Micro Course - Lesson 13

www.karltaylorphotography.com

1

Images and text © Karl Taylor Photography

Composition is a combination of subject matter and how you decide that subject matter should be 

arranged within the area of your picture. It is one of the most artistic aspects of photography and can 

make the difference between a good photo and a great photo! Simply put it is choice – You are deciding 

what the subject will be and how it will be arranged in your picture. 
The success of your choices visually in the final image can be a measure of your creativity. However 

composition is not the only “creative” process, many other factors such as your exposure, shutter speed 

and depth of field all have a bearing on the visual success of your final image. 
The human brain digests the information contained in your picture more easily if the structure of an image 

follows some basic rules, although more complex composition can make an image more interesting and 

hold the viewers attention for longer. 
Don’t worry if good composition doesn’t come to you naturally, it can be learnt. A more detailed look 

at composition can be found in our 

Introduction to Photography DVD

 but I have also outlined some 

important aspects below for you to think about when making decisions about composition. As you will see 

there are many things to be considered aside from simple picture layout.

THE SUBJECT MATTER

1.   Choice of subject - Is my subject matter that interesting? Will it make a good photograph?
2.   Colours of subject - Do the colours of my subject work well with the colour of my background?  

 

Can I move position to get a better background or can I replace the background in a still life image?

3.   The Lighting on subject - Does the light on my subject affect it’s shape, texture or contrast and can  

 

it be improved?

4.   The story of my subject (probably the most important) - What is the picture about? Does it tell a story  

 

and will people easily understand the information? Remember that most photography is the means   

 

to tell a story or an idea visually, therefore that story or message should be clear and easy for the eye  

 

to digest!

COMPOSITION

1.   Position of subject – If the layout is not working can I move my subject?
2.   Position of camera –Can I find a better angle or height to shoot from?
3.   Choice of lens – (affects the position of your camera) Your choice of lens will affect the camera to    

      subject distance which in turn will affect your position in relation to subject and the effective             

 

perspective of your subject in relation to it’s background!

4.   Choice of focus point – It’s important to remember that the area in your picture that is in focus will    

 

draw the viewers eye to that zone.

5.   Choice of depth of field (affecting the rang of sharpness) – The same picture taken with a different    

 

depth of field  can have a totally different feel to it.

6.   Choice of shutter speed (affecting the effect motion) – By using slower shutter speeds the motion of  

 

moving objects will record there path across your image as opposed to being recorded in a static    

 

position with a faster shutter speed. 

www.karltaylorphotography.com

2

Images and text © Karl Taylor Photography

RULE OF THIRDS

One of the most common and easier to understand compositional guides is “the rule of thirds”. The rule of 

thirds teaches you to split your picture area into thirds vertically and horizontally – where those imaginary 

lines cross or lay is often the best place to place your subject. You can also place the secondary subject at 

the opposite third for balance.
Using the rule of thirds will generally give you the most pleasing layouts, but these rules can be broken. 

Your composition ability and creativity will generally improve with practise and study, although it does 

appear that certain people have a greater natural ability. For a fuller understanding view our 

Introduction to 

Photography DVD

, our more advanced titles go into greater depth on other issues affecting composition.

Third Lines

KARL’S OTHER TIPS FOR IMPROVING COMPOSITION 

1. Use of texture & shape

2. Lines – shadows and edges as leading lines

3. Balance & symmetry 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Isolating the main subject

5. Simplicity – keep it simple & avoid confusing backgrounds

6. Framing your subject with other objects   

 

 

7. What is my point of interest?

8. What is the story?
When composing the picture - think! Is this actually any good? Take the picture and then if it’s not good try 

to identify why not!
Look through your viewfinder or at your LCD screen more carefully and not too quickly.
Look at the corners of your viewfinder for distractions and try to avoid them and decide whether your pic-

ture would be better in Landscape (horizontally) or Portrait (vertically).

Intersection Areas