What is a frame in photography. The best way to learn the basics of composition

Creating an interesting and eye-catching composition is the key to an attractive illustration.. Paintings with a powerful composition of elements will capture the attention of viewers and keep them until every little detail that you have worked so painstakingly for is appreciated.
In turn, a compositionally poorly assembled picture can spoil the look of even the most beautifully depicted objects, creating the feeling that something is not right in it. Many will not even understand why, but the picture will be less attractive, and it will be more difficult to understand its meaning. Later in this tutorial, I outlined 20 points that, in my opinion, are some of the basic rules of good composition, the rules that I always rely on when I pick up a brush.

1. Focal point
Each painting with a powerful compositional load has a dominant object, or focal point, which is the center of the whole picture. All other elements of the picture should complement or frame this object. The focal point can be anything from a skyscraper in the distance to a paper cup standing on a windowsill overlooking the entire city. It is very important that the focal point fits into the picture. There are many ways to highlight the focal point - the "Rule of one third" or the "Rule of the golden ratio" - but I will not delve into this issue, because. for me it is more important to feel the picture, without any rules.

2. Placement of other objects
All other objects should be in harmony with the focal point and thus enhance the effect of the entire composition. Neatly placed elements of the picture will contribute, ultimately adding depth, balance and realism. Pay attention to the picture "Nimbus" ("Nimbus"), which depicts a landscape that directs the viewer's gaze into the distance; or on small details, such as a car, near a moored ship in the painting "Prometheus" ("Prometheus").

3. Unity of objects
It is very important that all elements of the picture look appropriate, emphasizing that the shapes and structures of objects in the distance are dictated by external conditions between them and the viewer; or that all objects and structures correctly reflect light and cast shadows. With this approach, the composition will win. Let's return to the picture "Prometheus" ("Prometheus") - notice how the ship casts shadows on the pier and the buildings surrounding it, adding a lot of realism to this moment.

4. Framing
In paintings with a complex composition, a technique such as framing can be useful, which will help guide the viewer's eye around the picture and keep him on it. This can be achieved by simply adding smooth lines, or clear silhouettes to guide the eye to exactly the place that needs to be highlighted, more often this is the focal point. Again, pay attention to the picture "Prometheus" ("Prometheus") - because. this is very clearly visible on it - where I framed the center of the picture with a large, forward-facing pier.

5. Avoid Tangent Lines
They can negatively affect the whole picture, and they, of course, should be avoided. Tangents are lines coming from individual elements of the picture, which intersect at the end. For example, power lines that converge right at the corner of a building. By moving these power lines away from the building, by moving them a little higher or lower, the visual problem of perception can be avoided.

6. Color temperature
When you are faced with the choice of dominant colors for your painting, always remember that the painting will eventually cause either cold or warm sensations, it cannot be both warm and cold at the same time (unless it is the author's technique). Of course, you can use both warm and cold colors in your painting, but one of them should always be dominant, even if not by much (as, for example, in the Dungeon painting).

7. White saturation
The contrast gradient is a very important tool when creating an interesting composition. Ideally, you should achieve a balance between light, medium, and dark tone by using at least some of them. To achieve a good balance, try using a maximum of one of the shades, a little of the other and a little bit of the third, for example, as in my painting "The Room" (The Room) - I took 60% dark, 25% medium and 15% light tone .

8. Depth
Depth and angle are also very important. Images from a certain angle require a well-organized and realistic depth behind them, using a series of elements that lead the eye deeper into the picture. These elements can be fences, railways, an urban landscape, or even just a line of flowers on a field. The best compositional paintings are painted as if you were looking at them from the inside.

9. Closing
Unlike tangent lines, this item refers to elements of the picture that interlock with each other. All elements of the picture should either be located remotely from each other, or be in close proximity. When closed, the objects create a combined shape that draws the viewer's eye away and causes them to stop staring at the painting.

10. Light
After shaping the object, this is the most important part for me. Before painting over a drawing, I pay a lot of attention correct staging Sveta. I have divided this topic into several logical parts to explain in more detail different features creating light and realistic compositional balance.

11. Let there be light!
Choose a position for the primary (brightest) light source - the sun, a window, or a street lamp, for example - in which the object will look three-dimensional and will cast an interesting shadow. Primary light can be the main part of the composition and even its focal point; it determines what color everything it falls on will be. Without light, we will not see anything: therefore, it is very important, and its correct setting is no less important.

