Photographs that many people find beautiful often share universal qualities. Their appeal lies not necessarily in the subject or situation, but in how it was photographed. Composition largely determines how viewers respond to an image.
The quality and versatility of smartphone cameras have increased exponentially in recent years. Nowadays you can easily use so-called computational photography in your smartphone, also for your compositions.
The role of computational photography is to overcome the limitations of the traditional camera, combining imaging and computation to enable new and improved ways of capturing and representing the physical world.
Below are several simple composition tips, together with smartphone features that make them easier to apply.
1. The rule of thirds
Although it is certainly not always true, it is better to place the object you are photographing not in the middle of the frame, but about a third of the way to the left or right side, on the so-called golden section line. To build tension, painters and architects have been using this rule for centuries. As a result, we are more used to looking at such an image structure than we realize.
Consider a television newsreader positioned one-third of the way across the screen while images beside them illustrate the story. A similar division often works well in a photograph.
This timeless principle divides your image into nine equal segments by drawing two vertical and two horizontal lines. The most important elements in your shot should be on or near these lines.
The golden section line, or rule of thirds, remains a timeless principle. So do not place your subject in the center, but at one of the intersections of the imaginary lines that divide the image into three equal parts. This often leads to a more dynamic and attractive image.
Using it on a smartphone
Many smartphones have a built-in 'grid' function that helps you apply the rule of thirds. Enable it in the camera settings to divide the screen into nine equal sections.
2. Horizon line
In many photos the horizon line can be seen in the distance. If you simply point the camera straight ahead, the horizon will be exactly in the center of the photo.
As with the golden section rule, an object placed exactly in the middle is often predictable and therefore boring. By tilting the camera a little down or up, that line can be placed higher or lower in the picture.
For example, the line of the horizon can then run on a (horizontal) golden section line approximately one third of the way through the image. Extremes, with very little or a lot of sky in the picture, give an even stronger effect. The position of the horizon can drastically change the feel of a photo.
Using it on a smartphone
Use the previously mentioned raster function to place your horizon. A low horizon can emphasize the sky, while a high horizon draws attention to the foreground.
Some smartphones offer one level meter or a horizon indicator to ensure your horizon is straight, which is especially useful for landscape photography.
With Panorama mode you can take extra wide photos by panning your phone and merging multiple images.
3. Diagonal lines
The line from bottom left to top right is an entering diagonal: it naturally draws the viewer’s eye into the frame.
As a counterpart to this line, there is the stopping diagonal line, which finds its way from top left to bottom right and suddenly seems to interrupt the logical viewing direction. The diagonal line does not have to be tight and straight; a beautiful winding mountain path that takes the viewer up the mountain gives the same effect.
These lines guide the viewer's eye through the frame and add dynamism. A road, river or shadow can serve as an effective diagonal line.
Using it on a smartphone
For this, it is best to use third party apps: There are numerous photography apps available that offer more advanced compositional tools. Some apps may have overlays with different composition lines, including diagonal lines.
The Camera+ 2 app is especially suitable for iPhone users. This offers advanced camera controls along with various compositional overlays. You can purchase an iPhone via Odido.
The app PhotoPills is especially popular among landscape and astrophotographers because of the extensive planning tools it offers. But it also has an augmented reality (AR) mode that lets you see various overlays on your screen, including compositional guides.
Both PhotoPills and Camera+ 2 are paid apps, but their functionality generally justifies the cost for serious photography enthusiasts.
It's also worth checking the app stores regularly, as new photography apps are introduced often and existing apps are updated with new features.
While specific tools can be useful, developing an 'eye' for such lines in the environment is the most valuable skill. Once you become aware of this technique, you will naturally begin to recognize diagonal elements in your image that you can use to make your photos more interesting. Look for natural diagonal lines such as streets, rivers or shadows. They can connect the subject to the environment or create a sense of movement.
4. The right angle of view
Taller people may need to crouch when photographing someone shorter so the camera is at eye level rather than looking down at the face. Changing angle and perspective can transform an ordinary subject into something engaging.
Do not crouch so far that you photograph the face from below and emphasize the chin and nostrils. A deliberately high or low viewpoint can sometimes produce surprising images.
The flexibility of a smartphone makes it easy to try different angles. View from above, from ground level, or choose a unique vantage point for a fresh perspective on your subject.
Using it on a smartphone
Use your smartphone’s compactness to shoot from unique angles: from ground level, from a bird's eye view or, for example, through reflections in water or glass.
With Focus lock you can lock the focus on a specific part of your image, which is useful for macro photography or when you want a specific part of your photo to be in focus.
5. Depth
We often photograph large overview photos with a wide-angle lens. That in itself does not have to be a problem, because a lot can be seen in such a photo. But always keep in mind clarity and tranquility in the image. Too many topics are distracting and give a messy result.
If you do create an overview, include part of the foreground. For example, an overhanging branch or something like part of a boat's sail. This way the viewer can estimate the depth and receive more information about the situation. Depth gives your photos a three-dimensional feel.
Try to have objects in the foreground, middle and background. This creates a sense of depth and guides the viewer's eye throughout the photo.
Using it on a smartphone
Use Portrait mode (bokeh effect): This allows you to take photos with a blurred background, making the subject of the photo stand out. This is often used for portrait photography.
Wide angle and telephoto lens options: many new smartphones are equipped with multiple lenses that offer different focal lengths. This allows you to shoot from different perspectives without changing your position. Although digital zoom is more of a tool than a composition setting, it can help you get closer to your subject if you can't get closer physically.
6. Use of color
Non-professionals are increasingly less interested in black and white photography. That's a shame, because the absence of color shows that the composition plays an extremely important role. Of course, color makes it possible to accurately represent a real situation. Color also has the power to convey emotion and mood.
A photo that consists entirely of bright colors produces a completely different atmosphere than a photo that contains only one calm color. When multiple colors are used, we speak of polychrome color use. It goes without saying that a photo with many bright colors creates a more restless, busy image than one monochrome use of color, where only one color is important.
In summary: try to use the colors consciously in the photo by choosing the right point of view and framing it well. Color can be a powerful tool, while black and white photos can be powerful in their simplicity. Pay attention to how colors contrast with each other and how they affect the composition of the photo.
Using it on a smartphone
High Dynamic Range (HDR) is a technique that combines multiple photos with different exposures into one photo to create a balanced image with detail in both shadows and highlights. Take advantage of the HDR function on your smartphone.
Use color correction tools and filters on your smartphone. Experiment with different color temperatures and saturation levels to achieve the mood you want.
Finally
By embracing these composition rules and sometimes consciously deviating from them, you can find your unique vision and voice in the world of mobile photography.
Of course, it often happens that you have taken a beautiful photo that you then look at more closely and see that you had actually automatically applied a number of the above composition rules when taking the shot.
Mobile photography offers the freedom to shoot anywhere, anytime. By being aware of composition and how different elements work in a frame, you can capture powerful and attractive images with your smartphone.
