Joel Tjintjelaar

Composition is one , if not the most important aspect in a good photograph. Especially in B&W photography where because of the absence of color the emphasis will be on the composition of a photo, a good understanding of composition techniques is essential.

Composition techniques has a long history of its own. The Greeks and Romans were one of the first to invent rules on composition and apply them in their art of painting, architecture and sculpturing.
I will show you some composition rules that are very easy to apply and can help enhance your photos drastically.

Rules Of Thirds

There are some rules in composition that can be considered general rules of aesthetics as it isn’t bound to time or culture. One of them is the “rule of thirds”. This rule is a rule that the ancient Greeks and Romans have been using in their art.

Take a look at the picture below.

— Rule of thirds

As you can see the frame is divided in 3 horizontal and vertical areas divided by lines. The rule of third states that the subject of your photo has to be placed on one of the intersections as depicted above with the colored circles to create a strong composition that is widely considered as beautiful.

Take a look at some famous photographs and see for yourself if the subject is placed on one of those imaginary intersections.

— Off centre composition

Off centre composition

If you take a photo of a landscape or an object then try to place it either on one of the intersections as described in the rule of thirds or just place it a bit off center. Horizons for example shouldn’t be placed exactly in the middle of a photo and the same applies to vertical subjects.

— Strong Lines

This photo is an example of an off centre horizon combined with the rules of thirds.

Strong lines

Strong lines can help you enhance your photo and especially diagonals since they will draw the viewer into the photo. Diagonals make a photo more dynamic than straight horizontal lines.

— Strong Lines

The same applies to curves. Always try to include lines into your photo.

The following photo from famous B&W photographer Michael Kenna is a good example in which diagonal lines are combined with curves. Also notice the placement of the horizon.

The horizon is totally off centre and it is not placed on one of the Rule of Third lines. Which brings me to the following rule: learn the rules but also try to forget them if you think an image works well!

To the left is an example of breaking the off centre rule and the Rule of Thirds.

Notice the placement of the horizon: it’s in the middle of the photo. Also notice the placement of the subject, it isn’t on one of the intersections of the rules of thirds. So why does this photo work so well and is it widely considered as a very good photo? To be honest, I am not sure but I am pretty sure the strong diagonals have something to do with it and also the contrast between sky and sea at the horizon! Just see for yourself if you like it but always remember to take the rules into consideration at all times but let your heart lead you and prevail above these rules…

More rules on composition and tips in a new chapter.