12. Shadows
Shadow can be used to highlight the shapes of an object, attach them to the drawing and, when used correctly, to add additional framing to the composition (for example, as in the painting "Prometheus" ("Prometheus"), where the upper part of the pier casts a shadow on the lower part - the promenade ). What is important, the shadow appears better when positioned under the direct rays of the light source.

13. Additional light sources
Important factors in the finished composition are secondary and tertiary light sources. Secondary sources can be diffuse or direct rays of light reflected from the surface on which the primary light fell, or a weak glow from street lamps and car headlights, and even strong light sources close to the primary. The added secondary light makes it possible to enhance the detail of the picture and the arrangement of the elements of the picture.

14. Atmosphere
Atmospheric depth and occlusion (light absorption) are important components of a single composition in the picture. This may be a spacious area where the transparent air between the viewer and the horizon acquires a color and tonal contrast; or it could be a small area where the light passes through the dusty air, taking on a subtle color (as in The Room, for example). A powerful beam of light can also give a special atmosphere to the picture, reflecting and scattering around.

15. Surface structure
For compositional balance, thoughtful and correctly built structures of various surfaces are also very important. It must be clearly understood that the use of reflective or shiny surfaces can attract the attention of the viewer. In Prometheus, I used a lot of reflective surfaces, which will definitely grab the attention of the viewers, but also will not distract too much from the main element of the picture - the ship, but will only enhance its effect. Or vice versa, the use of dull and dirty textures can evoke a completely different feeling in the audience (for example, as in the painting “The Room” (The Room)).

16. Direction of gaze
You can also draw attention to the picture by using elements that direct the viewer's eye to the center or around the frame. This can be achieved in various ways. For example, good old fences or roads going into the distance, or, as in the picture "Nimbus" ("Nimbus"), a huge building that cuts through the sky and leads the eye from the upper left corner to the very center. The trick is that the viewer will lead his gaze along the arch until he comes to the end point - the most important part of the picture.

17. Holding the gaze
If the viewer paid attention to the picture, the important point here is to hold this look longer. Let's go back to the good old technique with a fence leading into the distance from left to right. On the right side, you will definitely need to add something, for example, a couple of trees or maybe a small house, in order to smoothly return the viewer's gaze to the entire composition. Let's turn again to the picture "Nimbus" ("Nimbus"). Notice how the eye goes down the line and lingers on the city, looking at the rocks on the left and the city itself on the right.

18. Dramatic
Large scale and epic depictions are usually, usually either dramatic or very calm. To add drama to the image, you can play with the depth, scale, speed of movement of elements or their calmness. In the painting "Nimbus" ("Nimbus") is a large arched structure arises from behind the viewer, sinks into the clouds and sinks to a point far away, thus showing how huge it is in relation to the relatively small skyscrapers at the point of contact with the earth.

19. Balance
Achieving balance in composition is a matter of practice, especially if your focal point is a large and dramatic detail that grabs your attention. most frame. Referring again to the Nimbus painting - here I've balanced the painting by using a few lower buildings, the cliffs descending into the distance on the left, and adding clouds that smooth out the picture. Together, these elements create harmony between the huge focal point and the rest of the environment.

20. Relative scale
Complex compositions depicting different forms and dimensions must be correctly constructed so that the viewer sees and understands the scale of the elements of the picture. In the picture "Prometheus" ("Prometheus") I drew several people - some closer, some further from the ship, to show huge size this ship and the pier. You can create huge scales, as far as your imagination and the borders of the canvas allow you. FROM small items in the same way - whether it is a glass with pencils, or a telephone on the edge of the table - everything should serve to make the viewer understand the size of the table.

10 simple rules for building a composition in a frame.

1. Contrast

How to draw the attention of the viewer to your photo? There should be contrast in the frame:

• A lighter object is photographed against a dark background, and a dark object against a light one.
• Do not photograph people on a yellow or brown background, the color of the photo will be unnatural.
• Do not shoot people against a colorful background, such a background distracts the viewer's attention from the model.

2. Accommodation

Important elements the plot should not be randomly placed. It is better that they form simple geometric shapes.

3. Balance

Objects located in different parts frame, must match each other in volume, size and tone.

