One of the secrets to successful photography is the right composition. What are the types of composition in photography? We introduce you to the most important ones and give you tips on how to use them.
Golden Ratio
The golden ratio, also known as the divine proportion, is a concept that has fascinated artists, architects and mathematicians for centuries. Expressed as an irrational number around 1,618, this remarkable mathematical principle is reflected in nature, art, architecture and, of course, photography. It is a proportion that, according to many, creates aesthetic harmony and balance – key elements of visual beauty.
The Golden Ratio in Photography
In the context of photography, the golden division refers to composing an image in such a way that important elements are located at specific points. These points and lines, according to the rule of thumb of the golden division, divide a photograph into parts that are proportional to each other in a way that is considered aesthetically pleasing. Using this principle allows you to create images that are not only beautiful, but also naturally draw the viewer’s eye to key elements of the scene.
The Golden Ratio Principle
The key to understanding the golden division in photography is knowing how it creates harmony and balance. Applying this principle allows the photographer to create an image that appears naturally balanced. This balance is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also allows a story and emotion to be conveyed in a subtle but powerful way. The golden ratio allows compositions to be created that are calm and balanced, yet full of dynamism.
Although the principle of the golden ratio is universal, its application can vary depending on the style of photography. In portraits, for example, the golden ratio can help to position the model appropriately in the frame, emphasising their dominant position. In landscape photography, lines and points that follow the golden division can help to capture expansive scenery in a way that guides the viewer’s eye throughout the image. In any style of photography, the golden division provides a tool to experiment with composition and create more engaging images.
Although the golden ratio is deeply rooted in photographic tradition, contemporary photographers often approach it with more freedom. Some critics believe that blind adherence to this principle can limit creativity, suggesting that it should serve as a guideline rather than an immutable rule. Contemporary photography often combines the golden division principle with other compositional techniques to create diverse and innovative images that go beyond the traditional framework.
Rule of Thirds
In addition to the golden division, there are other types of composition in photography. The rule of thirds in photography, also known as the rule of thirds, is one of the most well-known and effective methods of composition. The application of this technique involves dividing an image into nine equal parts using two horizontal and two vertical lines, creating a grid that resembles a ‘tic-tac-toe’ game board.
The intersection points of these lines are considered the ‘strong points’ of the composition. Placing key elements of the photo at these points or along the grid lines can significantly improve the aesthetics of the photo.
This method is particularly effective in drawing the viewer’s eye to the most important elements of a photograph, making it ideal not only for product photography, but also in portraits, landscape photography and other genres. Experts believe that compositions based on this principle are extremely visually appealing, making it a popular technique among photographers worldwide.
Dynamic Composition in Photography
Dynamic composition in photography is an advanced technique that adds movement and life to images, making them more engaging. Unlike static, balanced shots, dynamic composition involves creating slants and lines that guide the viewer’s eye throughout the frame. By using this approach in photography, a sense of movement and energy can be achieved, even when the subject being photographed is stationary. Guiding lines, for example, laid out at an angle, give the images a dynamic feel, which is particularly effective when presenting products that are intended to stand out from the competition.
In addition, the use of vibrant background colours in a dynamic composition can further emphasise the energy and emotion in the photo. This combination – dynamic composition together with intense colours – creates a strong visual message that attracts and holds the viewer’s attention. The use of these techniques in photography can effectively enhance the visual appeal of photographs, attracting customers’ attention and making the product stand out from the rest.
Central Compositions in Photography
Central composition in photography, often used as one of the main principles of composition, plays a key role in creating visually appealing photographs. This technique, common in various types of photography, including product photography, involves placing the main element in the central part of the frame. It is an approach that directly directs the observer’s gaze to the subject being photographed, emphasising its importance.
When a uniform background is used, especially in packshot images, the central composition brings out the saturated colours and details of the subject. This method of composition creates a clear and focused visual message that is easy for the viewer to understand. From portraiture to landscape photography, where it is used to achieve optimum visual effects.
Composition Encapsulated in Photographs
Packshots, an essential element in product photography, are usually shot within a closed composition. This technique, which is part of the principles of composition in photography, involves placing all elements entirely within the frame, with the main motif at its centre. This type of presentation aims to provide clarity and precision, which is crucial for minimalist shots. Closed composition, through its precision and focus on the main element, eliminates the possibility of misinterpreting the image.
However, despite its simplicity and immediacy, closed composition offers a wide range of arrangement possibilities. The ability to control all elements in the frame allows the photographer to consciously shape the visual message. By appropriately positioning the product and using the right background, a closed composition can significantly enhance the aesthetic value of a packshot. As a result, these photographs can effectively attract the attention of customers, highlighting both the quality and unique features of the product on display.
Open Composition in Photography
Packshots, being one type of composition in photography, often use a closed composition. According to the principles of composition in photography, such an arrangement requires all elements to fit entirely within the frame, with the focal point centrally placed. By using a closed composition, the image becomes clearer and more focused on the product, which is in line with the golden ratio principle, which emphasises the importance and harmony of composition.
Closed composition is just one of the many techniques that go into the principles of composition in photography. While central composition focuses on symmetry and balance, other methods, such as the rule of thirds or the golden division, encourage the exploration of variety and dynamics in the frame. Mastering these different techniques allows the photographer to choose the best way to present the product, depending on its characteristics and the context in which it is to be shown.
Image Perspective
When writing about the composition of product photography, we also cannot ignore the perspective involved. The most commonly used one is when our lens is kept at the level of the photographed object. This solution is ideal for packshots. The frog and bird perspective are also popular in product photography.
Frog and Bird Perspective
To prevent these animal terms from seeming like black magic, we rush to explain. The frog perspective is one from which we photograph from below. This is when products appear larger, more majestic and therefore eye-catching.
In bird’s-eye perspective, on the other hand, we move to the other side of the object being captured and photograph it from above. You may be familiar with this way of framing products on Instagram, as it once enjoyed incredible popularity there. Flatlay is a composition of flat products and accompanying props, photographed from a bird’s eye perspective. It is great for, among other things, product photography of cosmetics, as we have written about in previous articles. ➡️
Principles of Composition in Photography – Summary
This article is a guide to the world of composition in photography, presenting both classic techniques, such as the golden ratio, and other equally important compositional methods.
These techniques are not just rigid rules, but serve as starting points for creative experimentation. Applying these principles allows you to create images that speak to the viewer, transforming them into eye-catching stories captured through the lens. Whatever your experience, applying these guidelines can add a new artistic dimension to any photograph.
As we delve into the intricacies of composition in photography, it’s evident that the golden ratio and the rule of thirds are pivotal in creating visually arresting images. These timeless principles harmonize with our innate sense of beauty and aesthetics, allowing photographers to construct scenes that lead the viewer’s eye through the photograph organically.
Aptly utilizing the golden ratio, photographers carve out visual masterpieces, where every element resonates with proportionate grace.
Meanwhile, the rule of thirds offers a compelling guide for positioning key elements within the frame, establishing a sense of balance that is universally appealing.
