Composition Techniques

• Rule of Thirds: Divides an image into nine equal sections by two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines. The subject of the photo should be located at one of the intersection points for a balanced and attention-grabbing shot.
• Leading Lines: Uses lines within an image to lead the eye of the viewer to a certain point, often the main subject. These lines can be either implied or actual.
• Framing: Using elements within the image to frame the main subject. This can help to isolate the main subject and draw the eye into the image.
• Symmetry & Patterns: Natural or man-made geometries and patterns can provide a visually pleasing element to the image and can be used to create a sense of harmony.
• Depth: Creating a sense of depth within an image can make it more engaging. This is often achieved by including objects in the foreground, middle ground and background.

Lighting Techniques

• Soft Light: Light that is diffused and spread out, resulting in less distinct shadows and softer contrasts. Achieved by using diffusers or shooting in overcast conditions.
• Hard Light: Direct and intense light source, results in strong shadows and high contrast. Often used in dramatic or high-contrast photographic styles.
• Front Lighting: The subject is lit from the front, often creating minimal shadows. This is a common setup for portraits and high-key photography.
• Backlighting: Light comes from behind the subject. This can create a silhouette effect, or a glow around the subject if used with a diffuser.
• Side Lighting: Light hits the subject from one side. This can create a dramatic effect with half the face in shadow, commonly used in portraiture.
• Natural Light vs. Artificial Light: The choice between natural (sunlight and moonlight) and artificial light sources (flashes, bulbs) can drastically affect the mood of the photo.

Using Light and Composition Together

• Golden Hour: The hour after sunrise or before sunset, where sunlight is redder and softer. This time is favoured by many photographers due to the quality of light and the warm hue it imparts to photos.
• Blue Hour: The period of twilight, before sunrise or after sunset, that has a blue hue. This time is used to capture a cooler, tranquil mood in photos.
• Shapes and Shadows: Shadows, whether from natural or artificial light, can be utilised to add depth, mystery, or emphasis to a scene or subject.
• Some framing techniques are dependent on lighting conditions. For example, silhouette framing can only be achieved when the main light source is behind the subject.
• Light can be used to emphasise patterns and textures across a surface or within a scene.
• Light can create or enhance leading lines—for example, shadows or a row of artificial lights leading towards the subject.