Today, we will cover a wide range of advanced composition techniques to show you the multiple approaches you can take in photography. Each technique has different characteristics. We break down each approach in detail to give you a better understanding. If you want more detail, click the link in each section. 

Composition Techniques

Let’s start by looking at simple methods to produce advanced composition techniques. Even though these methods may seem basic, they are tricky to master. We will outline the best ways to get the most out of each of these photoshoot ideas. 

You can try many of these techniques from the comfort of your own home! If that doesn’t inspire you, go for a walk around your town or city. Try to get one image of each composition technique; the more you practice, the better you will get! 

Form

Form photography is all about making subjects stand out as if they’re 3D objects. It creates a line between 2D and 3D by using the right kind of light, angles, colors, and depth.

To take stunning form photos, experiment with side light to emphasize your subject’s shape and textures. Use a large aperture to separate your subject from the background and create depth. If your results don’t look eye-catching enough, try converting them to black and white to add emotion and put the spotlight on specific tones.

Shooting from different angles is key to making your photos look unique. It gives you more creative freedom to capture movements, colors, and textures. With a little imagination and practice, you can use form photography to take outstanding photos of anything. You can read our in-depth article to learn more about form in photography.

Shape

Shape is an important element of photography composition. It can create balance and symmetry or lead the viewer’s eye to the main subject. Photographers can use shape in many ways to make their images more interesting.

Light plays a big role in how shapes look in photos. Front or back lighting will create a flat shape. But side lighting adds shadows, giving the shape a 3D form.

Perspective also changes how shapes appear. A coffee mug from the side is a cylinder, but from above it’s a circle. Shooting straight on shows a flat shape, while angling the camera reveals depth. Using these techniques, photographers can find new ways to capture everyday objects. Learning to see the shapes that make up the world is key to creating powerful compositions. Shape in photography is an essential part of image composition.

Emphasis

Emphasis in photography is all about making your subject stand out. You can use composition techniques to bring focus and attention to your subject, even in a cluttered or busy scene.

One way to emphasize your subject is by using strong contrast. Place your subject in a brightly lit area surrounded by darker tones to make it pop. You can also use a shallow depth of field to blur the background and keep your subject sharp. This is especially useful in portrait photography.

Negative space is another tool for emphasis. By leaving empty space around your subject, you remove distractions and draw the viewer’s eye. Leading lines can also guide attention to your subject, while framing it within the scene adds even more emphasis. Click here to learn more about emphasis in photography.

Geometric

Geometric photography is all about finding and capturing the shapes and lines that make up our world. From the bold lines of a cityscape to the organic curves of nature, geometry is everywhere. Here are some cool ideas to get you started with geometric photography.

Look for repetition in your subjects, like brick walls or tiled floors. The repeating shapes will create a bold, eye-catching pattern in your photos. You can also use color to make your geometric images pop. Bright, contrasting colors will emphasize the shapes and lines in your compositions.

Perspective is another powerful tool for geometric photography. Try shooting from unusual angles, like low to the ground or high above your subject. This will create a unique and engaging point of view. And don’t forget about architecture – buildings are full of geometric shapes and lines that make great subjects for photos.

Ready to dive deeper into the world of geometric photography? There are endless possibilities to explore, from minimalist compositions to abstract designs.

Rhythm

Rhythm in photography brings structure and stability to your images. It’s about visual storytelling and composition building. Rhythm can hold the viewer’s gaze to a steady beat or quicken the pace as their eyes move around the image.

Rhythm is created by elements that repeat or echo throughout the photo. This could be a series of shapes that make a pattern or multiple subjects that appear at different points in the frame.

You’ll find rhythm in many types of photography, from street and architecture to portraits and landscapes. Bringing rhythm into your photos can help you make conscious decisions about composition and how you want the image to flow. Read on to learn more about how to use rhythm in photography, including the different types of rhythm and how to break rhythm for emphasis.

Negative Space

Negative space is the area around your main subject in a photo. It creates a relationship between the subject and background, allowing the subject to stand out. When used well, negative space attracts the viewer and leads their eyes to the main subject.

The space doesn’t have to be empty. Things can be in the negative space, but they should blend into the background and not draw attention. This directs the viewer’s focus to the main subject.

To use negative space, look at the area around your subject. Move around to frame the subject with negative space. Get closer to fill the frame with an interesting pattern, or step back to make the subject smaller. Negative space can improve your compositions in any type of photography. Here are some more tips on negative space in photography.

Juxtaposition

Juxtaposition in photography is all about showing contrast between two or more elements in a scene. This can be done through composition, forced perspectives, or props. Some examples of juxtaposition include animate vs inanimate objects, big vs small subjects, dark vs light colors, and natural vs man-made elements.

Photographers can also create juxtaposition in post-processing by merging different images together. This allows for creative concepts like mixing life and death or showing the contrast between poverty and idealism. Juxtaposition can evoke powerful emotions and make viewers think deeply about the story behind the image.

Finding juxtaposition examples is easy if you look for them in your environment or while juxtaposition examples in street photography. Capturing these contrasts can lead to striking and thought-provoking images that keep viewers engaged.

Advanced Composition Techniques

Now, we will look at more advanced composition techniques. Some of these techniques do not have set framing advice; instead, the content of the photograph holds the composition. 

If you familiarize yourself with these ideas, you will be well on your way to becoming an advanced photographer. The advanced composition techniques below are directed more by storytelling, one of photography’s key benefits. Learning to use storytelling to your advantage will set you apart from other photographers. 

Conceptual

Conceptual photography is all about expressing ideas and themes through symbols and creative editing. To create a great conceptual photo, start with an original idea. Then use editing to bring your vision to life.

You can find inspiration for conceptual photography all around you. Everyday objects can symbolize nature, and water can add emotion and drama to a portrait. Even your childhood dreams can spark ideas for nostalgic photos.

Anonymity is another powerful tool in conceptual photography. Partly hiding a subject’s face can make a concept more relatable. And simple tricks like conceptual photography can turn an ordinary portrait into a mysterious and thought-provoking image.

Symbolism

Symbolism is a powerful tool for photographers to express concepts and ideas beyond what is visible in an image. By using visual cues like color, objects, animals, and placement, photographers can convey deeper meanings and evoke emotions in the viewer.

Throughout history, symbolism has been used in various forms of art, from ancient carvings to Renaissance paintings. In photography, early practitioners adopted symbols to signify intelligence, while iconic images like Dorothea Lange’s Migrant Mother became symbols of the Great Depression.

Contemporary photographers continue to use symbolism in their work, drawing from both historical and modern symbols. By understanding and incorporating symbolism in their images, photographers can create rich, meaningful experiences for their audience. Symbolism in photography is a fascinating subject that can elevate your work to new levels.

Golden Ratio

The golden ratio is a powerful tool for creating pleasing and balanced compositions in photography. It’s based on a mathematical sequence that appears throughout nature, from nautilus shells to ocean waves. By using the golden ratio in your photos, you can lead the viewer’s eye through the frame in a natural way.

One common way to apply the golden ratio is with the phi grid, which divides the frame into a 1:0.618:1 ratio. This places the subject a bit more centrally compared to the rule of thirds. Another option is the Fibonacci spiral, where you position the main subject in the smallest part of the spiral and arrange other elements along the curve.

To use the golden ratio effectively, consider the scene and choose the method that best fits the subject and any leading lines or curves. Imagine the overlay as you compose the shot, and don’t be afraid to adjust your position to exaggerate lines and angles. With practice, the golden ratio can elevate your compositions from good to excellent. Learning more about the golden ratio in photography can help you master this powerful technique.

Golden Triangle

The golden triangle is a composition technique that uses diagonal lines to form right-angle triangles. These triangles act as a guide for placing the main subject of the photo at the intersection points.

Using the golden triangle can give your photos a more dynamic feel compared to other common composition techniques. To create the golden triangle, draw a diagonal line from one corner to the opposite corner, then draw perpendicular lines from the other corners to the diagonal line.

Place your point of interest at one of the intersection points and use leading lines that follow the diagonal. Subjects that work well with the golden triangle include portraits with the model sitting or lying down, mountains with a diagonal horizon line, and roads that cut through the frame diagonally. Golden triangle in photography is a great way to experiment with composition and create visually interesting images.

Triptych

Triptych photography is a creative technique that tells a story using three photos. Experiment with different formats like square or circle to make your triptychs stand out. Capture a series of movements using burst mode to create exciting action shots.

Themes can make your triptychs more meaningful. Love, nature, and symmetry are common choices. You can also split one image into three parts or put a spotlight on details that usually go unnoticed.

Triptychs are a great way to improve your photography skills. Work on a long-term photo series to document a subject’s progress over time. Or photograph different parts of an event to tell a more complete story. As you explore triptych photography, you’ll find a style that works for you and triptych photography will help you think outside the box.

Decisive Movement

Capturing the decisive moment in photography is about being in the right place at the right time and knowing how to take the shot. It’s not just luck, but also understanding your subjects and predicting their behavior. The more you observe and understand the subject, the better you’ll become at anticipating the perfect moment.

Developing your photographing intuition is key. Trust your gut feeling when you sense something special is about to happen. The more you practice, the easier it becomes to recognize and capture those fleeting moments.

Look for emotional moments, everyday life details, and motion in your scenes. Train your eye to see patterns and the things that disrupt them. If you’d like to learn more about decisive moment in photography, there are great resources available here to dive deeper into this fascinating topic.

Dynamic Tension

Dynamic tension is a powerful tool for creating dramatic photos. It involves using diagonal lines, paths, and body language that move in opposing directions. This creates a sense of tension and pulls the viewer’s eye through the image.

To use dynamic tension, look for multiple diagonal lines moving away from each other, paths that move in opposite directions, or contrasting body language between subjects. The strongest tension comes from the widest angles between intersecting lines, ideally 90 degrees.

Framing and rotation also play a role in emphasizing dynamic tension. Experiment with different angles and compositions to find the most dramatic effect. However, use dynamic tension sparingly in your portfolio to avoid overuse. You can learn more about dynamic tension in photography here.

Figure to Ground

Figure to ground photography is a composition technique that creates stark contrast between the main subject and the background. This contrast can be achieved through differences in lighting or color. The most dramatic example is a silhouette, but there are many other ways to use figure to ground composition.

To create a figure to ground photo, look for scenes where the subject is much lighter or darker than the background. You can also use contrasting colors, even if the lighting is the same. Squint your eyes to blur the details and make it easier to see the contrast.

