We spend years in school learning to read and write texts: the meaning of words, what happens when you put them together, how to make it easier for yourself to understand, how to convince others in your opinion. your points, etc. But for many of us, images and visual language are left to us to find out for ourselves. If a picture is worth a thousand words, why do we ignore visual language so much?
When I started taking photography more seriously and wanted to learn more about photography, I joined a local photography club. From the many conversations there, it would be easy to think that the entire subject of composition could be summed up in three words: the “rule of thirds”. If you don’t align something with the vertical and horizontal one-third of the frame, your photo has an error. Now, of course, the rule of thirds can work as a design tool, but it’s not the only tool in the box and you can’t build a house with just a hammer. This potentially useful tool has become a “rule” used to judge everything and in a way it limits creativity. And I don’t want to be bound by too many ROTs.
Going beyond the Rule of Thirds
If you look at a lot of photos by digital photographers, you’ll see a lot of photos composed under ROT, seemingly to validate the idea. However, look beyond the images of the great painters of the past, for example, and you will see that a simple grid is not always appropriate. Other methods have been used to arrange the items in the frame. In some cases, this may be some form of symmetry. In others, it may be based on the Golden Ratio. Still others may be more interested in the relationship between different people and items in the image, using “line of coincidence” or other devices to guide the viewer.
Each era can have its trends. The ancient Greeks, for example, may have preferred a more mathematical approach to beauty for their art and architecture. But that doesn’t mean others have to follow their method for every building they design. Words can go in and out of fashion. If someone says a lot of the words “awesome” or “awesome,” it can make you think they belong to a particular generation or culture. Neither right nor wrong. They are options for us if we want to identify with a community of people and get the message across.
Who should you listen to?
Understanding communities that share similar trends or thoughts can help us evaluate the comments we may receive in response to our images. We don’t want to close ourselves off to constructive feedback that can help us grow. However, we can choose not to listen to those who are trying to get us into a box we don’t want to be in. Perhaps some people say that your landscape is not realistic enough. But, are you trying to create a realistic picture? If so, then their opinion may lead you in the right direction. On the other hand, if you’re more interested in conveying moods and artistic impressions, why should the lack of underlying “realism” bother you? Perhaps a critique from someone in the art camp would be more helpful. We can choose which communities we listen to and why.
As well as being influenced by the trends and preferences of the community, composing is fundamentally about communication. So I suggest we think more about questions like: with whom do we want to communicate? What do we want the image to say or do? How can I get my message clearer? These questions can help shape our thinking about what we put in the frame.
All images convey something
You might think this is great for people working in commercial photography trying to create images that convince people to buy, but what about those taking their vacation photos? ? The two really have a lot in common. When we do vacation photography, we are creating photos with a purpose. That may be to recall our memories of the later experience. It could be to show the landscape to others so they can see what they missed. We don’t need a paying audience to have an audience. We may be the only ones viewing the images afterwards, but that doesn’t mean composition isn’t important. The viewer experience can be enhanced by taking the time to compose an image that fulfills its purpose.
Do you want to show how open the countryside is and how it makes you feel free? Then it’s probably not a good idea to have a large fence running across the foreground, as it will cut through the viewer and change the mood. Do you want to show how big a building is? Being able to find a way to include something in an image gives a strong sense of scale. Do you want to show off how happy your partner was and how great they looked that day? Make them the focal point of the image clearly and prominently in the frame with the right expression so we can see it.
Each image conveys something. Some do so explicitly, others less explicitly. Composition is what we can use to help influence what viewers get. For a promotional image, this can mean days of analysis, planning, and editing to get the image right (and even then, it doesn’t always work). as you would expect). Regardless of the target audience, our photos could benefit from taking a little more time to present the message more clearly. To do this, we also need to be aware of what visual cues can affect an image and make it more or less successful.
Our response to an image can be influenced by many different factors. I consider my job as a photographer to continue to learn more about those elements so that I can make it easier for people to see the message in the photos I create. For example, this includes the emotional impact of color, body language, and light. The association with other items or props can also become powerful. A good place to start is to look at images that have similarities to what you’re trying to accomplish. So if you’re trying to create an image with a Halloween feel, it might be worth checking out some posters from horror movies to get an idea of the kind of lighting and styling that give that effect. Incorporate enough of these cultural icons in the image and it will quickly be recognized for what you intend.
Different or Following the Crowd?
At times, we may want to challenge the status quo and say something different or even provocative to make a point. By deliberately going against cultural norms, we can make statements about our own views, giving us a distinct voice. However, being different can of course be dangerous! I forget how many times I have said that something is wrong for not following the rule of thirds. You may have to anticipate others saying your lighting or posture is wrong. Maybe that’s if you want to speak like everyone else. But, what are you saying?
All images of Joe Lenton.
