Eight Principles of Photography

There is a lot to consider when taking a photograph.

Photography is a tool used to convey information without words. By looking at a photo, a viewer should be able to translate what you are trying to convey to him. To accomplish this, you need to master the photography techniques that are the basic principles of composition. Good photography composition is created by using the principles of photography that identify the relationship within a picture. These principles can underpin the differences between an amateur and an accomplished photographer.

Simplicity

Sometimes a simple image makes a bold statement.

Simplicity means making the purpose of your photograph clear by concentrating on your image and keeping any distracting elements off the photographic frame. This can be done through having fewer elements in your background, using complementary colors or eliminating background clutter. This principle will help you convey your point clearly and will draw the viewer's attention to your intended purpose.

Balance

A good photograph must have balance for the view to be stabilized. Balance is created by carefully arranging weight and motion within the picture. When the elements are arranged carefully, equilibrium is formed. Balance is useful because it enables the viewer to relate all the information in your picture to your center of interest.

Lines

The horizon or the edge of a road can direct your viewer where to look.

Lines are used in photography to add mood and character and to direct the viewer’s attention to the center of interest. There are different types of lines that you can use to add meaning and give strength to your picture. These are horizontal lines that indicate peace, vertical lines for power and strength, diagonal lines to show action or force and curved lines to promote charm or grace. An object or series of objects, such as a road or trees, can also be used to create lines that don’t look like actual lines.

Contrast

The contrast of black and white can add visual interest to your photo.

Contrast is the different shades of color in a photograph. There are two types of contrast: tonal and color contrast. Tonal contrast is used in black and white photography. It creates a difference in your photograph using tones from white to gray to black. Color contrast, on the other hand, works best when colors with characteristics are placed together. For example, a red flower on a green background. When there is no contrast, your object and background will blend and you will achieve a dull and boring photograph.

Light

Light is what creates the image in photography and is reflected from objects. You can take advantage of the different sources of light to create different moods and color effects in your picture. For example, use sunset light to create bright red hues or harsh light to create hard shadows. The further you are from the source of light, the weaker it gets.

Center of Interest

Placing the subject slightly off center lets the viewer's eyes follow the subject's path.

You should have an object that is of primary interest and which the viewer can translate the meaning quickly and clearly. This is why you need to have a center of interest (main theme), which is then supported by other details. However, avoid placing the center of interest at the center of the frame as this will hypnotize the viewer, making her see only that single point. The other details should also not dominate the picture but should function to indirectly explain the purpose of your subject.

Variety

Variety is needed to make your photographic composition interesting. You can achieve this by using several elements such as different texture, colors, shapes or subjects. Lack of variety will make your picture dull. Using too much elements to create variety can create chaos instead of portraying unity, which eventually will confuse the viewer of your intentions.

Foreground

Meaningless or distracting foreground can ruin a good picture. The elements in your foreground should be relevant to your picture but should not distract the viewer from focusing on the center of interest. In most cases, objects in the foreground are the leading lines that should be sharply focused and not fuzzy. Avoid meaningless foreground by standing close to the subject and avoid covering a wide angle of view when taking your photographs.

References

• “Black and White Photography”; Glenn Rand et al.; 2001
• Photoinf.com: Basic Photographic Techniques
• AdvancePhotography.Net: Photography Principles from Design I- 15 Power Composition Tip Using Design Principles
• Odd Stuff’s Odd Stuff: Principles of Photography
• All Digital Photography; Principles of Photography