This is a powerful tool for creating impactful and visually appealing images, and it all boils down to the number three.
Coming to you from Peter Forsgard, this insightful video explains why combining three elements or triangles in composition can improve your photos. Forsgård begins by discussing simplicity. Images with too many elements can look cluttered and confusing. Limiting your composition to three main elements will help focus the viewer’s attention. This creates a clear focal point, making the image more appealing. Forsgård emphasizes that simplicity does not mean boring; it means creating a clear, effective visual story.
Balance is another important aspect where Forsgård stands out. The triangular composition directs the viewer’s eye into the image, preventing the viewer’s eyes from blurring. This method ensures that the viewer’s gaze moves through the image in a controlled manner, enhancing the overall visual experience. Arranging in a triangle also contributes to a more harmonious and beautiful composition, making your photo more attractive.
Depth is essential to make two-dimensional images appear three-dimensional. Combining foreground, midground, and background elements creates layers in your photo. These layers add dimension and interest, making the image feel more immersive. Forsgård explains that this technique can be achieved through various means, such as reflections or different objects at different distances.
Forsgård also mentions the rule of thirds, which involves dividing your image into nine equal segments using two horizontal and two vertical lines. Placing key elements along these lines or their intersections often results in a more balanced and attractive composition. However, he warns against strictly following this rule because it can sometimes make photos more predictable and less vivid. Instead, he suggests bending the rules a bit to maintain visual appeal while still taking advantage of the number three.
Storytelling is perhaps the most powerful aspect of using the three elements. Each element can contribute to the story, providing context and depth to the story you are trying to convey. Forsgård notes that relationships between elements can provide deeper meaning and engage viewers on a deeper level.
That’s just the beginning, though, so watch the video above for the full rundown of Forsgård.