Extreme contrast isn’t always necessary. Sometimes you may want to keep enough background detail to provide context for your subject. In these cases, aim for a more subtle contrast that still draws the viewer’s eye to the main subject. Figure to ground photography is a powerful way to create depth and visual interest in your photos.

Composition Principles

The composition principles section is crucial for advanced composition. These ideas guide us on what works and what doesn’t work in photography. These principles are formed from years of photographic experience, so it’s wise to take advice from their lessons. 

These principles range from simple points to consider in every photo to more niche concepts that may only be relevant to some styles of photography. Read more about each below, and make sure you try them out for yourself!

Value

Value in photography describes the range of light in your image. Altering the light is how you create contrast. Photographers group tones into blacks, shadows, midtones, highlights, and whites.

A histogram maps the tonal values with darker tones on the left and lighter tones on the right. The higher the peaks, the more of that tone is found in the scene. Most photographers avoid extreme tones, but you decide if you want to include pure black and white.

Understanding value will help create an emotional response to your images. High contrast images are bold and dynamic, while low contrast images are calmer and more mysterious. Value in photography is an important concept to learn to capture stunning photos.

Art and Design in Photography

The seven principles of art and design are balance, rhythm, pattern, emphasis, contrast, unity, and movement. These principles help photographers create compelling compositions and engaging images.

Balance refers to the visual weight of an image, while rhythm is about the recurring distribution of visual elements. Patterns are repetitions of art and design elements that work together in a single frame.

Emphasis shapes the center of interest in a photo through color, space, texture, and line. Contrast is created by including opposing elements like light and dark or different textures. Unity describes the visual relationship between elements in an image, helping create a cohesive look. Movement guides the viewer’s eye through the photograph using lines, colors, and other elements.

By understanding and applying these principles of art, photographers can take greater control of their images and create more impactful photographs.

Fine Art

Fine art photography is a creative area of image capturing that relies on the photographer’s ideas and vision. These works are meant to be wall art, either for a private client or a gallery. Fine art images can resemble some meaning or be as abstract as the photographer desires.

Fine art photography contrasts with representational photography, such as photojournalism. It combines photography and conceptual ideas as a process where the artist tries to express their perceptions and emotions, which are then shared with others. While both fine art and commercial photography produce saleable images, fine art photography is not commissioned like commercial photography is.

Inspiration for fine art photography can come from many sources, such as movies, visual art, and reading. By using topics that interest them, photographers can work harder and stay focused longer. Famous fine art photographers to look to for inspiration include Damiano Errico and Brassaï, who blurred the lines between street photography and fine art with his images of Paris at night. Click here to learn more about fine art photography, including tips for getting started and avoiding common mistakes.

Gestalt Principles

The Gestalt principles are a set of rules that help photographers create more appealing and powerful images. By understanding how the human mind perceives visual elements, you can organize your compositions in a way that makes them more engaging and emotionally resonant.

Some of the most important Gestalt principles for photography include proximity, similarity, closure, and segregation. Proximity suggests that objects close to each other are related, while similarity implies that elements with similar characteristics form a cohesive group. Closure allows the mind to fill in missing information, creating a sense of completeness, and segregation helps the subject stand out from its background.

By applying these principles to your photography, you can create images that are not only visually appealing but also convey a stronger message or story. To learn more about how to effectively use gestalt principles in photography, explore the in-depth article that covers each principle in detail and provides practical examples.

Lead Room Principle

Lead room is the negative space in front of where the subject is facing or moving. This simple composition technique is essential in many types of photography, including portraiture, fashion, and events. By including extra space within the frame, you allow the viewer’s eyes to travel and provide context to understand the narrative.

When you don’t leave enough lead room, it creates a frustrating and uncomfortable feeling for the viewer. People prefer to see where the subject is moving or looking. Too little space makes the image feel suffocating and unappealing.

To apply lead room, shoot wider compositions and leave negative space, which you can always crop later. Experiment with extra-large negative spaces to create striking images that imply movement and freedom. Lead room will improve your compositions in portrait, landscape, sports, and street photography. If you’d like to learn more about lead room, there are great resources available.

There is perhaps no photography genre that involves more care and slow execution than fine art photography. Fine art photos are the opposite of a “snap.” They are carefully scouted for, composed, exposed, and finally printed. All of this can make it slightly daunting for the newcomer. We might hesitate to proclaim that our photos are “art,”  let alone “fine art.” Well, let’s take away that fear and start you down the road to fine art photography in all its glory.

What is Fine Art Photography?

Fine art photography is about conveying the photographer’s vision and evoking emotion in the viewer. It goes beyond capturing reality and allows for creative interpretation of the subject matter.

To get started, create a cohesive body of work with at least 10-15 related images. Study the work of famous fine art photographers for inspiration, but avoid cliches like relying solely on black and white or using strong vignettes to hide poor composition.

Experiment with techniques like shutter speed and unique color grading to alter reality and develop your signature style. Writing an artist statement can help clarify your project’s concept and guide your image selection. For more tips on fine art photography, check out this in-depth guide.

Fine Art vs Commercial

Fine art photography is all about the photographer’s creative vision. The artist has full control over the image, from the concept to the final edit. Fine art photos are often emotional, meaningful, and abstract.

Commercial photography, on the other hand, is about selling a product or service. The photographer must follow the employer’s rules and stick to their vision. Commercial photos are often clear and well-composed to showcase the subject.

While fine art photographers have more creative freedom, commercial photographers usually have a steadier income. Both genres can include various subjects like people, landscapes, and objects. Fine art and commercial art photography may differ in approach, but both require skill and creativity to succeed.

Fine Art Portraits

Here are some tips to create your own fine art portrait photography:

Use simple backgrounds like black or neutral colors to make your subject stand out. Add props like flowers, books, or instruments to tell a story about your subject.

Have your model drop their shoulders, create space between their limbs, use their hands to tell a story, or tilt their head back for an elegant look. Get creative with makeup and costumes to set the scene.

Don’t be afraid to include some motion blur to give your portraits an artistic feel. You can also take faceless portraits that focus on other parts of the body. Finally, use photo editing to add depth and develop your signature style.

Fine art portrait photography gives you the freedom to create unique images. Follow your instincts and keep practicing to capture your finest work.

Fine Art Photography for Different Niches

The world of fine art photography is very diverse. And if you’re looking to enter it, that’s good news, as it gives you plenty of options.

Food

Fine art food photography is all about using lighting, composition, and styling to create a distinct mood. The best lighting depends on the subject, but side lighting or backlighting are great options. Backlighting can highlight liquids beautifully, while side lighting adds depth and dimension.

Composition is key in still life photography. Simple compositions can be very powerful, so avoid having too much going on in the frame. The rule-of-thirds and rule-of-odds are useful guidelines to create harmony and balance in your images.

When it comes to styling, keep it simple. Food in its natural state, like fresh fruits and vegetables, is inherently photogenic. Enhance its colors and textures with lighting and composition. High contrast images with vibrant colors tend to work best for fine art food photography. We’ve put together some useful tips on fine art food photography technique to take your images to the next level.

Landscape

Fine art landscape photography is about capturing the emotion and beauty of the natural world. Pre-visualize your final image before pressing the shutter. Consider the colors, processing, and story you want to convey.

Telephoto lenses can help you see the landscape differently by zooming in on patterns and shapes. Always edit your photos in post-processing to realize your vision. Seascapes make great subjects for practicing composition and long exposure techniques.

Black and white photography is all about luminosity, shapes, and contrast. Use negative space to emphasize your subject and don’t neglect the small details in the scene. Returning to the same location in different conditions can help you create more powerful images. To learn more about fine art landscape photography, check out our in-depth guide.

Macro

Capturing stunning fine art macro photos is all about the light. Midday cloudy light is perfect because it’s soft and subtle, giving your subject a nice glow. This diffused light hits your subject from all sides, so you can shoot from any angle that works best for your composition.

To make your photos really pop, use a wide aperture like f/2.8 to f/4. This creates a sharp subject against a blurry background, drawing the viewer’s eye. Get in close to intensify the background blur and contrast.

Look for lines, curves, and shapes to engage the viewer. Fill the frame with these geometric features for the most impact. Keep your compositions and colors simple to avoid chaos. Using the sky as a background is a great way to create minimalistic, abstract shots. For more tips on fine art macro photography, check out our in-depth guide.

Wedding

Fine art wedding photography captures the beauty and emotion of a couple’s special day in an artistic way. It goes beyond simply documenting the event, instead using unique compositions, perspectives, and storytelling to create images that are meant to be appreciated as art.

Fine art wedding photographers pay great attention to detail, carefully planning each shot. They often use soft, creamy lenses to create a whimsical look. The goal is to capture the emotion of the day in a way that will last long after the wedding is over.

To learn more about fine art wedding photography, including tips on capturing details, thinking creatively, and finding the story in your images, take a look at our guide.

Street

Fine art street photography combines traditional art, photography techniques, and street narratives to create high-quality images that tell stories. To capture stunning fine art street photos, take your time and be patient. Wait for the perfect light, usually during the golden hours, and use a tripod if possible.

Be picky and only accept your best images. Engage all your senses to understand the environment and the story you want to convey. Pay attention to sound, smell, and even taste to help you compose the scene.

Experiment with both color and black and white photography to find what works best for each image. Remember that street photography doesn’t have to be limited to urban scenes; your interpretation can include seaside settlements, suburban neighborhoods, or any community you feel passionate about. To take your fine art street photography to the next level, consider techniques such as advanced post-production skills and unique storytelling approaches.

What Is the Best Fine Art Photography Gear?

By definition, fine art photography needs quality camera gear. It’s likely you’ll want to make large prints, and that takes great lenses and plenty of pixels. A full frame camera probably gives the best balance between cost and quality. Although there are APS-C and Micro Four THirds cameras that might work for you too.

Mirrorless

Mirrorless cameras just keep getting better and better. They are gradually replacing DSLRs as the top-performing cameras, at both pro and consumer level. They are well worth considering as your fine art camera.

The Panasonic Lumix S5 is popular for video, but it has plenty to recommend it to still photographers looking for quality. There are dual memory card slots and image stabilization. It’s compact and weather-sealed, making it ideal for outdoor work.

The Sony a7R IV boasts an impressive 61.2 MP sensor for extremely detailed images. It has excellent autofocus with eye detection, a high-resolution electronic viewfinder, and a rugged body.

For professional sports and wildlife photographers, the Canon EOS R3 delivers with its 30 fps shooting, backside-illuminated sensor for better low-light performance, and up to 8 stops of image stabilization. It also offers 6K 60p video and a pro-level body.

Full frame mirrorless cameras now provide many great options for photographers of all levels.

