Exploring the elements of composition
How to Use
Visual Building Blocks
As we go into Autumn and Winter there is a chance to practice and grow our photography. Over the next four weeks I'll introduce and explain how to employ four of the essential elements of composition used to make strong pictures. Using these visual building blocks may feel a bit forced or unnatural at first. However, in time they become smoothly integrated into the way we see and make our pictures. They provide a foundation and act as helpful guides rather than absolute rules.
Linear Perspective aka leading diagonals
The image above was made at the Toronto Convention Centre - it's completely symmetrical, that is, all is centered in the frame and we are led straight down the middle of the scene into the vanishing point. This element of composition (linear perspective) allows us to convey the sense of a three dimensional scene on two dimensional mediums like paper or computer screens. It brings a depth and 'life- likeness' to photos. However, this centered approach can lead to images that are stable or stagnant depending on the viewer and the subject matter.
Look at the examples below for a
asymmetrical
examples of linear perspective that break away from the centering approach.