Discover 5 tips to improve the composition of your mobile photography including the rule of thirds, using perspective lines, close cropping and more.
he rule of thirds is based on the concept that a photograph is broken down into a grid like structure. Using this grid to compose your photographs will greatly improve your chances of taking a good image and making it into a great photograph.
When composing your photograph look for natural lines that lead into the scene. The lines of perspective in an empty street, on a rail track or a winding path or road are excellent ways to lead the eye into your image and lead it round the photograph often ending up at a distant focal point.
Great composition has balance. However, if you were to position a subject to the extremities of your frame this could create an imbalance leading the eye away from the centre of the photograph. In this sort of situation, you can counter balance the photo by positioning another object on the opposite side of the frame. This is based around the rule of thirds concept where you can balance the photograph and create a connection between two objects.
Close cropping is a popular technique used in portraiture photography as it focuses your complete attention on the subject, emphasising detail and strengthening the connection between the viewer and subject.
However, every once in a while rules are meant to be broken. Look for symmetry or patterns in your surroundings especially if the light is right and the shadows create further patterns and shapes in the scene.
Knowing the Rules of Thirds has been popping up lately, but with this guide to know-how. Cropping close to your subject to bring out emotion, and using lines to draw your eye in to the persepective...can easily be forgotten. If your in the moment where you're trying to capture the image...just think on your feet about what kind of compostion you would like for your image.