DSLR

DSLR cameras are still a great choice for photographers of all levels. They’re reliable, have excellent features, and produce stunning images. The Canon EOS Rebel T8i is our top pick for the best DSLR camera.

It’s easy to use and has a 24.1 MP sensor that captures sharp, detailed photos. The autofocus is quick and tracks subjects well. You can also shoot 4K video, making it a versatile camera for both photography and videography.

If you want to learn more about DSLR cameras, we have an in-depth guide that covers everything you need to know. From beginner models to professional-level DSLRs, you’ll find the perfect camera for your needs.

Medium Format

Medium format cameras offer high-quality images with incredible detail. They have large sensors, almost double the size of full-frame DSLRs. This allows for higher resolution and dynamic range.

The best medium format cameras have advanced features like fast autofocus, custom controls, and rugged build quality. They also come with higher price tags than other camera types.

Our top pick is the Fujifilm GFX 50S II. It offers excellent image quality and features in a compact body at a relatively affordable price. For those looking for the absolute best medium format camera then look at the Hasselblad X2D 100C, with its 100MP sensor and 15-stop dynamic range.

Lenses

Fine art photography has a loose definition, so choosing the best lens can be tricky. But this means it’s a perfect genre for almost any photographer. With the right lenses, you can produce high-quality fine art photos.

The Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens keeps it simple, delivering great sharpness at a low price. It’s very versatile and works well in low light to create soft bokeh. The Tamron SP 45mm f/1.8 Di VC USD is perfect for demanding light conditions with its fast maximum aperture and image stabilization.

For a unique look, the Lensbaby 56mm f/1.6 brings a dreamy feel to your pictures. It’s great for taking soft, cinematic photos of people, landscapes, food, and even insects. If you’d like to learn more about lenses for fine art photography, we have a detailed guide.

Tripods

A tripod is an important tool for many photographers. It keeps your camera steady in low light and when using slow shutter speeds. Tripods come in different sizes and materials, like aluminum or carbon fiber.

The best tripod for you depends on the type of photography you do. Landscape photographers may want a sturdy tripod for stability in windy conditions. Travel photographers often prefer lightweight tripods that are easy to carry.

Look for a tripod with a height that brings your camera to eye level. Make sure it can support the weight of your camera and lens. Quick-release plates make it easy to attach and remove your camera. And adjustable legs help you set up on uneven ground.

If you want to learn more, check out our guide to the best tripods for photographers.

Some Fine Art Photography Inspiration for You

Sometimes our creativity needs a little nudge in the right direction. Thankfully there are plenty of amazing fine art photographers to whet your appetite. We have sought out some images and some image makers to get you started.

Fine Art Photos

Fine art photography is a powerful medium for creative expression. The 21 examples showcased here demonstrate the incredible diversity and artistic potential of the genre. From surreal photo manipulations to minimalist landscapes and thought-provoking portraits, these images push the boundaries of traditional photography.

Each photograph tells a unique story, evoking emotions and inviting the viewer to explore deeper meanings. The use of light, composition, and post-processing techniques adds depth and mystery to the scenes. Whether it’s the dreamlike quality of a boat sailing through the sky or the haunting silence of a deserted cityscape, these images leave a lasting impression.

To dive deeper into the world of fine art photography examples, explore the works of these talented artists and let their creativity inspire your own photographic journey. Embrace the freedom to experiment, express your unique vision, and create images that captivate the imagination.

Fine Art Photographers

Fine art photography is a genre that allows photographers to express their creativity and ideas through unique concepts. Some of the best fine art photographers have turned abstract ideas into artistic masterpieces that inspire and motivate others to pursue their own creative goals.

From Damiano Errico’s Renaissance-inspired portraits to Sarah Ann Loreth’s fairytale-like conceptual photos, these photographers have created unforgettable stories through their work. Inna Mosina’s soft, elegant portraits and Alex Stoddard’s exceptional art showcase their ability to transform simple themes into outstanding pieces.

Other notable fine art photographers include Olga Fler, known for her candid family and child portraits, and Marta Syrko, whose romantic and soulful images are filled with natural confidence. Carolyn Hampton’s monochromatic childhood-inspired photos and Lucy Michaela’s thoughtful, dark atmospheres also demonstrate the depth and meaning behind fine art photography. To discover more about these and other talented fine art photographers, explore their portfolios and learn from their unique styles and techniques.

What Is Emphasis in Photography?

Emphasis is where we give something special significance, making it stand out from everything around it. We can emphasize a particular word in a sentence, giving our message a specific meaning. And what we mean can change where we place the emphasis.
The same is true in photography. Emphasis in photography can give prominence to people or things within the image. Adding emphasis to our subject highlights its importance in the scene and draws the viewer’s attention.
Emphasis in photography allows you to tell stories with your images. With the proper photography emphasis, any photo can become a scene with a narrative. Your subject becomes the focal point, standing out from everything around it.
We can use some excellent photography composition techniques to emphasize our subjects. We’ll look at them in detail below, but they include contrast, depth of field, and negative space.
Using emphasis in photography helps you express yourself visually. Harnessing these techniques gives you control over your image. You can direct the viewer’s eye and hold their attention where you want it. Adding emphasis helps you tell stories within the visual arts.

10 Tips to Emphasize Your Subject in Photography

These are the best composition techniques in photography for adding emphasis to your subjects. These will add to your photography composition knowledge so you can master emphasis in photography. And they all work great whether you’re working with film or digital photography.

1. Think in Thirds

The rule of thirds is one of the most fundamental theories in photography composition. It gives you a framework for structuring your image, allowing you to add emphasis to your subject.
To apply the rule of thirds, you need to split your frame into nine rectangles of equal size. You do this with two vertical and two horizontal lines evenly spaced apart. It creates a grid within the frame. And this grid gives you the guidelines for a strong composition.
The intersections of the lines become your points of interest. And these are the best places to add your subjects for greater emphasis. Using the lines as a guide to position your subject gives you a solid structure for composition.
You can use the rule of thirds in portrait and landscape photography. And many digital cameras have a rule of thirds option that applies the grid to the screen. It’s a great start to adding emphasis to your subjects.

2. Think About Colors

Color theory is an excellent composition tool in photography. And using the right color combinations can help you add emphasis in photography.
Monochromatic and analogous color schemes are great for creating a harmonious scene where the colors blend seamlessly. But if you want to use color for emphasis, you should look for complementary colors.

Complementary colors sit on opposite sides of the color wheel, like purple and yellow or red and green. They’re pleasing to the eye when paired together. But they also couldn’t be more different, meaning they stand out from one another. It’s the perfect tool to create emphasis in your photography.
You can also use a triadic color scheme for visual emphasis. It uses three colors, all evenly spaced apart on the wheel. And the equal separation on the color wheel means each color stands out from the others.

3. Use Strong Contrast To Highlight Your Subject

Contrast is when you have two areas with a significant difference in lighting. One area will be dark, with very little light. And the other is brightly lit with natural or artificial light. When these different lighting situations are side by side, you have an image with strong contrast.
Placing your subject in a brightly light space surrounded by darkness will create emphasis in your image. Any element sitting in the light will stand out from the darkness around it. It works well with street and portrait photography.
Light contrast is a powerful visual tool in black and white photography. Having your subject illuminated against a frame of solid black creates a dynamic emphasis. It grabs the viewer’s attention straight away.

4. Isolate Your Subject Through Negative Space

Negative space is a space that doesn’t include any detail. It’s an empty space in your image that you can use to emphasize the subject. Negative space plays an important role in composition for minimalist photography.
Negative space removes distractions from your photo. If you have large areas with very little in them, there’s nothing to take the viewer’s attention away from your subject. The minimalist composition means there are no other elements to steal the spotlight.
Negative space isn’t always white. It can be a flat block of color or a surface with very little detail. You can use the sky on a clear day or the still surface of a body of water. You want this lack of detail to draw attention to your main subject.

5. Create a Bokeh Effect with a Shallow Depth of Field

The depth of field refers to how much of your image is in focus. If you have a large depth of field, the area in front and behind your subject will also be in focus. A large depth of field is typical in landscape photography.
A shallow depth of field means the detail in front and behind your subject is out of focus. This blurred background effect is called “bokeh,” and it’s a superb technique for adding visual weight to your subject.
Using a bokeh effect means your subject is the only thing in focus. Everything else in the shot will be blurred with a soft texture. This selective focus means your subject stands out as the focal point of your image. It’s an excellent technique to emphasize your subject in portrait photography.

6. Use Leading Lines to Direct the Eye

Look for lines in your environment. They can be straight or curved. And the lines can be vertical, horizontal, or diagonal. The idea is to use these lines to direct the viewer’s eye to your main subject.
Leading lines are an excellent compositional tool for emphasizing your subject. Whether the lines are from train tracks or a fence on the side of the road, they should lead the viewer to the subject you want to emphasize. The lines create a path for our eyes to follow.
Leading lines help emphasize subjects that are distant or perhaps don’t stand out on their own. And they can help your subject stand out in a busy picture.

7. Find a Frame Within Your Frame

You can use natural frames within your environment to frame your subject. The frame could be a window, a crack in a wall, or a gap in some foliage. No matter what it’s made of, the structure will hold the viewer’s attention on your subject.
You need to find a vantage point that centers your main subject within the frame. All other elements will become secondary with your subject in this natural frame. You can also use a shallow depth of field, so the natural frame is out of focus to add extra emphasis.

8. Look For Something Different

Another way to emphasize your subject in photography is to juxtapose it with things that aren’t the same. Things that aren’t the same can mean objects that are completely different, like a dog and a guitar. Or it can be two things that have a slight difference, like a flower with a different color than those around it.
Other objects can surround your main subject, but they must be unique. Perhaps it could be a green tomato sitting in a pile of red ones. Or it could be a white sheep in a flock of black sheep. The juxtaposition emphasizes your subject, making it stand out from the crowd.

9. Look for Textured Surfaces to Add Weight to Your Subject

Rough textures grab attention and have more visual weight than a soft or smooth surface. And contrasting the rough texture of your subject with softness can help define it as the image’s focal point.
If you can’t find a jagged texture next to something smooth, you can achieve it with your camera. Using a shallow depth of field will soften the focus of all the visual elements around your subject. The rough texture is juxtaposed with the soft bokeh, emphasizing your subject.

10. Use a Tight Composition for Personal Emphasis

If you want to remove all distractions, go for a tightly cropped image. This composition technique is powerful in portrait photography. And it works well with human and animal subjects.
Rather than having the person or animal as your subject, you focus on their eyes. The eyes become your main subject within the image. It makes for a personal and emotional photograph. And the eyes will hold the gaze of the viewer. The iris will also add a pop of color for further emphasis.

