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A central position will tend to restrict the observer to seeing only the subject and nothing else, resulting in a flat feeling. If this is the effect that you are trying to create, then great. But if it is not, then you can do better with a subtle shift of the focal point.
Stick to the Rules
Painters over the centuries have become familiar with the composition tool known as the rule of thirds. This rule is as important in photographic composition as it is in the masterpieces of the great painters. Imagine your frame split into nine equal sections in a 3x3 grid. There are two horizontal lines and two vertical lines. Where these lines cross is very critical. You should aim to place your subject at one of these four crossings.
The result is amazing. You will lead your viewers eye through the image and create a balanced picture in the process. It is surprising how a small image at one of these points can dominate the whole scene. Another similar rule is the Golden Mean, which is supposed to have helped the Greeks design their great achievements.
The rule of thirds can also be applied to close up photography including portraits.
Break the Rules
It is, of course, possible to break the rule of thirds and still have a good picture. In fact if all your pictures were the same composition it might get tedious. Placing your subject at the edge is another tip. Even better if you place the horizon on one of the horizontal lines in the grid.
If there is no background to interest the viewer then by all means, put the subject in the centre of the picture. An example might be if you take a photograph of someone in the sea, where there sky and sea form a continuous backdrop. But if there was a tropical island in the background, however, you might want to think differently.
Point the Way
Both nature and the man made world are full of lines. Whether it is wall, a road , a building or an avenue of trees, a line will always draw the viewers eye along it. You can use this effect to compose pictures where the subject is at the focal point of the line, or at least one third of the way along it.
Natural light often forms lines both in the foreground and the distance. Clever use of the shadow lines or distant contrasts will provide an endless number of ways to compose your photograph to convey movement and style.
Panoramic Views
The rule of thirds can be applied to any shape such as square, rectangle and even panoramic views. Use the horizon as one horizontal line and place a feature such as a hill or mountain on an upright line and you will have an instantly interesting picture that invites the viewers eye to enter and explore the landscape.
Look around at other pictures and see how the rule of thirds has been applied to create interest, then try it in your photographs. Once you have gone toall the trouble and effort creating your perfect picture, make sure that you fully understand the issues relating to digital camera picture storage, or your memories may be very shortlived.
This article has been written for www.TopDigicam.com by Roger Titley and all copyrights are reserved. It may only be reproduced if this copyright notice and the site link are included.
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