elements seen by the eye.
A musical composition has defined boundaries — its beginning and end.
Likewise, a photographic composition has boundaries — the frame or edges of the frame.
Every figure that passes through the frame in a photographic composition (as well as the background) is like a note written in a musical composition.
As photographers framing a shot, we’re like painters who choose:
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What to paint on the canvas
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How to paint that object or objects
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Where on the canvas we want to place that object or objects
And stay with me for a moment on all these comparisons, because I think now we can really simplify and crack it:
The frame is essentially our theater stage! And we choose what to place and what to include on that stage. The actors in our play — in the context of street photography — are the people moving through the public space.
And just like in a play there’s a stage on which the actors move, and in addition to that there’s also a set — so too in street photography, the set is the background: the sky, the buildings and shops, the city (and in the case of Tel Aviv, also the sea).
Three actors move into and out of the imaginary stage = the frame, and in the background, the set of the play – the tobacco shop.
We are also playwrights in relation to the actors and the stage, and also playwrights in relation to the viewer. We have the ability to direct or stage the image in a way that guides the viewer's eye, directing their gaze wherever we want it to go.
The eye moves to the part of the frame where the pool is, drawn to it because of its prominent color and its position. Afterward, the eye moves toward the swimmer in the center of the pool.
The eye moves along the steam pipe axis, from right to left in a diagonal line. The eye sees the result and looks for the cause, part of which is outside the frame, and the missing part is completed by the imagination.
Composition is the way we arrange the different elements across the surface of the creation – the frame. The way the elements are organized within the frame creates different compositions. Here are a few types of compositions in photography:
Dynamic Composition
There is a sense of movement in one direction or in multiple directions.
Static Composition
The image appears to have no movement at all.
Open Composition
There is activity beyond the boundaries of the creation, and our mind completes the event.
Closed Composition
All the action takes place within the boundaries of the creation. The object(s) are not cut off by the boundaries of the creation.
Diagonal Composition
This refers to a type of composition where the elements of the image are arranged along diagonal lines, which can create a sense of movement, depth, and dynamism in the photograph.
The eye moves along a diagonal axis.
Straight (Horizontal) Composition
The eye moves along a straight axis parallel to the horizontal boundaries of the frame.
Symmetrical Composition
There is balance in the frame. Imagine a set of scales, and the result would be the same on both sides.
Asymmetric Composition
The weight of the image tilts more to one side than the other.
Radial Composition (Circular Composition)
The Eye's Movement is Circular
Repetitive Composition
Converging Composition (Vanishing Point)
Central Composition
The focus is in the center of the frame. The different elements guide the eye to look towards the center of the stage and the actors positioned there.
The Rule of Thirds principle
The principle of the Rule of Thirds involves shifting the focal point of the image to one of its sides. If we divide the image into 9 equal parts and place the object at one of the intersection points of the lines, we get a balanced and visually pleasing image.
The Principle of Framing
The principle of framing refers to using elements within the scene, such as doorways, windows, trees, or other structures, to create a "frame" around the main subject. This technique draws attention to the subject, adds depth to the image, and helps guide the viewer's eye to the focal point of the composition.
The tree trunk on the left, the tree leaves above, the column and balcony of the building on the right, and the blue and white painted sidewalk stripes below create a frame around the central subject of the image – the people sitting at the café.
Different elements create a frame around the central subject of the image.
Composite Compositions (or Integrated Compositions)
Composite Compositions (or Integrated Compositions) refer to the combination of multiple compositional techniques or principles within a single image. This could involve blending elements like symmetry, leading lines, and the rule of thirds, for example, to create a more complex and visually engaging composition. By integrating various methods, you can direct the viewer's eye in a more dynamic or focused way, allowing the composition to have multiple layers of interest.
Diagonal Composition
Converging Composition (Vanishing Point)
The Principle of Framing
Summary
Composition is a language. And in our context, it is a visual language.
This is the visual language we use to create photographic art – the image.
There are many types of compositions. Here are the types of compositions we covered in this lesson:
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Dynamic Composition vs. Static Composition
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Open Composition vs. Closed Composition
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Diagonal Composition vs. Straight Composition
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Symmetrical Composition vs. Asymmetrical Composition
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Radial-Circular Composition
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Converging Composition (Vanishing Point – Principle of Converging Lines)
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Central Composition
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Rule of Thirds
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Framing Principle
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Combined Compositions