Enhancing Composition Using Balance in Photography

One of the ways to make your photos appealing, is using different subjects in the frame that bring a balance in your photo. This composition technique helps in achieving an equal visual weight – different parts of the picture command the viewer’s attention in equal measure.

We’ve explained Composition techniques like Rule of Thirds, Centred Composition, Leading Lines, Fill the Frame, Pattern & Texture, Rule of Odds, Colour Theory, Frame within a Frame, Simplicity & Minimalism, Rule of Space, Left to Right Rule, Isolate the Subject, Negative Space, Foreground Composition, Panning and Change your Point of View in our previous blogs. Now, let’s understand Balance in Photography!

Protips:

How to Create Perfectly Balanced & Visually Appealing Photographs

Frame two subjects of same/different sizes on opposite sides of the image

You can frame two or more subjects of same/ different sizes to compose a balanced image. Remember, that it is not essential that subjects framed in the pic to bring balance, have to be of the same size. What matters is that, they are placed on the opposite sides of the frame.

Below is the image of Goddess Ganga & Lord Shiva taken at River Ganga -Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Balance in Photography 

Here, the huge statue of Goddess Ganga – on the left side of the image – complements the small statue of Lord Shiva – on the right side of the image. Without having the small statue of Lord Shiva in the frame, the right side of the picture would look empty & unappealing.

Go for Centred Composition over Rule of Thirds

Below is the Stone Pyramid shot at the Ganges River- Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Balance Composition

The pic evokes a feeling of balance & tranquillity, isn’t it? Well, the image was composed placing the Stone Pyramid at the centre of the image; if the Stone Pyramid was framed either on the left side or right side of the image – it would have made that respective side of the image heavier, failing to create a sense of balance.

Use Foreground Composition

Take a look at the below image of Tera Manzil Temple (Trayambakeshwar Temple) near Lakshman Jhula at Rishikesh, Uttarakhand

Balance visual weight photography

You will notice that the Temple – on the right side of the image – is counterbalanced by the Rocks – on the left side of the image. If the photo was captured from a different angle without framing the rocks at the foreground or left side of the image, it would have created an empty space on the left side of the image.

Here’s another example where the Cascading Waterfall (Elephant Falls at Meghalaya) is balanced by the Moving Boat at the Foreground

Balance in DSLR Photography

We bring you ‘Jo & His Camera’ Comic Strips wherein a Magical Camera gives DSLR photography tutorials to Jo.

Click on the below Image to see the Comic wherein the Camera explains Jo, the concept of Balance, with the help of practical examples.

Balance Composition in Photography DSLR

centered composition

What is Centred Composition and Symmetry in Photography Composition

The way in which the various elements in a scene are arranged within the frame is called Composition in Photography. A Good Composition will help you create Incredible Photos. We have explained how to use Rule of Thirds Composition in our earlier blog, now let’s proceed to Centred Composition and Symmetry.

What is Centred Composition and Symmetry

Centred Composition and Symmetry means placing your subject at the centre of the frame, such that it splits in half, either horizontally or vertically. Due to perfect symmetry, this composition creates an aesthetically pleasing balance in your image.

How to Use Centred Composition to Create Beautiful Images

Centred Composition in Photography

Centred Composition and Symmetry is ideal for photographing Architecture, Landscapes and Roads. You can use this composition to capture Scenes that contain Reflections like Water, Glass or Mirror.

centred composition

To achieve proper Centred Composition and Symmetry, you can enable the Grid display option present in the menu of your DSLR. Then, select Live View Mode. Now, you will see grid lines over your subject in real-time on your LCD screen. With the help of these grid lines, try positioning your subject at the exact centre of the frame.

For instance, if you are photographing a landscape with reflection, you can go for Horizontal Symmetry. And if your subject is a building with beautiful architecture, go for Vertical Symmetry. This way, you will succeed in taking a picture that evokes a sense of calmness and soothes the eye of the viewer.

We bring you ‘Jo & His Camera’ Comic Strips wherein a Magical Camera gives DSLR photography tutorials to Jo.

To understand Centred Composition, Click on the below Image to see the Comic wherein the Camera explains Jo, the concept of Centred Composition with the help of practical examples.

Centred composition