Much of composition is about proportions — the proportions of visual elements in an image.
For example below is two different compositions of the same scene and image:
Now the simple question:
Which composition is “better”?
Let’s break it down.
1. First photo
You can see this scene you have the two red rectangles equi-distant on the top of the frame.
Also the yellow is a nice diagonal divider in the middle of the frame.
The green shadow is effective, because it extends throughout the frame. I consider this a strong and dynamic composition.
2. Composition number two
Now the second composition, note the “eyes” in magenta are more in the top-left corner.
Furthermore, the overall composition is less “balanced” than the prior composition, because the second composition leans more towards the left:
So when looking at these two compositions (abstracted) — let me ask you:
Which composition do you think is “better”?
For myself I don’t think in composition there is an objectively superior composition. But these are my thoughts:
- The left composition is more balanced
- The right composition is more dynamic and off-kilter
- I prefer the left composition, as I prefer the blend of the balance and the dynamic elements. Also, I like how the composition feels more “head-on”.
More thoughts on composition to come!
ERIC