How to Compose a Photograph Using Curved Elements

Create interesting photographs by composing elements successfully. Composition refers to the placement of objects within a rectangle in art. In the art of photography, composition is the creative element. A photographer crops, or frames, his or her subject as the creative act. Use curved elements to compose, or organize, your photograph.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Choose a subject for your photograph. Look for imagery with interesting shapes and textures.
2. Simplify the imagery by editing out details. Organize your subject into the major shapes, patterns, and areas of light and dark. Think about leading the viewer's eye around the frame using curved elements. Compose the curved elements to create a circular movement in the photograph.
3. Look through the viewfinder at different heights to find the most interesting point of view for your photograph. Find a focal point for the photograph.
4. Zoom in or out to make the elements of your subject most interesting within the point of view you've chosen.
5. Place curved elements on diagonals within the viewfinder. This creates a dynamic tension with the frame and results in an interesting composition.
6. Stay out of the center of the photograph with curved movements. The center is the most static placement in a rectangle. Continue to create a dynamic composition by keeping curved elements out of the center.
7. Judge the relationships within the viewfinder based upon the principles of dynamic composition. Remember to add contrast to the frame and movement using curved elements. Make any improvements you can, then shoot.

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