Before we discuss individual elements, I want to quickly share the accepted principles and elements of visual design with you. Since, at the end of the day, that's what photo composition truly is: the design for how we present our photos.
In my research, I've found many other design elements, in addition to composition, that traditionally haven't been applied in photography. Yet, they are just as interesting when used for photography as they are in sculptures or drawings. One example is the law of enclosure (mostly used in garden design and landscaping). The law of enclosure states that creating a vertical edge that is at least 1/3 of the horizontal line creates a sense of enclosure and comfort.

This section does not form part of the 4-Step System. Rather, this is purely context to provide a bit of background information that you can utilise to design and construct photos before we get into the nitty-gritty of each tool inside our composition toolboxes.

Principles of design

Emphasis and hierarchy - Refers to which elements attract the viewer's attention and in what order. For example, imagine three people standing in a scene. The main subject, or first person, is the closest to the photographer and facing the camera, making them the largest and most prominent subject in the frame. The second person is behind the first, looking off to the side, and the third person is further away, still, making them appear to be the smallest, looking away from the camera. In this example, the first subject has the most emphasis at the top of the hierarchy, and the third subject has the least emphasis at the bottom of the hierarchy.

Balance and alignment - Balance in photography is the equal distribution of elements and the attention they draw (visual weight) in a photo. Various factors like colour, shape, size and alignment (how things are positioned in the frame) determine the strength of emphasis on an element.

Proportion - The size of elements in the design, as they relate to each other and the design as a whole. You can use proportion to make a scene appear more natural and harmonious or make an element appear disproportionate to attract attention.

Repetition, pattern, movement and rhythm - Movement is the path the viewer's eye travels across a composition. One way this is achieved and easily observed is through the alignment of repetitive elements. The variation of size and spacing of these elements speeds up and slows down the viewer's eye, creating the pattern and rhythm in the movement.

Variety and contrast - This is the difference between closely positioned elements. Linked to emphasis and hierarchy, contrasts can occur in size, position, shape, colour, texture or orientation in a photograph. A practical example might be straight lines next to curvy lines or bright, vibrant colours next to dull, neutral colours.

Harmony and unity - Harmony and unity are opposites of contrast. There's the sense that all elements in a photo fit together to create a single desired theme, aesthetic style, or mood.

Space - This refers to areas in a photo without activity or subjects. You can leave space around elements to reduce clutter or vary space to create groupings, rhythm, pattern, and unity. Gosh, I could write a whole course on the effective use of space!

Elements of design

Line - These can be existing in the scene, real, or implied lines between elements. Each line evokes a different response from the viewer. Vertical lines signify stability, an S-shaped curve elicits flow, and a diagonal line from the bottom right to the top left (sinister diagonal) can create visual tension.

Texture - The use of texture creates a visual focal point, contrast or balance within a design composition. Think about how the gritty sand at the beach meets the soft, smooth waves; that's an example of a naturally occurring balance of textures.

Colour - Particular colours, and even the absence thereof, have an intrinsic relationship with emotions. In addition to using dominant colours and contrasting colours, you can also try limiting your colour palette for dramatic, impactful photos.

Shape - 2-dimensional areas created through lines or implied lines. Geometric, freeform or organic shapes that are quickly recognisable add context for the viewer.

Form - Similar to shape, the area now has three dimensions: length, width and depth. You have several tools available to create depth, layering, texture, and shadow fall-off to create the illusion of a 3-dimensional scene.

Value - Measured in high to low value, white is the highest or lightest value. Conversely, black is the lowest and darkest value. Non-neutral colours also have value. Lighter colours like yellow are higher in value, and darker colours like violet are lower in value.

Principles and Elements of Design to Apply to Photography

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