4. Golden Ratio

The golden ratio has been known since ancient egypt, its properties were studied by Euclid and Leonardo da Vinci. The simplest description of the golden ratio: best point for the location of the subject - about 1/3 of the horizontal or vertical border of the frame. The location of important objects in these visual points looks natural and attracts the viewer's attention.

5. Diagonals

One of the most effective compositional premiums is the diagonal composition.

Its essence is very simple: we place the main objects of the frame along the diagonal of the frame. For example, from the top left corner of the frame to the bottom right.

This technique is good because such a composition continuously leads the viewer's eye through the entire photo.

6. Format

If the frame is dominated by vertical objects - shoot vertical frames. If you are photographing a landscape, take horizontal shots.

7. Shooting point

The choice of shooting point directly affects the emotional perception of the picture. Let's remember a few simple rules:

• For a portrait, the best point is at eye level.
• For a portrait in full height- at the level of the belt.
• Try to crop the frame so that the horizon line does not divide the photo in half. Otherwise, it will be difficult for the viewer to focus on the objects in the frame.
• Keep the camera at the level of the subject, otherwise you risk getting distorted proportions. An object viewed from above appears smaller than it really is. So, shooting a person from the top point, in the photo you will get a person vertically challenged. When photographing children or animals, lower yourself to their eye level.

8. Direction

When building a composition, always keep this in mind.

9. Color spot

If there is a spot of color in one part of the frame, then there must be something in the other that will attract the attention of the viewer. This may be another color spot or, for example, an action in the frame.

10. Movement in the frame

When filming a moving subject (car, cyclist), always leave clear space in front of the subject. Simply put, position the subject as if it had just "entered" the frame, not "left" it.

The ability to correctly compose a frame is an important component of obtaining high-quality and interesting pictures. To do this, you need to understand the principles of linear construction of the frame and its division into separate basic elements - background, foreground and background, compositional center. When shooting, it is very important to determine exactly what is best to point your camera at so that the picture reflects the splendor of the whole view and fully meets your expectations.

Frame composition can be called a real art, in which success can only be achieved through constant improvement and development of one's own natural instinct. After all, the photographer often has to “collect” individual details in the frame impromptu, that is, in a matter of time immediately before shooting.

Unlike a camera, we have a peculiar ability to see in accordance with our feelings and emotions, to feel the texture, colors and shapes of the objects around us. All this is practically not available to our camera, since it only produces a two-dimensional image of what we pointed it at. There are a few basic compositing rules that can help the camera correctly display the scene of interest to us.

When composing a shot, it is important to correctly place the compositional center so that it is most advantageously perceived by the human eye. The so-called “rule of thirds” states that it is best to place your subject in an area from the center to its edges that attracts attention and creates a sense of order in the photo.

If you mentally divide the frame into three equal parts vertically and horizontally, then the intersection points of these imaginary lines form the areas on which the human eye always focuses its attention, regardless of the format or genre of the photographic image. Thus, these places can be located at one of the four intersections formed by vertical and horizontal lines, with two points on the right will give a more balanced composition than points on the left. This is due to the fact that a person is more inclined to look at the image from left to right.

- this is the key rule of harmony, which makes it possible to achieve the compositional balance of photography. The ability to accurately place the compositional center in accordance with the rule of thirds largely determines how the resulting image will be visually balanced and will attract the attention of the viewer.

When working with a background that often carries a certain mood, you should adhere to contrast rules. According to this simple rule a lighter object should be placed against a dark background, and vice versa. At the same time, use completely White background when shooting is not recommended, just like using ordinary wallpaper or colorful carpets as a backdrop for studio shooting.

A well-composed photograph should grab the viewer's attention through the lines, not just the main subject. Such lines can be not only real objects, such as walls, a fence or picturesque hedges, but also shadows, a horizon, as well as imaginary lines created from interconnected image details. Simple horizontal lines are easily perceived by the human eye and allow you to break the entire frame into separate sectors. Vertical lines, in turn, create a dynamic composition, they reveal the direction of movement and allow the viewer to look from the bottom up. You can also use diagonal lines, which hold the viewer's attention well and help in creating tense compositions.

In many cases, the best way to enhance the expression of a shot is to try to compose your subjects closer together and use the entire frame. It is recommended to avoid empty space or "air" when composing a shot. When collecting individual details of the image in the frame, one should be guided by important rule balance. It dictates that the elements of the image, located in different parts of the frame, match each other in terms of their volume, size and color.