Conclusion

Emphasis in photography is about making your subject stand out. You want your subject to be clearly defined within the image to hold the viewer’s attention.
These photography composition techniques will help you bring emphasis to your subject. You can use them with portraits and landscapes or street photography and photojournalism.
Mastering emphasis in photography gives you more control over your images. Use these techniques to construct powerful images and tell exciting stories.
Check out our Photography Unlocked ebook to learn everything you need to know about adding emphasis to your images!

What is Worm’s Eye View Photography?

Because most people prefer to photograph the world around us, we don’t often look straight up when taking photos. But worm’s eye view photography is precisely this—a shot looking straight up or from a very low angle. Despite the name, you don’t have to be lying on the ground like a worm. You can take shots looking up at a tall building or any other object. This shot style offers a new perspective on a recognizable subject, making it look taller. This conveys a different feeling to the viewer, and you can even use this point of view to tell a story in your images.
This style of shot grounds your perspective against objects in the image. It helps your photos feel and look tangible and full of depth. A great example is a worm’s eye view combined with a long exposure shot of the night sky.
A more commonly known technique is the bird’s eye view—shots looking straight down. Think of worm’s eye view photography, but the exact opposite. If you want to practice this shot style, you can find inspiration and tips below!

How to Take Worm’s Eye View Photos: Five Tips for Beginners

To take great worm’s eye view photos, you need to angle your camera upwards. Either lie flat or sit with your camera facing upwards. If you’re struggling to keep your shots steady by hand, a tripod or monopod will solve this issue. You can also use a remote trigger or mobile shooting app if your camera is compatible. You can either shoot straight up at the sky or towards an object at an angle.
One of the benefits of the worm’s eye view shot is how striking the images can be. You can also get significant light and scale effects with your subjects. You can easily fit different-sized objects in your frame.
While aiming your camera up sounds simple, getting the most out of this approach can be tricky. We’ve put together five top tips to help you improve your worm’s eye view photography!

1. Go Manual to Deal with Light 

Like many other photography techniques, light is vital in getting great images. As you’ll be shooting straight up or at an angle, you’ll likely be directing a lot of light into your lens. While your camera settings and auto-exposure may be good enough in some situations, it’s best to shoot manually.
Be sure to measure the exposure of your image. You’ll also want to experiment with your aperture. Try setting your aperture to around f/8 – f/11. This will limit the amount of light hitting your sensor. The opposite can also be true. If you’re shooting in low light, a wide aperture might work best. If you don’t adjust for exposure, your shots will lack sharpness and contrast. You may also find that your photos are washed out and over-exposed.
Using a low ISO will help retain detail in your shot, especially with a wide-angle lens. Try ISO values between 200 and 400. To complete the exposure triangle, using a higher shutter speed can help keep things sharp and well-focused.
Adjust your exposure before you position yourself and experiment with composition. Keep in mind that you might have to compensate for reflections and glare if you’re shooting architecture.

2. Use Different Lenses for Different Shots 

You should experiment with different lenses, depending on what you want to capture in your shot. Standard 35-70mm lenses can work great, especially with effective composition. They allow you to capture a natural-looking worm’s eye view shot. But if you want your photos to stand out, consider a wide-angle lens. Don’t go for super wide-angle unless you want the distortion that comes with it.
A wider field of view means that you can get more into your shot composition. This is especially useful when you’re shooting close to the ground. Wide-angle lenses are great for capturing striking images of forests, mountains, and architecture. They allow you to capture more without making your shot appear unnaturally stretched. For wide-angle, stick to 24-35mm lenses. These are great for capturing all the objects in your composition sharply.
Another option is a fish-eye lens. These are great for more creative, distorted shots. They work well if you want to go for striking edits in post-production or are shooting your subject right up close.
A final option is the telephoto lens. If you want to capture faraway objects in your worm’s eye view, this is the lens choice for you. As a plus, they also offer a variable focal length.

3. Get Creative with Your Composition 

Like any other technique, composition is critical. Consider what you can place in your shot to make it more unique or striking. How can you use shadow, silhouette, and light in your approach? Knowing the basic rules of composition will always improve your shots.
Don’t forget the rule of thirds! This is key if you’re shooting symmetrical objects or patterns. Going hand in hand with the rule of thirds is form and pattern. Consider how you can create focus and movement within your shot. Take an example of a photo looking up from a forest floor. The shapes of the trees and the snaking forest canopy create patterns, flow, and direction.
Worm’s eye shots are great for capturing architecture. Picture mosaic ceilings or ornate brickwork perfectly aligned in a photograph taken from below. Balance objects in your images, and consider if you want to focus on a specific point. This doesn’t have to be an object but rather a point within your frame. In essence, look for what is appealing, and try to maximize its potential in your worm’s eye view photography.

4. Go Remote for Sharper Photos

Staying steady while lying flat on the ground or at an angle can be tricky. A monopod or tripod can help you align your shot. If your camera is compatible, you should combine this with a remote trigger. Even the most accomplished photographers will cause a slight camera shake when they take a shot.
Using a remote trigger removes this potential for camera shake, which is ideal for macro shots. They’re also great for setting your focus once your camera is stable. If you’re aiming to shoot a photograph of an animal, your position away from the camera might be key.
If you’re waiting for the light to change or your subject to perfectly align, using a remote can save you from back strain! If you’re shooting portraits from a worm’s eye view, you could use your camera’s self-timer. This locks in the focus, allowing you to place objects in the frame.

5. Experiment with Depth of Field and Focus 

To make your subject stand out, you need to be aware of the depth of field and the focal point in your shot. You can adjust the depth of field in your picture to make subjects pop and remain sharp. Depth of field in an image also impacts how much of your subject is in focus. If you’re shooting objects such as flowers or plants from up close, a shallow depth of field works perfectly.
A wider depth of field is excellent for shots of tall buildings or wide-angle photos. If you want to draw focus to a particular aspect of your image, make sure you understand depth of field.

Conclusion

The worm’s eye view shot offers excellent potential. The style is perfect for getting great images of forestscapes and cityscapes. It’s also a good option for wildlife photography. Architecture and macro photography of plants and objects also look fantastic. Long exposure with a stable worm’s eye setup can be an astrophotographer’s dream. Worm’s eye view photography is creative, simple, and full of potential.
You can start practicing worm’s eye photography with minimal kit and experience. This is what makes it such a versatile approach. Whether you’re a pro photographer or a beginner, you can incorporate it into your arsenal.
Give this technique a try the next time you’re photographing, especially at ground level. The world around us offers so much potential for beautiful photos at eye level, but don’t forget to look up!
Check out our Shooting Skies ebook to ensure the best-looking skies in your worms-eye view photography!
The images in this article are provided by unsplash.com.

Understanding Geometric Photography

Remember geometry at school? Don’t worry. You don’t need to find your old math textbooks. All you need is your camera.
I always found myself fascinated by how shapes fit together to create spaces. Admittedly, I was never great at math. But I do think my interest pointed me in the direction of photography.
Lines, circles, spheres, and triangles. Almost every physical feature of the world is made from geometrical shapes. In photography, geometric imagery emphasizes bold shapes and patterns.
Common examples of geometric photography are found in architectural imagery. They can be geometric shapes that create abstract images. But you can also use geometric shapes in other areas of photography.
You’ll find elements of geometric photography in genres like minimalism, fine art, and fashion photography. And geometric street photography is trendy. And cityscapes are full of geometric shapes you can exploit.

Lead With Lines

Once you start looking, you’ll find lines everywhere. Bold, thin, wavy, or sharp—there are countless types of lines. And you can use them to strengthen your composition in geometric photography.
The geometry of lines helps us visualize our surroundings. They define space, momentum, and emphasis. Lines delineate both conceptual and physical designs. They provide a scaffold for ideas and experiences.
Lines can also be the subject in your photography, conveying emotion through shape and form.
Leading lines provide a visual path for the viewer. You can use them to direct the viewer’s gaze through your photograph. And horizontal or vertical lines allow us to get our bearings within an image.
Lines and geometric photography are almost inseparable. It’s the most basic element of this visual art form.

Repeat Yourself

Repetition involves repeating a subject many times for greater impact within an image. You can find geometric shapes that repeat to create patterns throughout your images. With each repetition, the geometry in the image is emphasized. It gives your geometric photography rhythm and structure. The shapes become part of the narrative of your photograph.
Repeating geometric patterns is especially effective because it creates a bold statement. The repeated geometry can direct the viewer’s eye.
Look for brick walls, windows, tiles, and flowers. Many repetitious subjects emphasize geometric qualities at the same time.

Suggest Symmetry

Symmetry is the visual balance of one or more subjects within a composition. It occurs both naturally and artificially. It is often tied to the geometric properties of a photograph. Symmetry visually and psychologically pleasing to encounter. And it adds an even flow to a photograph.
An image doesn’t need to be perfect to achieve the impression of symmetry. You can find symmetry by using reflections in glass or water. Or you can look for similar geometric shapes in your compositions.
The suggestion of geometric features evenly distributed over an image is enough. It’ll evoke the sensual experience of geometric symmetry in itself.

Use Color

Color can liven up a geometric image, snagging the viewer’s eye. But color also can work on a deeper, more psychological level. Colors are linked to emotional experiences. Different colors hold specific meanings for different people. While red shows passion, blue denotes calmness. You introduce a new layer of experience to geometric photography by incorporating color.
Bringing color theory into your work adds depth and meaning to your geometric photography. You can use different color patterns to give your images a more substantial emotional feel as Turkish photographer Yener Torun displays in the image below.
You can also use color to make your images pop. Geometric shapes give you a canvas to add blocks of bold colors. You can use the colors to emphasize the geometric patterns and shapes.
Color can add new dimensions to architectural photography. It’ll strengthen blocks and lines. And the color will add life to abstract scenes.

Try Black and White

Black and white can’t rely on color to get attention. It depends on shape and form. The contrast of black and white helps create dynamic shapes and lines.
You don’t have blocks of color. But you can find strong shapes made from black and white. And you can also look for contrasting shades of grey.
Black and white photography is about finding light and dark areas. Look for the regions where light meets dark. The light beams and shadows create a world of shape that surrounds you.

Go Textural

Texture defines the way an image feels. It allows the viewer to connect with a photograph on a physical level. Rough, smooth, wrinkly, or slippery—most subjects are made from textural qualities.
Geometric subjects operate on many textural levels. Polished metallic surfaces give an impression of smoothness and modernity. Weather-worn geometric architecture can feel rough and old. You can almost feel the rough texture of old bricks.
You can also use geometric elements as a tool to show texture. It enhances each textural component by dividing the image into digestible segments.

