CREATIVE COMPOSITIONS

Break the rules, and discover strategies for framing images that stand out

-  Kim Bunermann

Have you ever wondered why some photos stand out from the rest? Of course, there are plenty of aspects that may catch our eye, but it’s most likely to have something to do with the composition.

With the rise of social media platforms, we’ve all seen countless photos that have been captured using common composition strategies; but, however impressive or technically correct they are, these shots tend to get lost in a sea of similar-looking images.

This is hardly surprising, as when we’re first introduced to photography, the use of classic framing methods is high on the list of things we’re taught. Straying from this path of tried-and-tested rules is not considered an option, although, in reality, not every interesting scene can be captured at its fullest potential by applying these traditional approaches. Sometimes, to create unique and extraordinary frames, it’s necessary to come up with an alternative way to consider the visual potential.

So, it’s time to put the tried-and-tested strategies, such as the golden ratio or the rule of thirds, on hold, and learn from compositions of other mediums that can help us cut loose from the familiar. Exploring the diversity of framing in photography starts with analysing juxtapositions and new visual possibilities that are waiting to be put into action. However, not every scene will benefit from creative compositions, so it’s crucial to not always use them as framing tools and, instead, see them as a way of considering the possibilities when capturing the subject.