Photo Composite Principles
Rule of Thirds
I photographed my cat Moses on one of our "walks" outside, where we just walk around together in my little yard.
Before: In the first photo, I placed Mo in the center of the frame. While the image is balanced, it feels more static because the subject is directly in the middle and looking at the camera.
After: In the second photo, I moved Mo to the upper-right third of the frame while he looked toward a bird off-camera. This creates a more dynamic composition by giving the viewer a sense of what has captured his attention and allowing the eye to explore the rest of the image.
Leading Lines
These photos are from "Little Europe", one of the booths at the Sawmill Market.
Before: In the first photo, I photographed the bicycle and trailer straight on. While the subject is clear, there are no strong lines to naturally guide the viewer's eye through the image.
After: In the second photo, I stepped back to include the hanging lights, counters, and ceiling beams. These lines give the viewer's eye a clear sense of direction, creating a stronger sense of depth and making the composition more engaging.
Fill the Frame:
Since I've been home and stuck in bed, this was my POV this weekend with my kitty again.
Before: In the first photo, I photographed Mo lying on the bed, showing his whole body and the surrounding area. While the image captures the scene, the viewer's attention is divided between the subject and the background.
After: In the second photo, I moved in closer to focus only on Mo's little feet stretched out behind him. By filling the frame with the most interesting part of the scene, the photo draws attention to the details that might otherwise be overlooked.