Minimize!

Minimalism has a less-is-more approach to art. It uses few elements combined with negative space, allowing each subject the space to breathe. Minimalism loves geometric shapes and lines. They’re two areas of photography that work well together.
It’s characterized by the singular or repetitious use of forms. These can include squares, rectangles, or triangles. Minimalist photography embraces bare-bones imagery. There is very little to distract the eye, giving the subject more prominence in the photo.
Over the years, minimalism has evolved. And you’ll find minimalism in many genres of photography.
Geometric minimalism has remained constant. It aims to capture the beauty of geometric photography through isolation and composition.

Get Some Perspective

Perspective is a powerful tool in the photographer’s toolkit. It often makes the difference between a boring image and an engaging one.
Perspective refers to the spatial relationship between a photographer and a subject. You control the point where the viewer enters the photograph by adjusting perspective. A photograph taken with a camera on the ground will render one visual experience. A camera positioned above a subject looking down, a different one.
In geometric photography, plenty of subjects appear in mundane situations and settings.
Experiment with the positioning of a camera in relation to a geometric subject. You might create an unusual and intriguing perspective.

Investigate Organic/Inorganic Subjects

In geometric visual art, shapes and lines are either organic or inorganic. Organic geometry is flowy, relaxed, and smooth. It’s usually found in natural settings. And inorganic geometry is often sharp, energetic, and human-made. Distinguishing between the two can highlight the underlying themes of a geometric photograph. The inorganic geometric subject matter is ideal if you want to express modernity or energy. If you want to cultivate a sense of ease or nature, organic geometry could be the way to go. Of course, there is a point where the two can interact together. The geometric subject’s organic/inorganic flow or source will dictate the image’s mood.

Find Geometry in Architecture

We have to mention the most popular geometric subject—architecture. From ancient history, humans have sought shelter in fabricated structures. These structures evolved to be a testament to art and ingenuity as human dwellings.
Recording geometrical features in architectural photography speaks to our desire for order. And it celebrates the geometric designs of old and new buildings. We see how something as vital as shelter can become an art form.
Geometric photography can focus on individual buildings. It can even be a study of a small section of a building. Or you can look for geometric studies in cityscape photography. There are bold shapes and hard lines. The urban landscape is the ideal location for a geometric photographer.

Conclusion

Geometric photography appeals to viewers who seek aesthetic studies of the physical world. It’s about finding lines and shapes in the world around us. It examines organic and inorganic environments.
By focusing on geometry, you create engaging photography. And it’s grounded in an innate human tendency to try and make order out of our visual environment.

What Are Aesthetic Pictures and Aesthetic Photography?

The word aesthetic refers to the appreciation of beauty. Therefore, aesthetic images are beautiful in their own right. They stand alone as examples of pleasing imagery. And they have a captivating quality that gives the viewer a sense of satisfaction.
Photographers use many techniques to create aesthetically pleasing pictures. They use strong composition with symmetry and balance. They incorporate leading lines to draw the viewer’s eye. And they use color theory to give their images a feeling of harmony.
So aesthetic photography is the art of creating beautiful and pleasing pictures. The photographer uses artistic techniques and design principles to create these aesthetic pictures.
Aesthetics play a strong role in portrait and landscape photography. Plus, aesthetic image-making is a key aspect of fine art photography. Fantasy photographers also create aesthetic pictures to tell stories and build worlds.

Aesthetic vs Style

When we talk about aesthetics in photography, we can also refer to an artist’s aesthetic style. But we must carefully separate a photographer’s style from their aesthetic. They’re two different things.
A photographer’s style is the way they work. It relates to their equipment and their working processes. Their aesthetic is how their photos look. Their photos might have trademark features and quirks that make them identifiable to that artist.
There is some overlap between style and aesthetic. And an artist’s style will contribute to their aesthetic. The techniques and equipment craft their aesthetic pictures.
Style is how the photographer achieves their results. Their aesthetic combines visual signatures that link the photo to the photographer. If a photographer has a strong aesthetic, you’ll be able to know it’s theirs just by looking at it.
For example, looking at Jovana Rikalo’s work on Instagram, we see how her photography style creates her aesthetic. She uses elaborate costumes and props. And she often focuses on one bold color to enhance the theme. It creates a strong fantasy aesthetic that’s all her own.

Why You Need a Photography Aesthetic

Having a strong photography aesthetic helps your work become recognizable. When people see your photographs, they can identify them as yours. It helps you build a reputation. And it will generate admirers and clients.
When you’re a professional photographer, your photos are your product. And like any product, brand recognition helps strengthen your position in the marketplace. Buyers and clients will recognize your photography. Your “look” makes images memorable, and your renown grows.
Photographers with a strong aesthetic know their niche and lean into it. Their work can span different types of photography. But no matter what genre they’re working in, their aesthetic makes their photos stand out.
Having a unique aesthetic style in your work demonstrates artistic flair and ability. And it shows potential clients you’re consistent and reliable. They know you can add your personal touch no matter the brief.
Attracting the right clients is another reason why your aesthetic matters. When you’re hired as a photographer, you want to know your client will appreciate your work. They won’t be disappointed if they can see the type of photography you produce beforehand.

12 Aesthetic Photography Tips

We’ve split our tips for aesthetic photography into two sections.

1. Tips for Creating Aesthetic Pictures
2. Tips for Creating a Personal Aesthetic

Tips for Creating Aesthetic Pictures

First, we look at how you can create aesthetic pictures. We give you practical advice to make beautiful and aesthetically pleasing images.

1. Use a Simple Composition

There isn’t only one composition technique that makes a photo aesthetically pleasing. There are many ways you can use composition to create an aesthetic image. But one general guideline is to keep it simple.
Don’t clutter your images with too much detail or too many distractions. Stick to one style of composition and give your subject space to breathe. You can use a busy composition in many types of photography. But a busy image isn’t an aesthetic image.
Photojournalists and street photographers often have hectic compositions. It builds drama and heightens the tension. But these photographers create images to shock and excite. You need a different approach to aesthetic images.
A photo with a simple composition lets us view the image as a whole. We’re not distracted by details scattered around the picture. An aesthetic picture is not a collection of things. It’s a composition that fits together as one piece of artwork. Simplicity is the key to aesthetic pictures.

2. Use The Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds is a term commonly used in photography composition. It’s a way of framing and structuring your shots. And when you use it correctly, you can create some fantastic aesthetic pictures.
It’s called the rule of thirds because you divide your frame using two vertical and horizontal lines. These lines create a grid over your frame into nine even-sized squares. And the lines and squares help you structure your image.
You compose your photo by adding points of interest along the lines or intersecting points. It helps you keep a simple composition and brings balance to the image.
The rule of thirds also opens up the power of negative space. You can place details to intersect with two of the guide lines, leaving the others clutter-free. Doing this adds depth and meaning to the space.
Most cameras have a grid setting if you use a digital camera. The lines will appear on your viewfinder, and you can nail the rule of thirds composition. You can go back to manual view when you’ve got the hang of it.
The rule of thirds gives your photos the structural foundation to be an aesthetic image. It keeps everything in order. And it allows you to add interesting elements without making a mess.

2. Guide the Eye With Leading Lines

Leading lines are a classic photography technique used to guide the eye of the viewer. You can use natural lines in your image to direct eyes and minds across your pictures. When used correctly, your viewer’s attention will go where you want it.
The lines can be anything you find. But they should be natural elements within the environment. It can be a hand railing or a footpath. Or it could be a line of columns or a train track. If you’re doing macro photography, you can even use wood grain.
For an aesthetic photo, you want smooth and unbroken lines. Jagged lines can be used to lead the eye. But smooth lines make for a more serene journey. Long, unbroken lines slow the pace, and they bring elegance to the image.
The lines need to go from one area of the image to another. The eye should be directed, creating a natural sense of movement. The journey doesn’t need to have an endpoint. The path can continue into the distance or out of frame.

3. Harness the Power of Symmetry

The human brain likes symmetry. It’s pleasing to the eye. And it creates a feeling of harmony. That’s why it’s another tool you can use to create aesthetic pictures.
Look for parallels in your environment. Perhaps you can find leading lines that run side by side. Or maybe you can find a pattern that repeats in identical ways.
Urban landscapes are excellent locations for symmetry. They’re full of geometric shapes and hard angles. But Urban constructions aren’t the only place you’ll find symmetry. You’ll find it anywhere where you have similar objects. And water reflections are another good source.
You can use vertical or horizontal symmetry. With vertical symmetry, your image will be similar on the left and right sides of the picture. Horizontal gives you symmetry at the top and bottom of the image. This is more common in landscape photography.
Symmetry can give you a powerful image, especially if using leading lines. And the rule of thirds will help you structure your image. With these composition tools, you’ll have some fabulous aesthetic photos.

4. Complement Your Colors

Color theory gives you an excellent base of knowledge when you’re working in a creative industry. And putting this knowledge is a fantastic way to create aesthetic photos.
The color wheel is the place to start with color theory. It helps you understand and visualize how different colors relate.
It’s best to look for complementary colors to create beautiful, aesthetically pleasing images. They’re colors that go well together, bringing the best out of the other.
Complementary colors are found on opposite sides of the color wheel. So red and green work well together. And blue and yellow look great when paired together.
Using triadic colors is another way to create a colorful photo aesthetic. For this option, you take three colors from the color wheel. The colors must be evenly spaced apart on the wheel to be distinct. The combination of red, blue, and yellow is a good example.
Analogous color is another scheme you can bring into your photographic style. This color technique uses colors that are side by side. They blend well, helping you create images with a sense of harmony and belonging. This works well with natural tones.

5. Use a Prominent Subject

Having a prominent subject relates to Gestalt theory. Despite being a psychology theory, we can use some Gestalt principles in photography to create aesthetically pleasing images.
This aesthetics tip focuses on the “figure to ground” principle. It’s concerned with the visual relationship between the subject and the background. It tells us we need a subject that stands proud in its surroundings. This makes it easier for us to identify the subject in the image.
If we have an insignificant subject with a busy background, identifying the subject will take some work. A photo with a clear subject free of distractions makes our life easier. And this makes the picture more pleasing to look at.
There are different ways a subject can be seen as prominent. You can have a white background, so the figure has nothing to complete with. Or subjects can be a color that stands out from the background. Isolating shapes is another way to create a dominant subject.