For example, if a person is standing on the left side of the picture or a building is located, then there should also be some object on the right side of the frame that could balance the plot. Accordingly, also if the figure of the person being photographed is located in the foreground, then in the background of the frame there should be something that attracts the attention of the viewer. The foreground can play a significant role in the compositional solution.

The intensity and expressiveness of the foreground of a picture can be changed with the lens and shooting point. In particular, the use of a wide-angle lens makes it possible to include details that are directly under your feet in the frame, and at the same time create a sense of depth in space. As an accent foreground, roads or rivers look good, creating clear lines.

When shooting, nothing prevents the photographer from viewing the scene or object of interest from different points, which often allows you to get original and unusual images. Also, don't forget the trick of turning the camera 90° when shooting to get a portrait shot with its long side vertical.

When composing a shot, the illusion of depth can be achieved by using a lens with a small focal length and including foreground objects in the frame. Lighting that creates harsh, rich shadows also adds to the depth of the illusion in the shot. Conversely, lighting the subject evenly, minimizing any shadows, will reduce the illusion of depth in the frame.

However, it is not always necessary to adhere to the above composition rules, since sometimes violation of these rules leads to unexpected and quite successful results. Every photographer must develop their own own style image layout and any hard and fast rules do not exist here. The key to good and interesting photography is the skills and natural flair of the photographer, developed through constant practice.

Why do we, the audience, like some films, while watching others makes us sad? Everyone has their favorites - films, which we are ready to watch for the tenth time in a row. What influences our attachment?

Every frame in the film plays big role. The impression of the film as a whole depends on how perfect the picture on the screen is. It is easy to distinguish a professionally shot movie from a mediocre one: if you take a freeze frame, the picture will look like a work of art, well, or a good photograph.

How to achieve such an effect? Everything is simple. You need to know the rules for framing. A lot of people work on composition (the arrangement of objects in the frame). The chief operator is at the head, his skill is the key to success for any film.

A competent operator knows the secrets that help him build an interesting picture correctly.

Do you want to learn the most important compositional techniques? Then let's go!

Rule of thirds

Perhaps the most used technique in cinema. It is simple, but at the same time it works 100%.

A scene from the film The Great Gatsby. We immediately pay attention to the eyes of the heroine, which is what the operator wanted.

How ? We conditionally divide the screen into three parts horizontally and vertically. The intersections of the dividing lines will be the very areas where you need to place significant objects in the frame. The picture looks dynamic and attracts the attention of viewers.

In the case of the horizon, two options for its location are possible: in the first third (increase attention to the ground) or second (emphasis on the sky).

Focus

Another common case when the operator wants to highlight a specific object is to make it in focus. Everything around, on the contrary, is blurred, thereby focusing on the image in focus.

Light

"Light! Camera! Motor!". For any film set light is a vital attribute. It's impossible without him. The possibilities of light are endless. Properly applying them in the frame, it is easy to achieve the desired effect.

See how masterfully the cinematographer of the film "The Great Gatsby" approached the setting of the frame. We see two techniques at once: focus and light, which illuminates the hero's face, thereby directing the attention of the audience to the right place.

The operator of the "Martian" brilliantly managed to use the "chip" with the light. On a subconscious level, we immediately turn our gaze to the illuminated place, which stands out against the general darkened background. In addition, the eyes of the heroine show us where to look.

Saturation

How else can you get attention? Make the subject bright, stand out from everything else in the frame. Subconsciously, we respond to bright, colorful colors.

Symmetry

Properly applying symmetry, you can achieve amazing results. This phenomenon does not occur in nature, which is why the symmetry in the frame is so attractive to our eyes. However, one should be careful with this approach. Too many shots like this distract from the story.

Diagonal and perspective

Man perceives the time scale in a special way: on the left side - the past, and on the right - the future. You should remember this, and build the frame diagonally.

What is perspective? For clarity, imagine two parallel rails that converge at one point on the horizon.

The presence of perspective in the frame gives the necessary volume and depth. The picture looks much more interesting.

Various plans

Surely you have heard about the plans in the frame. Front, middle and far. Depending on what the attention of the audience should be drawn to, each of them is used.

There is another option that combines several plans at once. Such a composition looks much more interesting, and the picture ceases to be flat.

So you learned about the "chips" that make our favorite films so cool. amazing world cinematography opened its veil a little more. It became clear how directors and cameramen achieve the perfect composition in the frame.

