So when I took courses through Niagara for Photography, one of the greatest things that my teacher taught us was these tools for composition that would help us develop our photographic eye. So being that it was so beautiful today Brianne and I went out so I could teach her about some of these tools. Most photographers know these already but perhaps if photography is just a hobby for you then you’ll be able to pick up some tips on how to take better photos. Here is the challenge I gave Brianne . . .

Shoot photos with these guidelines in mind…

1. Vertical composition depicting strength
2. Horizontal composition depicting tranquility
3. Rule of thirds
4. Something for it’s colour
5. Unbalanced composition
6. Balanced composition
7. Something with texture
8. Something smooth
9. Subject in the distance framed by the foreground
10. Leading lines
11. Diagonal composition
12. Repetitive pattern

Here are a few shots that I took and an explanation of why shooting with a particular rule can help make a better photograph.

This was my example for leading lines – the line of the walkway takes your eye to the right and down through the photo. Using leading lines helps direct your eye to what’s important and can be used to take the viewer on a journey. Using this technique for a portrait shoot or at a wedding might mean placing the Bride and Groom halfway down the walkway. This can help create a metaphor or just create a pleasing line of sight to the subject in the photo.

Using horizontal and vertical composition, photographers can convey two kinds of messages. Vertical photos have a tendency to depict drama and place importance on the subject. Horizontal photos have a more calming and relaxing feel – they then to include more of the scenery. This photo is a perfect example as to this rule as it’s a very relaxed landscape and includes the sky, trees and the water so you get a sense of being there. Had I shot this photo vertically the importance would have been put on the tree and the sky and it would have drawn attention to the height of the tree – creating some drama. So depending on what you want to show in your photo using vertical or landscape orientation can help create a feeling.

Using a wider aperture you can take things that are in the foreground and use them to frame your subject or create a bit of a pattern surrounding your subject. In the case of the photo of Brianne she is framed by a budding tree but yet she is in focus. Then the danger sign in the photo above is framed by the fence that keeps us from getting to it. It’s hard to see but in both cases it creates interest, whether through an interesting pattern or by giving the viewer a sense of voyeurism. I use this sometimes on a wedding day to depict a moment of intimacy between the bride and groom – in fact if you look at the photos of Jaime and Kara – i used this technique during their engagement photos and I find it just makes the whole photo look more romantic.

Just like when most people get dressed in the morning they have to consider whether or not certain clothing colours that they are going to wear will match; so does a photographer have to consider if the colours in the background match and compliment you and your clothing. Learning to look at light is a hard thing for a photographer to do but you can simply improve your photos by considering the colours that are included in the photo. If you know two colours do not look well together then change your composition to separate them. If your not sure then look at a colour wheel – it will give you a good idea of what colours look good together.

These are just a few examples of some of the things to keep in mind when shooting but there is so much more. I encourage you to question yourself when you see a photo you love what it is about the composition that you like. Analysing other photos and practicing different kinds of compositions will help you develop your eye. So the best advice I can give you is to get out there and shoot, shoot, shoot!