6. Use a Shallow Depth of Field

This photography technique is perfect for highlighting your subject. It brings focus where you want, leaving everything else blurry and soft.
Depth of field refers to how much of your shot is in focus. If you have a large depth of field, you’ll have a greater distance in focus. A shallow depth of field only focuses on a small area.
It’s commonly used in portrait photography as the photographer can centralize the focus on the subject. The background becomes blurred, giving the image a lovely bokeh effect.
Harnessing this bokeh effect gives you more power to make aesthetic pictures. The soft shapes and tones created by the lack of focus give portraits a dream-like quality. It makes them easy to look at and aesthetically pleasing.

7. Look For Rhythm and Repetition

You might not associate rhythm with photography. But when objects and shapes repeat, certain photos develop a rhythm. The forms don’t need to be identical. They can be similar or even reminiscent of each other.
The beats of the rhythm can be trees along a path or hot air balloons in the sky. But there has to be consistency in their positioning. Repeated shapes do make aesthetic photos. But rhythm needs a beat. And the beat comes from steady repetition.

Tips for Creating a Personal Aesthetic

Now we show you how to create a personal aesthetic in photography. It’s about developing a style in your work so your photography has an aesthetic signature. If you want a distinctive photographic style linked to your name, we’ll help you achieve that goal.

8. Develop Your Technique

It’s perfectly natural to experiment with techniques and styles in the early days of your photography development. But as you progress, you need to refine your processes. You want to decide what kind of photos you want to take.
The camera is the place to start. It doesn’t matter which type of camera you use. It can be a DSLR or mirrorless. Or you could keep the art of film photography alive with a 35mm. The important thing for your photo aesthetic is that you master camera settings.
You need to find the settings that give you the aesthetic you want. Once you’ve nailed them, you’ll be able to achieve similar results every shoot. You can make tweaks and adjustments. But once you’re on the right track, keep following it.

9. Be Consistent in Your Editing Process

The amount of photo editing you do is entirely up to you. But your editing must be consistent to create a unique style and aesthetic. It’s best to avoid big variations in post-processing techniques.
You can take a minimalist approach with little to no editing. Or perhaps you’d rather go down a production-heavy route. Both options are perfectly acceptable as long as you stick with one.
You also have freedom of choice regarding the software you use. Photoshop and Luminar Neo are both excellent post-production tools with fantastic editing options. And there’s Adobe Lightroom for minor touch-ups and adjustments.
No matter which software you use, stay true to your chosen process. Be consistent with your Lightroom presets. And save shortcuts and formulas on Photoshop. This speeds up the process and gives your work a consistent aesthetic.

10. Choose One Style of Lighting

Lighting is one of the key elements in photography. And it plays a significant role in building a recognizable aesthetic. You should find a lighting style that works for you and gives you the desired effect.
Golden hour is perfect for creating aesthetically pleasing photos. But if you want to create a personal aesthetic, you’ll need more than that.
You can use natural light. Harnessing the soft tones of daylight can become part of your aesthetic style. Rosie Matheson is the perfect example, as natural light plays a big part in the finish of her portraits.
Shooting with artificial light can produce photos with a cinematic aesthetic. Shooting at night with neon signs gives you a retro noir effect, especially with the grain effect of a high ISO. Check out Louis Dazy for inspiration.
A hard flash became a popular feature of fashion photography in the 2010s. And the punchy and garish aesthetic is still popular now. It uses flash photography for a distinct aesthetic. Carianne Older uses this type of photography for a kitsch and over-the-top glamor aesthetic.

11. Look At Your Work As A Whole

It’s easy to get distracted by small details in individual photos. You can spend hours looking at your images as standalone pieces of work. But to create a personal aesthetic, you must look at your work as a whole.
Step back and observe your work as a collection. Group your photos and look at them all at once. Ask yourself whether they work together as a whole. Do they hold a clear and consistent message?
Standing back will help you stay on track. If you’re drifting off course, you can identify the problem and redirect yourself. Any photos that don’t fit your aesthetic will stick out. You can edit them to fit your aesthetic or cut them out completely.

12. Think About Your Platform

When it comes to a personal aesthetic, you must consider how you’ll display your work. If Instagram is your main platform for sharing your work, make your photos square. This way, they’ll be shown their fullest potential on that platform.
If you have your own website, you have more freedom with dimensions. But it’s best to consider how you’ll display and catalog your work. You can have different galleries for each project. Or you can have everything displayed in one collection.
Prints might be your favored format for displaying your work. You must think about how to prepare and print (or develop) them, whether traditional or modern techniques. You also have to consider the size and space they’ll be displayed.

Conclusion: Aesthetic Pictures

There are two areas to think about when it comes to aesthetics in photography. The first is that photography can make aesthetically beautiful images. The second relates to a photographer’s photo aesthetic.
To create aesthetic pictures, you need to focus on a simple composition. Look for prominent subjects and rhythms in your environment. You can use colors to enhance the aesthetic qualities of your photos. And you can also create a photo aesthetic that’s a signature of your work.
You need to hone your craft and be consistent in your practices. And as your photography style develops, so will your photography aesthetic. If you’re starting your journey with aesthetic photography, try out our Effortless Editing course. It will help you master all the secrets of professional editing in Lightroom.

Exploring Color Blocking in Photography

The central theory is that you block colors together. You select two or three colors, then use them boldly. There’s a simple color scheme, but the colors jump out of the image. It’s a punch of color that hits you right between the eyes.
You also use blocks of color. There’s no time to suggest colors or have drops of color here and there. The photos are an explosion of color. They’re so loud you can almost hear the images.
Color blocking uses color as a compositional tool. The colors aren’t merely decorative. They’re a vital piece of the image. Sometimes, the colors can even be the subject.
Photographers often mix and match complementary colors. They use colors from the opposite side of the color wheel. Although, don’t be afraid to sometimes use colors that clash!

7 Bright and Bold Color Block Photography Ideas

You can use color blocking in many different photography styles. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

1. Look For Blocks of Color in Your Street Photography

Street photography is better associated with movement and gritty realism. But next time you’re out on the street with your camera, look for strong colors.
You might find buildings or walls painted with bright colors. Use them to construct dynamic street photos that burst with color.

2. Fill Your Flat Lays with Color

Flat lay photography gives you excellent creative control. That means you can really get stuck into color blocking. You can use two bold colors. Or you can use several complementary colors to make your images pop.
You can use colorful props or even colored paper to create dramatic flat lay photos. You can have solid color blocks or create a pattern with different colors.

3. Use Color Blocking in Food Photography

Food photography is about making people want to eat the food in the photos. And colors can really make food desirable. There’s the red of a ripe apple and the vibrant yellow of a banana. Then you have all the colors of the rainbow when it comes to cakes.
For color blocking in food photography, you can use the colors from the cuisine. Or you can add colorful background or props to increase the impact. It’ll have your viewers salivating in no time.

4. Go Bright and Bold with Your Product Photography

Color blocking grabs people’s attention. When the colors are so bold and loud, you can’t ignore the images. That’s why it’s great to use these color techniques in product photography.
It works well if you have a colorful product to work with. You can fill the image with colors that complement and contrast with it. It’s becoming more and more popular in commercial photography and advertising.

5. Create Fabulous Fashion Photos with Color

With colorful clothes in fashion photography, you can either play them down or play them up. Color blocking helps you with the latter.
Look for colors that contrast with the clothes you’re working with. You can use colorful backdrops if you’re shooting in a studio. Or you can use buildings and natural colors when working on location.

6. Use Color Blocking for Minimalist Composition

Color blocking and minimalism are a match made in photography heaven. Minimalism is all about negative space and sparsity of detail, which can hold areas of solid color.
You can look for one color block separated by a straight line. It can be the wall of a building. Or it can be the horizon cutting across your image. Just make sure you have a color block on either side of the line.

7. Use Color Blocking for Powerful Portraits

Using color blocking techniques can add some wallop to your portraits. Think about the colors of your subject. What color is their hair? What color are their eyes? Look at the color wheel and see which colors complement them.
You can use backdrops, colorful props, and clothes. If you’re outside, look for colorful locations. You can even use the blue sky as a bold backdrop if the weather’s nice.

Conclusion

There are plenty of ways to experiment with color blocking in photography. From food to fashion, harness the power of color to create images that come alive in your next color block photoshoot.
All you need is some basic knowledge of the color wheel, then you can start mixing and matching colors. It’s about celebrating color! You don’t want one color to be dominant over others.
Whether you’re shooting in the studio or on the street, you can use color blocking in your photography. When it comes to color, be brave and be bold.
If you’re thinking of using color blocking in your product photography, check out our Products in Focus course to really take your photos to the next level!

In this article, we will discuss how you can use shape in photography for more interesting images.

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Shape in Photography: Classic Design Elements All Photographers Should Know

There are six classic art and design elements. Shape is our main focus in this article. But we’ll have a quick look at all six elements to better understand the broader design principles.

All six elements are closely connected. So to get a deeper understanding of shape and form in photography, we will look at all six.

1. Shape

A shape is two-dimensional. Yes, a photograph itself is two-dimensional. But a shape in a photograph doesn’t have any depth.

You can use lighting or perspective to give a two-dimensional shape depth. But if you apply a sense of depth, a shape becomes a 3D form.

2. Form

Objects with the appearance of depth are 3D forms rather than shapes. So, despite being part of a two-dimensional image, the viewer can detect depth beyond the object’s front surface.

Light and shadow give forms their depth. Or a change of perspective reveals the form’s angles and edges rather than having a head-on view.

3. Line

Lines form the edges of shapes, but they also form shapes of their own. Lines can lead the eye in a photograph. And you can use lines to dissect and frame your photos. Lines serve as a powerful compositional tool in photography.

4. Pattern

When lines, shapes, or forms repeat, they create a pattern. Patterns can create a sense of calm. But when you break a pattern, it can cause a feeling of unease.

5. Texture

Texture creates a sense of depth in a two-dimensional image. Texture in photography can also be accentuated by light and shadow.

6. Color

Color may not be among the geometrical design elements. But color (or a lack of color) is still important in design and photography. Color can attract attention or evoke emotion.

The 4 Types of Shapes in Photography Composition

Shape in photography has several different elements. But these aren’t the shapes you learned in elementary school. In photography, we categorize shapes in a few different ways.

Geometric Shapes

Geometric shapes have straight, defined edges. They are comprised of clear and uniform angles and lines.
You’ll often find geometric shapes in artificial structures. These shapes are often featured in abstract and architectural photography.

Organic Shapes

Organic shapes are full of curves and may not be geometrically perfect. They’re natural and non-uniform.
We find organic shapes in nature. For example, you’ll find them in the curve of a tree branch or the shape of a flower petal.

