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Higher Photography

Composition

Extra Thoughts

Section titled “Extra Thoughts”
  1. Compositional techniques refer to the way a photographer arranges elements within the frame to create a visually appealing and impactful image. The SQA explicitly lists a range of techniques you should be familiar with:
  2. Key compositional techniques include:
    • Camera angle/viewpoint: The position from which the photograph is taken (e.g., low viewpoint can make a subject appear powerful, high viewpoint can make it seem vulnerable or emphasize surroundings, eye-level creates a sense of connection).
    • Location: The choice of setting for the photograph, which contributes to the narrative, mood, and context of the image.
    • Pose: The arrangement of a human or animal subject, conveying emotion, character, or action.
    • Framing: Using elements within the scene (e.g., doorways, branches) to naturally frame the main subject, drawing attention to it and adding depth.
    • Cropping: The intentional removal of outer parts of an image to improve composition, eliminate distractions, or emphasize the subject.
    • Centre of interest/point of interest: The main subject or area that the photographer wants the viewer to focus on.
    • Leading lines: Lines (real or implied) within the image that guide the viewer’s eye towards the main subject or through the scene, adding dynamism and depth.
    • S-curves: A type of leading line that creates a graceful, flowing path for the eye through the image.
    • Use of space: How the photographer utilises the area within the frame, including:
      • Rule of thirds: Dividing the image into nine equal sections with two horizontal and two vertical lines, placing key elements or points of interest along these lines or at their intersections for a more dynamic composition.
      • Foreground, mid-ground, background: Arranging elements at different distances to create a sense of depth and scale.
      • Balance: Distributing visual weight evenly (symmetrically) or unevenly (asymmetrically) to create harmony or tension.
      • Negative space: The empty space around and between the subjects of an image, which can draw attention to the main subject and create a sense of calm or isolation.
      • Symmetry/Asymmetry: Creating compositions that are either perfectly balanced or intentionally unbalanced to evoke different feelings.
    • Scale: The relative size of objects within the frame, which can create visual impact, emphasise dominance, or suggest vulnerability.
    • Proportion: The harmonious relationship between the sizes of different elements in the image.
    • Perspective: Creating the illusion of depth and distance in a two-dimensional image, often using lines that converge or by varying the scale of objects.
  3. When explaining these techniques, you should focus on their creative effect and how they contribute to the visual impact or message of the image.

Exercises

Section titled “Exercises”

’Rule’ of Thirds

Section titled “’Rule’ of Thirds”
  1. Shoot a subject bang in the centre of your frame (horizontally and vertically).
  2. Shoot the same subject on vertical and horizontal third lines.
  3. Note down the impact that you think the rule of thirds has on your image.

Supporting elements

Section titled “Supporting elements”
  1. Find a scene with a primary subject and at least one supporting element.
  2. Try to shoot your scene with:
    1. Too much supporting element in the composition.
    2. Too little supporting element in the composition.
    3. The amount of supporting element that you think creates the best composition.
  3. Note down your findings on supporting elements, when they support the primary subject and when they detract from it.