Centered composition places the subject directly in the middle of theframe, creating a clean and straightforward visual focus, especially whenthe background is simple. Symmetry, on the other hand, emphasizesbalance by mirroring elements on either side of the frame left and right ortop and bottom often found in architecture, patterns, or reflections.Centered Composition and SymmetryPhoto credited to Ummu RumaishaChapter 4
As a photographer, making use of natural framing within the actualphotograph itself takes advantage of our inherent tendency to focus onthe subject and blur out the rest of the picture. It forms part of the mostbasic rules in photography and thus can be applied to photos taken on abasic smartphone all the way to a high-end pro-grade DSLR or mirrorlesscamera.Including a ‘frame within the frame’ is another effective way of portrayingdepth in a scene. Look for elements such as windows, arches, oroverhanging branches to frame the scene with. The ‘frame’ does notnecessarily have to surround the entire scene to be effective.Frame Within the FrameNatural framing can be a useful compositional tool for:Directing the viewer’s eyes to the main subject or regionAllow the viewer’s eyes to focus more easily on the subjectDeemphasize less important or distracting elements or areasCreate an aesthetically pleasing structure to the compositionCreating more depth within a photographKuala Perlis 2025Canon EOS 7D Mark IIIf/2.8 | 1/1000 sec | ISO 100| 70 mmClick link for Video Tutorialhttps://www.youtube.com/shorts/uyZG8s4tM_wChapter 4
Pattern and TexturesHuman beings are naturally attracted to patterns. They are visuallyattractive and suggest harmony. Patterns can be man-made, like a seriesof arches, or natural, like the petals on a flower. Incorporating patternsinto your photographs is always a good way to create a pleasingcomposition. Less regular textures can also be very pleasing to the eye.Click link for Video Tutorialhttps://www.youtube.com/shorts/UODyZWAvEYgChapter 4
Leading LinesLeading lines help lead the viewer through the image and focus attentionon important elements. Anything from paths, walls, or patterns can beused as leading lines. Take a look at the examples below.Leading lines donot necessarily have to be straight as illustrated by the picture above. Infact, curved lines can be very attractive compositional features. In thiscase, the path leads the viewer to the right of the frame before swingingin to the left towards the tree. I also made use of the rule of thirds whencomposing the shot.Chapter 4Click link for Video Tutorialhttps://www.youtube.com/shorts/ONI2MSYFkAY
Golden TriangleThe golden triangles composition works in a very similar way to the rule ofthirds. Instead of a grid of rectangles, however, we divide the frame with adiagonal line going from one corner to another. We then add two morelines from the other corners to the diagonal line. The two smaller linesmeet the big line at a right angle as is illustrated below. This divides theframe into a series of triangles. As you can see, this way of composinghelps us introduce an element of the ‘dynamic tension’ we learned aboutin guideline number 6. As with the rule of thirds, we use the lines (of thetriangles in this case) to help us position the various elements in thescene.The photo above contains strong diagonals that follow the lines of the‘golden triangles’. The light trails from the traffic perfectly follow thediagonal line running from the top right-hand corner to the bottom lefthand corner. The tops of the buildings on the left are close to the smallerdiagonal on the left. The small line on the right meets the larger line at thetop corner of the buildings.Chapter 4Click link for Video Tutorialhttps://www.youtube.com/shorts/vMWyM59iU5w
Including some human interest in a scene can make a photograph farmore engaging as well as adding a sense of scale. this is something Isometimes forget as a mainly urban landscape photographer. I’ve noticedthat most of my best urban photographs include people somewhere in theframe.Add Human InterestPhoto taken by Amir ZahinDRG 1BChapter 4
This photography book would not have come to life without the generouscontributions of our students and staff who shared their striking and creativeimages. Each photograph featured here reflects the unique perspective, passion,and talent that exist within our PBU community. Your commitment, artistry, andwillingness to showcase your work have enriched this publication and offeredreaders an inspiring visual journey.Thank you for lending your creative eye and helping us celebrate the diversity,skill, and storytelling power of photography.Appreciation
THE BASIC GUIDE TO PHOTOGRAPHYBecause its more than pushing the button(online)e ISBN 978-967-2765-22-6POLITEKNIK BALIK PULAU9 789672 765226THE BASIC GUIDE TO PHOTOGRAPHY