Positive Shapes

A positive shape is what we think of first when we think of a shape. The object itself makes a positive shape. If we see the object, we see its positive shape.

Negative Space

Negative space is any area of the photo that isn’t occupied by objects. Negative space could be a crack in a canyon wall, for example, or a shape created from the outline of two positive shapes.

10 Ways You Can Use Shape and Form in Photography Composition

All these concepts and ideas are interesting. But how do you put them into practice? The first step is to understand that the objects we see are made up of shapes, forms, and lines. Deconstructing images in this way will help you understand composition in photography.

You can examine your own work, looking for shape and form in your photography. And you can study the work of other photographers to see how they use the form in photography.

The next step is to add these concepts to your photography. Here are a few tips for using shape and form in photography composition.

1. Use Shape and Form to Affect Mood in Your Photography

We know specific colors can awaken our emotions. But shape and form also contribute to a photograph’s overall mood.

Understanding how shape and form can contribute to a photograph’s mood gives you more tools to work with. You can find new ways of expressing emotions and telling stories.

Rounded shapes create a sense of movement because of the lack of corners and edges. Rounded forms also relate to calmness and tranquility.

Squares and rectangles tend to create a feeling of stability. Straight lines imply assurance and strength. They also have a harsh quality that relates to stubbornness or anger.

Triangles in photography direct the eye like an arrow. You can flip the triangle upside down so that it’s resting on its point. This signifies a loss of balance.

Irregular shapes, where sides are different lengths, can also create a tense and uneasy feeling in your photography.

Photographers can also use lines to influence the mood of their images. The direction of the line can determine the mood of the image.

Diagonals appear to be going somewhere, so they create a feeling of movement and direction. Diagonal lines and shapes lead the eye in certain directions, depending on where they’re pointing. A diagonal leading line that heads into the distance will give a photograph a sense of depth.

A vertical line tends to build a feeling of strength and stability. A horizontal line, on the other hand, is associated with a calm or peaceful image. A distant horizon line of the sea is a great example.

Curved lines create a similar feel to circles and ovals, building a sense of motion. Curved lines create organic shapes, which have more natural and peaceful connotations.

2. Manipulate Shape and Form in Photography

You can’t always change the shape of the objects in your images. You can scrunch a piece of paper into a ball or slice an apple in half. But it’s much harder to round the edges of a square block of concrete.

That doesn’t mean you can’t change the role of shape and form in photography. For example, you could photograph the broadside of a barn to create a rectangular shape. Or you can change your perspective to manipulate the shape of the same barn. For example, you can stand at a corner to create diagonal lines and elongate the shape.

You can photograph a ball as a solid, round shape by backlighting it. Or you can use side-lighting to give the form more depth.

You can also use this technique to change the round shape into a crescent using light and shadow. This is what happens with sunlight on the Moon.

3. Play With Perspective to Find Different Shapes and Forms

A 3D form will appear to take on different shapes when you shoot it from different angles. A coffee mug, when viewed from the side, is a cylinder. That same cup, viewed from above, is a perfect circle. Adjusting your perspective can change the shape of many objects.

Explore the object from every angle. Find the shape that intrigues you the most or the shape that creates the mood you are looking for.

Again, perspective allows you to choose between photographing a shape or a form. Shoot straight on for a shape. Or move until you can see multiple sides at once for a sense of depth.

4. Use Light to Add a Third Dimension

The second way photographers can turn shapes into 3D forms is with light. If you want to emphasize shape, place the light directly in front or behind the subject. That will create a silhouette or a front-lit shape.

If you want to show a 3D form, move the light to hit the subject at an angle. The side lighting will create shadows that show our brain that a flat subject is actually a 3D form.

5. Use Focal Length to Play with Shape and Form

The lens you use plays a significant role in how shapes appear in your image. For example, wide-angle lenses tend to distort straight lines. And tilt-shift lenses correct that distortion.

But lens choice goes beyond the distortion. The focal length of the lens will either amplify distance or minimize it.

Wide-angle lenses make the distance between objects appear greater than it really is. A telephoto lens makes different shapes appear closer together.

If you want two objects to look closer together without moving the objects, use a longer lens. To create more distance, use a wider lens. When working with form, the same concept applies to parts of the same object.

6. Use Lines in Your Photography Composition

Shapes and forms are strong compositional tools in photography. But a single line can also be a helpful compositional tool.

You can look for lines in the same way you look for shapes. Look for lines that could lead the eye toward the subject. Learn to spot straight lines that go into the distance and create depth.

Lines can create textures. And groups of lines can create new shapes. Change your perspective to give the lines a new axis. This can help change the lines’ purpose in your photography.

Think about what you want your image to say. Are you looking for shapes or lines? If you’re unsure, simplify your photos. One way to do this is to experiment with abstract photography by shooting basic shapes and lines.

7. Look for Multiple Shapes to Create Patterns

Chances are, you’re not photographing a single shape on an empty background. Be conscious of the shape repeating itself or echoes of the shape occurring in different areas of the shot.

You can use repeated shapes to create patterns in your photographs. They can be abstract patterns. Or the patterns can lead the eye or create illusions.

Look for shapes that contrast with each other. You might find different kinds of geometric shapes. Or you can contrast geometric and organic shapes.

Your compositional skills will improve when you start looking for shapes in photography. You can begin with minimalist shots. Then you’ll be able to apply the skills you develop to different areas of photography.

8. Look For Negative Shapes

Negative shapes are less common because they are harder to spot. But that doesn’t mean you should ignore them.

When the empty space between two objects creates a recognizable shape, it can make a strong composition. And a negative shape can often have a more significant impact than a positive shape.

When you’re looking at shape and form, note the space between the objects. What shapes can you find in those areas?

9. Find Balance in Your Composition

Think about how shape and form influence your photographs. Are they a small part of the image? Or do they fill the entire photo?

Balance is all about what space you leave around the shapes. You can have sparse, minimalist compositions focusing on the shapes in photography. Or you can use shapes and forms in photography to build more complex images.

Experiment by zooming in or switching to a wide-angle lens. How does the feel of that shape change?

A wide-angle shot of a simple geometric shape can create a sense of minimalism. Or you can try a close-up of the shape to bring out the texture or strengthen the lines.

Balance can help determine the aspects of a shape that draw the viewer’s attention. For example, you can exaggerate the perfectly spaced shape in a piece of architecture by leaving space around the object. You can leave space that is equal to the size of the object. Or you can use more negative space to create a sense of scale or imbalance.

Build on the emotion of a curvy form by using the rule of thirds. Or exaggerate a shape’s perfect symmetry by centering the composition.

10. Harness the Power of Triangles

Every shape has a role in photography, but triangles are one of the most powerful. They create a point that leads the eye. And they can direct the viewer or draw their attention to a specific point.

Because of that movement, portrait experts often suggest posing a group of people in a triangular arrangement. It encourages the eye to move through the entire group.

You can find triangles in geometric or organic spaces. And they can be brought together to create 3D forms in photography, such as pyramids.

Conclusion—How to Use Form and Shape in Photography

In everyday life, we tend to see things for what they are. But as photographers, we need to change the way we see the world. We need to look more carefully at shape and form. We can look a little deeper to see what shapes and forms make up the world we see.

The composition will always be influenced by what inspires you as an individual. But learning how to use shape and form in photography can help you develop your compositional style.

Shape and form in photography are essential parts of image composition. Once you understand the shapes and forms that build the world around us, you can construct powerful photographs.

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Visual rhythm brings photographs to life. Rhythmic photography is about visual storytelling and composition building. It’s the beating heart of the imagery. And knowing how and when to use it can add dynamism and intrigue to your photos. 

What Is Rhythm in Photography?

Much like rhythm in music, rhythm in photography brings structure and stability to your images. The rhythm can hold the viewer’s gaze to a steady beat. Or it can quicken the pace as your eyes move around the image.

Rhythm in photography has elements that repeat or echo throughout the image. It could be a series of shapes that repeat to make a pattern. Or you could have multiple subjects that appear at different points in the frame.

Bringing rhythm into photography can help you make conscious decisions when it comes to your composition. You can think about how you want your photographs to flow. And you can add repeating elements that punctuate your images, like a drummer adding a flourish of cymbal crashes.

Rhythm in photography isn’t limited to one particular niche. You’ll find rhythm in street, architecture, and photojournalism. Portrait and landscape are also examples of rhythm photography.

Continue reading for some of the ways to add rhythm to your photography.

Regular Rhythm

With rhythm in photography, the easiest rhythm structure to identify is regular rhythm. A photograph with this kind of rhythm will feature many identical elements that repeat.

They repeat at regular intervals, giving you a steady, uniform rhythm. The elements can be geometric shapes or concentric circles. Or they can be humans or animals situated in lines or rows.

These elements bring structure to the composition. The lines and shapes created by the rhythmic elements lead the eye in a certain direction. And they can focus your attention on a specific area of the image.

In the architectural image below, repeated shapes create the rhythm. They’re identical in shape and are equally distanced. This creates a steady visual rhythm. The fact the shape repeats so many times sends the eye in different directions and gives the photo a fast rhythm.

Random Rhythm

A random rhythm in photography is less structured. It still has elements that repeat, but they appear at irregular intervals. They don’t lie in straight lines or conform to a rigid structure.

An image with randomly situated elements can still have a steady rhythm. Their position may not be uniform. But they can create a rhythm that leads the viewer through the image.

The picture of the cows at the beginning of the article is an example of a random rhythm. The cows stand irregularly in the field. There is no form to their position. But there is a repetition of shape that draws the eye towards the horizon.

In the photo below, we have a number of hot air balloons. Like the cows, they are spread randomly across the picture. We have similar shapes echoing through the image’s foreground and background. Each balloon is a beat of a random rhythm.

Alternating Rhythm

Alternating rhythm in photography is where the image has two different rhythms. They can work together, providing structures that mirror one another. Or they can work against each other.

Alternating rhythms can bring harmony or discord to your images. The repetitive elements of one rhythm can direct our eyes in one direction. Then, the second can intersect or redirect. Their beats can match or they can counter and clash.

The image below is a perfect example of clashing alternative rhythms. We have a series of circles that draw the eye inward, towards the center. But the shadows create a pattern of straight diagonal lines that cut across each circle. These lines draw our eyes in a different direction.

Progressive Rhythm

A progressive rhythm in photography uses patterns that progress into the photo. They’re repeated beats that form a progression in the photo.

These can be regular rhythms but with a change of perspective. The change of angle can help lead the viewer’s eye towards the subject. Or the progressive structure can be the subject.

A progressive rhythm in photography has a clear direction. The visual rhythm creates diagonal lines that cut across the image, drawing the eye with them.

