What is Photo Composition?

Question

I am doing a photo assignment for a photo class i didn't chose to take. My assignment is on Composition. We can only shot one subject. And I just don't understand what Composition is! Help!! =)

Answer 1

Composition is the makeup of a photo. There's a good guide that I found that's pretty easy to follow.

Answer 2

I agree with "Lucien B" on the importance of composition. In most cases, the difference between a good photograph and a mediocre one is NOT in the technical application of the camera, but in the arrangement of the image within the frame.

One can make a case that "perfect" focus is not required, since some photographers will actually "soft focus" an image. "Perfect" exposure can be a matter of judgement, and may even depend on how the image is to be used. A good exposure for a magazine would not be right for a newspaper. Even subject matter is irrelevant, since ANYTHING can be applied to a good shot.

My training is as a graphic artist and designer. Good composition is as important as techniqe and the use of the tools of the trade. I am one that has no argument that photography is an art, and, as such, composition is key to good work, and, in my opinon, is more difficult to do in a medium where the artist is usually tied to the reality of what is in front of the lens. In pen and ink, I can decide where each element is placed. The photographer's options are much more limited. If the tree would look SO much better over "there," there is not much he can do about it.

Answer 3

The traditional "guide to photographic composition" is in the website shown below. Composition is defined as the "pleasing arrangement of objects in a picture area" and is used by most photo classes.

p.s. I taught photography class in high school for 32 years and can say learning to apply the rules of composition is probably the most important lesson you can learn in either art or photography.