Composition in street photography refers to the method the photographers adopt to arrange different visual elements in a photograph elegantly. It defines the visual balance,object placement, direction, and the distinct flow in the picture photographers capture through their cameras. A good composition helps differentiate photographs falling under the category of masterpieces from the uninteresting ones. A well-composed photo is always aesthetically pleasing for the audience to look at and never fails to attract their attention. These viewers can also understand and appreciate the subject matterthat the photographers are conveying within the frames of thesnapshot.
Ashwin Khubchandani is a full-time professionaltravel photographer from America who enjoys exhibiting the Earth’s hidden wonders through his photographs.He gets paid to visit numerous countries worldwide to pursue his passion for taking photos. In each of these trips, he learns about the culture, cuisines, and distinct landmarks of these places. He even gets to meet many interesting peopleduring the journeys. However, he always enjoys re-visiting Hong Kong and regards the city as his second home after the United States. He considers himself fortunate to earn a decent living by following his passion for photography.
According to him, street photographers often have to take pictures randomly during fleeting moments. Unlike their peers specializing in portrait photography, they often have hardly any time to think about proper lighting, framework, and image composition. However, it does not mean they cannot take good photographs. They to keep in mind the following essential composition techniques:
- Rule of thirds
The rule of thirds involves dividing the image they see throughtheir camera’s viewfinder into three equal rows and columns. Theplaces where the imaginary grid intersects indicate the four points where the audience’s eyes focus. It allows the photographers to control the focal points of photographs they take.
- Depth of field
Depth of field outlines the space that the photographers capture through the viewfinder of their cameras. It refers to the distance separating the closest object they can get into focus from the farthest point of the frame. Photographers calculate the depth of field based on focal length, size, distance from the subject, aperture, and acceptable circle of confusion. It helps them influence the meaning of the image they are capturing through their camera lens.
- Zone focusing
Zone focusing is the technique photographers use manually pre-focus their camera lens at a specific distance. They can achieve this objective by adjusting the aperture and depth of field. It enables them to exploit the fleeting opportunities to take street photos that cut the rest. They do not always have to keep the camera close to their eye to take the shot.
According to Ashwin Khubchandani, photographers need to understand and master photography composition techniques to hone their photographic skills. Then, they can take compelling and artistically pleasing street photographs that captivate their audience’s attention. It will even make their pictures stand out from peers and propel them to the next level in their profession.