We can see this in the scene of harvesters at work below. They are all bent over and working in a row. The rhythm this creates draws our eye down the line. When we look at the closest person, our natural reaction is to continue down the progression.

Undulating Rhythm

Undulation is another visual rhythm we find in photography. This rhythm in photography is about soft shapes that roll through the images.

Undulating visual rhythm is common in landscape composition. We often see rolling hills that undulate from foreground to background. It’s a soft visual rhythm that creates a gentle and harmonious feeling.

In the landscape below, we see the undulating rhythm of the snowy hills. Each white mound leads us to another. And without sharp breaks, we arrive gently at each beat of the rhythm.

Broken Rhythm

When it comes to rhythm in photography, breaking a steady rhythm can have a big impact. The repetition of a pattern can lull us into a stupor. But when that rhythm is broken, it gives us a visual shock.

For photography composition, breaking a steady rhythm can add emphasis. And it can create points of interest in your images. Breaking a rhythm can even bring more attention to the rhythm in the photograph.

The example below shows two tractors breaking the rhythm of the rows of wheat. We have two patterns on either side, each broken by the tractors. And they add new shapes to the visual rhythm.

Conclusion: Rhythm in Photography

There are no strict rules for rhythm photography. It’s an aspect of photography that can strengthen your composition in many different ways. It’s about looking for patterns that lead or finding shapes that echo.

Train your eye to look for repetition and progression. Find visual rhythms that beat and pulse across your frame. You can explore rhythm in street or landscape photography and even introduce rhythm into portraits.

Check out our Intuitive Composition eBook to learn how to incorporate rhythm and other composition techniques into your photos!

This article is the perfect starting point if you want to learn more about color in photography. From color wheels to triadic colors, we cover everything you need to know to harness color in your photographs. 

Color in Photography

Color is an often overlooked element of composition. We always find colorful images pleasing to look at, but there’s more to color in photography than just quantity. There’s science behind color, and a little knowledge on this subject will make a huge difference to how you construct your images. 

There’s more to color than you might at first think. But that’s not something you should find daunting. This is an opportunity to improve your image-making skills. And the wonderful thing is that this knowledge is transferable to all types of art and design. You can even use this knowledge in marketing. 

We start with a look at the basics of color theory before moving on to specific topics relating to color in photography. Each section has a link to a full article on that subject, so follow the links to learn more. 

Learn the Basics of Color in Photography

When it comes to color theory, the wheel of colors is the natural starting point. Exploring the wheel of colors will assist you in grasping various color schemes and color composition.

It will allow you to make conscious decisions in your color photography. You can create images with harmonious and balanced colors. Or you can break the rules to create discord and imbalance.

I don’t always strictly follow the wheel of colors. But my favorite color photos tend to follow the rules. Hue arrangement methods have been in existence for centuries. But Newton’s and Goethe’s hue circles are two of the most well-known.

The foundation of the wheel of colors is the primary hues—red, yellow, and blue. Each hue merges with its adjacent counterpart to produce the secondary shades—green, purple, and orange. There’s a whole science behind color theory.

Analoguous Colors

Analogous colors are three or more colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. They usually look good together because they share some common hues. Using analogous colors in your photography can create a harmonious and pleasing image.

Analogous colors are easy to find in nature, especially in macro photography of flowers and insects. Landscape photographers often use analogous color schemes without realizing it. You can also find analogous colors in urban settings.

When using analogous colors, keep your images interesting by paying attention to composition and lighting. Skipping a color can also add visual interest. Most importantly, make sure your images are balanced with every color having its place in the frame.

If you’d like to learn more about analogous colors in photography, our full article is the best place to start.

Color Blocking

Color blocking is a bold photography technique that uses two or three colors to create striking images. The colors are used in large blocks, creating a simple color scheme that jumps out at the viewer. Color blocking turns color into a key compositional tool, sometimes even making it the subject of the photo.

Photographers often mix complementary colors from opposite sides of the color wheel for maximum impact. You can use color blocking in many photography styles, from street photography to flat lays, food, product, and fashion photography.

It’s also great for minimalist compositions, using color blocks separated by straight lines like walls or the horizon.

Color blocking is a powerful way to add excitement to your portraits too. Choose backdrop colors that complement your subject’s hair and eye color for unforgettable images.

Color blocking in photography is all about being brave, bold, and celebrating color!

Color Saturation

Color saturation is the intensity of colors in an image. Boosting saturation levels makes colors more vibrant, while reducing saturation mutes and fades colors. It’s important to find the right balance and not overdo saturation in either direction.

You can change color saturation in your camera settings, with lens filters like polarizers, and during post-processing. In image editing software, saturation sliders let you raise or reduce color intensity. The HSL panel in Lightroom lets you adjust each color’s saturation separately.

Changing color saturation can create a certain mood in an image. More saturated images can portray a happier mood, while desaturated images can create a minimalist effect and a more somber feeling.

To learn more about color saturation and how to use it effectively in your photography, check out our in-depth guide.

Complementary Colors

Complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel. They create the strongest contrast and a vivid, energizing effect that catches the viewer’s attention in a natural way. The most common complementary color pairs are red and green, yellow and purple, and orange and blue.

Using complementary colors in photography is a powerful way to make your images pop. The contrast between the colors creates a striking visual impact that draws the viewer’s eye.

However, you don’t always need to use the most vibrant shades of complementary colors. Sometimes a more subdued palette can provide a balanced, natural look while still being engaging.

To learn more about using complementary colors effectively in your photography, read our in-depth article on complementary colors. It covers the basics of color theory and provides practical tips for creating stunning color combinations in your images.

Complementary Color Examples

Complementary colors are pairs of colors that create the strongest contrast and reinforce each other. When placed side-by-side, they create a vibrant look. Some common complementary color pairs include red and green, yellow and purple, orange and blue, green and magenta, red and cyan, and blue and yellow.

Red and green is a classic complementary color scheme often seen in nature, like a ladybug on a leaf or a strawberry. Yellow and purple can feel modern and playful, perfect for color blocking and fashion photography. Orange and blue have emotional weight as they’re associated with opposing concepts like warmth and cold or earth and sky.

Green and magenta create an interesting contrast, with rich magenta against neutral greens. Red and cyan is an intense, neon-like combination, while blue and yellow together feel cheerful and reminiscent of sunshine.

Click this link to learn more about complementary colors.

Color Contrast

Color contrast is a powerful tool in photography. It can add visual interest and impact to your images. To make the most of color contrast, start by understanding complementary colors.

Colors on opposite sides of the color wheel naturally create the strongest contrast. A splash of red on a green background is hard to miss. You can also use contrasting colors to highlight your subject or add emphasis.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with bold color combinations and strong graphic elements. Find the colors that express your unique style. With practice, you can master the use of color contrast in your photography.

Check out this in-depth article on color contrast in photography to learn more.

Triadic Colors

Using a triadic color scheme in photography can create vibrant and uplifting images. Triadic colors are three colors evenly spaced around the color wheel, like red, yellow, and blue. To use them effectively, balance is key.

Make one color dominant and use the other two as supporting colors. Triadic colors are easier to find in man-made objects than in nature, so street photography is a great place to start. Look for two colors first, then work up to three.

Remember, color theory is just one aspect of great photography. Composition and lighting are also important. Combine all these elements to create balanced, eye-catching images.

Triadic colors take practice to master, but the results are worth it.

Monochrome

Monochromatic photography is a creative way to add emotion to your photos. It involves using only one color in your images, either by shooting a scene that contains a single color or by editing a photo in post-processing.

Colors have the power to inspire emotions. Red conveys love and passion, while green is associated with nature and growth. By focusing on a single color in your monochromatic photos, you can simplify the image and create a strong emotional impact.

To shoot monochromatic photos, look for scenes that contain shades and tones of one color. Man-made objects like buildings, walls, and cars are great subjects, as well as natural elements like the sky or flowers.

We have a full article on this subject if you want to learn more about monochromatic photography.

Monochrome vs Black & White

Monochrome and black and white photography are often used interchangeably, but they’re not exactly the same. Monochrome photos contain variations of only one color, like different shades of blue, green, or grey. Sepia and cyanotype photographs are common examples of monochrome photography.

Black and white photography contains variants of grey ranging from black to white. This means all black and white photos are monochrome, but not all monochrome photos are black and white.

You can capture monochrome photos in-camera by finding scenes with a single color range, or convert images to monochrome in post-processing. For the best results, always shoot in color and then convert to black and white later. This preserves more image data for editing.

If you’d like to learn more about monochromatic vs black and white photography, we have an in-depth article that covers the topic in greater detail.

Red

Red is a powerful color in photography that can evoke feelings of excitement, passion, and energy. It draws the viewer’s attention and creates engaging contrasts, especially when paired with its complementary color, green.

In portraiture, red clothing or lipstick can emphasize the subject and convey emotion. Landscape photographers can capture striking red flowers or sunsets, while food photographers often showcase the freshness and appeal of red fruits and vegetables.

Abstract photography allows for the expression of ideas and emotions through the use of red, while street photographers can find eye-catching red elements in everyday scenes.

Read more about using the color red in photography by clicking this link.

Blue

Blue is a popular color in photography that can convey a range of emotions. Lighter shades of blue can create a calming effect, while darker shades may evoke feelings of sadness or isolation.

The psychology of blue in photography depends on factors like the specific shade, color combinations, and the elements it’s paired with.

Using saturated blue tones can enhance a dramatic mood, especially in nighttime or conceptual photography. On the other hand, softer shades of blue, like those seen during the “blue hour” just before dark, are perfect for creating peaceful atmospheres in landscape photos.

Desaturating blues can lead to a calm, minimalist effect, while enhancing blues in post-processing can make your image stand out. Creating an orange/blue contrast is another way to draw attention to your subject, as these complementary colors balance each other out.

Blue in photography is a versatile tool that can be used in many creative ways to improve your images and evoke specific moods.

Orange and Blue

Color contrast is a powerful tool in photography, and orange and blue make the most common color combination. These complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel, producing the highest contrast level when placed next to each other.

Using orange and blue in your photos can make them stand out. The cold blue tones emphasize the warmth of the orange ones, and vice versa. This color scheme also appears often in nature, from the golden hour sunlight against a blue sky to the colors of land and sea.

To use orange and blue effectively, experiment with color blocking by arranging objects in a minimalist composition. You can also use these colors in a more natural way, like in food photography. Make the dominant detail the one you want to emphasize most, and use contrast to highlight important elements.

Orange and blue are excellent when used purposefully to create stunning photos.