Photography Tip : Subject placement

This is one in a series of 'Photo Tip' articles that attempts to provide some basic instruction in the artistic side of photography. Most of these articles could collectively fall under the heading 'composition'.

SUBJECT PLACEMENT
Simply placing the subject or centre of interest of a photograph in a different position within the shot can make a striking difference to the overall effect. There are two recognized principles for subject placement in photography: the 'rule of thirds' and 'dynamic symmetry'.

THE RULE OF THIRDS
The 'rule of thirds' is a basic compositional guideline for placing your subject within the frame. Imagine your frame divided into thirds both horizontally and veritcally. The rule recommends placing your subject on one of the four points where these lines intersect.

The rule also works for horizons or obvious horizontal lines in your photograph. It is better (if possible) to place these a third or two thirds from the bottom than across the centre, or at any other point.

         

The images above illustrate the rule, with the yellow areas being the recommended placement for your subject. Notice that the size or orientation of the image doesn't change the application of the rule.

DYNAMIC SYMMETRY
A similar concept to this is the principle of dynamic symmetry. The suggested placement is found in this case by drawing a line from one corner of the frame to the other, then intersecting this with a perpendicular line that joins another corner, as illustrated below:

         

As you can see from the images above, suggested placement using this rule will depend on the shape of the image.

Whichever rule you find most useful in your composition, it is important to try to limit your photographs to only one centre of interest (see Photo Tip: Simplicity)