Fashion Photography

Composition Rules
Composition Rules
Rule#1: The rule of thirds
Rule#3: Depth of fields
Rule#5: Fill the frame
Rule#7: Viewpoints
Rule#9: Symmetry
Rule#11: Balance
Rule#13: The Golden ratio
Rule#15: The Golden triangle
Rule#2: Leading lines
Rule#4: Framing
Rule#6: Negative space
Rule#8: Rule of odds
Rule#10: Pattern
Rule#12: Color theory
Rule#14: Golden Spiral
Rule#8: The Rule of Odds
Skill Level: Intermediate
Rule#8: The Rule of Odds
Skill Level: Intermediate
Rule#8: The Rule of Odds
Skill Level: Intermediate
Rule#9: Symmetry
Skill Level: Intermediate

An image that follows the compositional rule of symmetry is one that

looks the same on one side as it does on the other. The image can be
split either vertically or horizontally to create a line of symmetry.
Reflections are an excellent example of symmetry, but other forms of
symmetry can be found in nature and man-made structures. When
shooting symmetrical images, shoot from the center of the structure
and make sure the camera is parallel to the structure.
Rule#9: Symmetry
Skill Level: Intermediate
Rule#9: Symmetry
Skill Level: Intermediate
Rule#9: Symmetry
Skill Level: Intermediate
Rule#10: Patterns
Skill Level: Intermediate

Patterns are all around us, both in nature and in mad-made structures. Using
patterns in your images creates a sense of rhythm and harmony. Patterns
appear when elements such as lines, shapes, colors, or forms repeat
themselves. The secret to finding patterns is to look at your subject and
image from different angles and viewpoints. The patterns seen in the colorful
umbrellas lined up on a beach may not be as obvious when viewed from
ground level, but are much more obvious when viewed from your hotel
balcony. Move your feet, mix it up a little!
You can also find patterns by looking more closely at subjects. Macro images
showcase patterns in nature that are not otherwise noticed. Light patterns
can also make for interesting images, such as the way the sunlight shines
through the pillars lining a walkway. Once you start noticing all the patterns
that surround you, it will be hard to see anything else.
Rule#10: Patterns
Skill Level: Intermediate
Rule#10: Patterns
Skill Level: Intermediate
Rule#11: Patterns
Skill Level: Intermediate

Balance in an image is sometimes confused with symmetry, but they

are not always the same. While an image can be balanced by having
equally weighted elements on either side of the frame, balance can
also be achieved using the rule of thirds.
When using the rule of thirds, it’s common to have one larger, more
dominant, subject in the foreground. But this gives the image an
unbalanced feel. This is corrected by adding a smaller, less important
element in the background.
Rule#11: Patterns
Skill Level: Intermediate
Rule#11: Patterns
Skill Level: Intermediate
Rule#11: Patterns
Skill Level: Intermediate
Do you remember the days of selective color editing? When an image was
converted to black and white, but one element was left in color. While the
editing technique may be dated, the idea of using color in composition to
draw attention to a main element is still in use.
The use of color can drastically change the mood of your image. The use of
cooler colors (blues, greens, and purples) create a calm and tranquil mood.
Warmer colors such as reds, oranges, and yellows create an energetic or
happy mood.
Colors can also be used to draw attention to one main element. Adding a
pop of color to a de-saturated or monochromatic background creates a
strong focal point. Take notice of the colors in the world around you. Notice
how different colors make you feel then incorporate those into your
photographs.
Rule#11: Color Theory
Skill Level: Intermediate
Rule#11: Color Theory
Skill Level: Intermediate
Rule#11: Color Theory
Skill Level: Intermediate
Rule#11: Color Theory
Skill Level: Intermediate
Rule#11: Color Theory
Skill Level: Intermediate