What is Centered Composition and Symmetry ?
Centered Composition and Symmetry means placing your subject at the center of the frame, such that it splits in half, either horizontally or vertically. Due to perfect symmetry, this composition creates an aesthetically pleasing balance in your image. There are times when placing a subject in the center of the frame works really well. Symmetrical scenes are perfect for a centered composition. They look really well in square frames too.
Benefits of the center composition
- The photographer’s intent is clear. Things placed in the center of a frame tend to have stronger visual weight. When the main subject (center of interest) is right in the center, it is very clear what the photographer wants the audience to pay attention to.
- Stability. It is a very stable composition because there’s nothing to distract the eyes.
Examples of center composition Centre composition is good choice for capturing close-ups of plants and animals, as you can see from the following examples.
This photo of the Ha’penny Bridge in my home city of Dublin was the perfect candidate for a centered composition. Architecture and roads often make great subjects for centered compositions.
Centered Composition and Symmetry is ideal for photographing Architecture, Landscapes and Roads. You can use this composition to capture Scenes that contain Reflections like Water, Glass or Mirror.
Scenes containing reflections are also a great opportunity to use symmetry in your composition. In this photo, a mix of the rule of thirds and symmetry to compose the scene. The tree is positioned off-center to the right of the frame but the perfectly still water of the lake provides the symmetry. You can often combine several composition guidelines in a single photograph.
Square cropped frames can be a suitable option for centered compositions. A square is completely symmetrical after all.
Symmetry doesn’t always have to be vertical in nature. Reflections can create the perfect opportunity to capture some horizontal symmetry. Early morning and evening times often present good opportunities for reflections like this as the air cools and the wind drops.
To achieve proper Centered Composition and Symmetry, you can enable the Grid display option present in the menu of your DSLR. Then, select Live View Mode. Now, you will see grid lines over your subject in real-time on your LCD screen. With the help of these grid lines, try positioning your subject at the exact center of the frame.
For instance, if you are photographing a landscape with reflection, you can go for Horizontal Symmetry. And if your subject is a building with beautiful architecture, go for Vertical Symmetry. This way, you will succeed in taking a picture that evokes a sense of calmness and soothes the eye of the viewer.
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