“Consulting the rules of composition before taking a photograph, is like consulting the laws of gravity before going for a walk.”
—Edward Weston

And yet, knowing about these rules can only make your photography more solid.

For my series, here at Blissfully Domestic, I will be talking about the basics of photography. Regardless of the type of camera being used, these fundamental skills will help you achieve the best image possible. Using these basics will help develop your own “eye,” too.

This installment will include:

• Composition
  
• Rule of Thirds
  
• Rule of Odds
  
• Rule of Space
  
• Symmetry

Composition

The word composition literally means, “To put together.”

In photography—or the visual arts—composition relates to the placement of what one sees through the view finder and how one knowingly sets up the shot based on that. Good photographs are pleasing to the eye, so using compositional keys will help you, as a photographer; unlock the door to producing top-notch photographs consistently.

Rule of Thirds

This is a common guideline in photography. Imagine that there is a grid that divides the image into three equal columns and rows; following the Rule of Thirds means placing the subject matter near one of those imaginary lines that make up the columns and/or rows. This rule will prevent the subject matter from simply bisecting the image, thus adding to the aesthetics of the end result.

Rule of Odds

Another good rule to use is the Rule of Odds. Basically, an odd number of objects should be sought out for a shot. This results in a natural framing of the objects, adding comfort and depth to the artwork.

Rule of Space

This rule pertains to creating fluidity or movement in a photo. The viewer’s eye is drawn to a particular place with the use of negative (or white) space.

Symmetry

Sometimes the Rule of Odds cannot be followed. This is where symmetry comes in to play. Literally it means, “The correspondence in size, form, and arrangement of parts on opposite sides of a plane, line, or point; regularity of form or arrangement in terms of like, reciprocal, or corresponding parts.” In laymen’s terms this means that when photographing an even number of subjects, using symmetry is warranted.

These basic elements of composition will help you attain that perfect shot that we all want. It will help you grow in many aspects of photography, and you will come to develop your personal “eye” for photography.

My next installment will include:

• Focus/Depth of Field
  
• Balance
  
• Perspective