Want to create amazing photographs? Then, experiment with different composition guidelines which include Rule of Thirds, Centred Composition, Leading Lines, Fill the Frame, Pattern & Texture, Rule of Odds, Colour Theory, Frame within a Frame, Simplicity & Minimalism and many more.
How & Why to Use Rule of Space Composition
We all need our space, isn’t it? So do the subjects in our photographs!
Well, Rule of Space means when you’re photographing your subject, there should be more space in front of it than behind it.
For instance, if your subject is placed on the left side of the frame & is facing towards the right. Then, go for Rule of Space Composition – so that it gives you a feeling that your subject is facing into the frame & not out of it.
Another example is when you’re taking a picture of a moving object.
Take a look at the below photograph of the Camel Cart which was taken at the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat.
And here’s a picture of a Boat in the Sea.
You’ll notice that in both the photographs, there is more space in the frame for the Camel Cart/ Boat to move into.
- As a viewer, we tend to look forward to where our subject is heading. If the camel cart/boat was at the right hand side of the frame, it would lead us out of the photograph.
- We can mentally picture that the boat is moving into the space ahead as it sails along the sea.
- It gives continuity in the picture.
What is Left to Right Rule & Why to Use it
They say that ‘We read an image from Left to Right’ & for this reason – any motion depicted in a picture should flow from left to right.
In the above still, you will see the people & the camel cart moving from the left to the right of the frame.
And check out the truck in the below pic which starts from the left side of the frame and heads towards the right side of the frame.
- Both the snaps are easy on the eyes.
- They are pleasant to look at, as we are used to read/look at an image from left to right rather than from right to left.
Well, above is only a guideline…if you’re of the opinion that Right to Left Rule appeals to you, then go ahead & experiment.
After all, Photography is an Art & ART HAS NO RULES.
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 Rule of Space & Left to Right Rule with the help of practical examples.