And now, go ahead to watch your favorite movies and count tricks! 🙂

How to make a photo interesting, expressive, eye-catching?Taking a picture is not enough to create a photograph. It is necessary to harmoniously place objects in the picture, filling it with meaning. Exist different ways and rules for creating a harmonious composition. Sometimes it is enough to place the subjects in certain places. In other cases, it is enough to choose the right shooting point for this. A slight shift in the position of the camera can make a significant difference in the composition.

To give expression to your photographs, apply the rules of composition.

Rule of thirds

A very old and simple rule that allows you to almost always succeed.It allows you to harmoniously balance the image, giving it dynamics and visual naturalness.We divide the frame into three equal parts horizontally and vertically. The result is a grid that you see in the image. The rule is based on the fact that objects located at the intersection of lines correspond to the best visual perception. Thus, a significantly important object of photography should be located either along the lines or at the intersection points of these lines (in this photo, horizontally - a bridge, vertically - high-rise buildings. Intersection point - a ship and buildings)

When shooting natural landscapes, the most interesting photographs are those in which the horizon is located according to the rule of thirds. Which line is the horizon on? It depends on what you want to focus the viewer's attention on. In the first case is a beautiful landscape on earth. In the second case- we focus on an interesting, expressive sky:

The rule of thirds is widely used in a variety of types of images: landscapes, portraits, product photography. If objects are placed at diagonal points, this will add dynamics.

golden section rule

Diagonal Rule

According to the diagonal rule, important image elements should be set along the diagonal lines shown in the examples. A diagonal composition with a direction from the lower left corner to the upper right corner is calmer than one built on the opposite, more dynamic diagonal. If you shoot at close range, the photo will turn out flat and uninteresting.

Linear elements such as roads, waterways, and fences placed diagonally tend to make the scenery more dynamic than horizontal ones:

The diagonal is very well emphasized by contrasting lines (photo of a reservoir and snow). In addition, I would like to notice in the photo with the dog, there are also such elements as the foreground, middle and back backgrounds. This gives the photo depth and emphasizes expressiveness. Consider this, choose the angle of the photo in such a way that would create depth in the picture.

You can also be guided by this rule: secondary lines that should "lead" the eye to the plot center. Minor lines can be understood not only as specific lines, but also as a series of objects or details located one after the other. Fences, paths, walls and roads - will create excellent guide (leading) lines. Important image elements should be set along the diagonal lines. A diagonal composition with a direction from the lower left corner to the upper right corner is calmer than one built on the opposite, more dynamic diagonal.

Diagonal Golden Ratio Rule

Another application of the golden ratio rule. Let's apply a diagonal grid to the image as shown in the photo below. The main objects of the image should be located in the received sections.

Of course, it is not always possible to create a photo correctly, but you can correct the composition through graphic programs by cutting off an unnecessary part of the photo. The more practice, the faster success will come!

A few more tips:

Hold the camera at the level of the subject. Do not shoot directly from the bottom up or from your height down unless you want to achieve a special effect. For example, if you are shooting children, go down to the level of their eyes, otherwise you will get distorted proportions.

Make sure that the main subject of the picture does not blend into the background. If you are shooting a single subject, then try to choose a simple background, the details of which will not distract the viewer. The more colorful the background is, the more distracting it is. In some cases, it makes sense to make the subject occupy the vast majority of the area of ​​the frame itself.

Use branches, trees, etc. to create a border effect. Thus, the main object will be underlined. The frame can also help to create a more voluminous frame (do not make the frame the main semantic element).

If you are shooting a moving object, then leave space in the photo in front of the object, that is, in the direction of its movement. In other words, position your subject as if it just entered the photo, rather than leaving it.

Try to ensure that the light source is behind you. And also avoid bright lights or colorful spots away from the main plot. It distracts the viewer.

Try to make a balanced composition so that the top of the photo doesn't look "heavier" than the bottom. This rule applies to the sides of the image. Heaviness - give dark shades in the photo, light ones always create a feeling of lightness.

Include an odd number of identical objects in the frame. One or three flowers look better than two or four.

If you are shooting a building, then choose an angle that shows both the facade and the side. It will look much more voluminous than just a facade.

Composition should not play an independent role. Just as speech has the meaning of a transmitter of thought, composition serves only as a means for expressing the author's thought.

The article was compiled on the basis of my materials, as well as the resources of colorpilot.ru, the world of digital photography.