Elements of Composition

The Raising of Lazarus by Geerten tot Sint Jans

Today we reviewed the elements of composition.  Photographylife.com defines composition in the following way:

The term “composition” applies not only to visual arts, but to music, dance, literature and virtually any other kind of art. In certain contexts, such as writing, this term may not be as widely used, but is just as valid nonetheless. In general, the term “composition” has two distinctive, yet related meanings.

First and foremost, “composition” describes placement of relative objects and elements in a work of art. Consequently, composition is a key aspect of a good work of art. There is hardly a way to overemphasize the importance of composition. Any aspiring artist ought to give composition of his work a lot of attention. A good composition is one that has just enough detail. Too few elements is bad because it robs the work of art of necessary detail that makes correct interpretation possible. It also ruins the balance of an image. And too many elements can be very distracting as well. Good composition requires good balance. It is best to make sure all the elements present are necessary for the idea or story you are trying to pass on.

In some cases, composition can mean the work of art itself and is a synonymous to that term. For example, when talking about a specific installation or dance, a phrase “This composition…” can be used. Such a definition also widely applies to music (creators of which are known as composers) and paintings.

Read more: http://photographylife.com/what-is-composition-in-photography#ixzz2uGWdiGEV

We talked about the following tips for good composition:

- it is a natural function that embodies a sense of design. When you raise a camera and look through the viewfinder, you naturally compose your pictures in a way that is visually pleasing, with a "sense of design".
- study your subject or subject area.  How will you arrange your composition to reflect the feeling you experience as a witness to that scene.  Is it hot, cold, windy, etc. and are their components you could focus on to bring that out in the picture, such as icicles, featured prominently.
- create a viewfinder to better frame the composition in your mind

- plan your drawing
- consider other factors, such as perspective, eye-level, tones and lighting, and arrangement of objects.
- What objects belong?  What objects do not belong?  What's missing?

Consider the many elements of design that we have studied since Grade 9.  All of these elements play a role in how you compose and complete your works.

*excerpts from "Drawing" by Janet Allen.