It seems self-evident that composition in photography is essential. But why?

1. Composing photos is fun in itself.

I know for myself, I derive a deep joy from composition in photography. The skill and visual acuity needed to compose a scene well is fun in itself. Thus, composing a scene in photography is the way that I play and have fun!

Photography that didn’t require the skill of composition would be boring.

2. Composition makes images beautiful

One of the primary reasons I love looking at visual artwork is that their compositions are what make the images beautiful!

Composition as a general notion:

1. The lines, colors, shapes, and tones in an image
2. The feeling of levity, elegance, and simple strength in an image.

In short, composition is the soul of an image.

3. Composition as design

To me, thinking deeper about composition (how to design/arrange things) is tied into a philosophy of aesthetics:

How should things be designed and formed?

For example I love simple and elegant aesthetics, leaning towards minimalism. Thus my composition also leans towards simplification, stripping the superfluous, and pruning excess.

So perhaps composition is important because within our personal approach to composition also lies our personal philosophy on aesthetics and beauty.

Which means —

Everyone has a different approach and appreciation of composition, which means everyone has a different interpretation of beauty.

Conclusion: Composition is beauty

I think as artists we are all seeking this sublime, perfect beauty. Of course universal beauty or universal perfection doesn’t exist, but as artists — we can seek to make a mini-perfection in our own domain in art and life.

Let us never stop chasing a greater perfection and beauty — one which humanity hasn’t seen before!

ERIC