What is Symmetry?
When an image has symmetry, it means one side is the same as the next one. There’s an imaginary line running through the center of the image, and one half is a reflection of the other. This is called reflectional symmetry because that imaginary line is like a mirror.
Examples of Symmetry
A symmetrical photo is admired for its classical style of balance. It’s no wonder that tourists stop and stare at Greek temples, French palaces, and English castles. They are all examples of line symmetry that exude feelings of strength and majesty. Temples have a repeating pattern of columns, palaces have hundreds of windows in a row, and castles have a series of tall towers—and in each of these examples, the symmetry is used to suggest power and grandeur. Even the gardens of monarchs often feature perfectly placed vegetable plots, corridors of clipped hedges, and trees trimmed into aesthetically pleasing shapes. It’s beautiful, but it also shows an attitude of control over the environment. In a positive way, symmetry does this for the composition of your photos: it gives you control over the outcome.
How to Use Symmetry to Make a Statement
On an iPhone, the Wise Camera app has a symmetry composition tool made by crossing a vertical and horizontal line. Positioning your subject along one of those lines makes the image steady and peaceful. Depending on the style of photo you are taking, you can use either of these mirror lines to compose your image. The vertical line is useful for portraits of people. Place it down the center of their body to show how each side of the image is similar. This style of photo works best when the background is the same in each area as well. A close-up photo of a person’s face is a great version of symmetry. Having the vertical line running between their eyes and down their nose makes a perfect mirror image effect. The vertical line is also useful for pictures of buildings where the left and right sides are symmetrical. Position the line through the middle of the building to show its structural integrity.
Use the horizontal line in situations where the top half and lower half reflect each other. This is often found in landscapes, especially when there are reflections on still lakes. After heavy rain, colorful street scenes reflected on wet city roads create another mirror image that is rewarded by the strategic placement of the horizontal line. Any type of reflective surface, such as puddles, ponds, and polished cars, provides the mirroring effect that is perfect for symmetrical composition. The glass and chrome of modern architecture also produce reflections that are fantastic for portraits. Have your subjects rest their back against the surface of one of these buildings and ask them to turn their face towards you. Don’t bother taking a basic photo when you can use mirrors to create a symmetrical, stylish, fine art portrait instead. Look for reflective surfaces next time you walk through city streets and note some locations for future shoots with friends.
When you place your subject in the center of the iPhone’s screen, you give the image a strong sense of purpose. It stands out as the feature subject because the viewer has nowhere else to look. It’s a form of composition that has a lot of stability. It’s not the best choice for action or lifestyle shots, but it’s perfect for portraits where the subject is directly facing the camera, for close-ups of human and animal faces, abstracts, architecture, and macro photography.
Editing for Symmetry
In street photography, sometimes photo opportunities arise before you are ready for them. Whenever this occurs, don’t hesitate, shoot first and edit later! Imagine the scene of two businessmen in grey suits facing each other while shaking hands. After snapping the photo, you might realize they were standing mirror-image to each other. Unfortunately, because it was not noticed at the time, you weren’t able to take advantage of this form of composition and didn’t line them up in the middle of the frame. This is when the Wise Photos appbecomes a handy editing tool. Open the app and crop your image, so the men’s hands meet at the centerline of the symmetry option. You will create a fantastic photo with a powerful and compelling focus point.
Symmetry is an under-used composition tool. Some photographers avoid it because they think it is too simple, but I cannot entirely agree. Using this artistic composition rule with intention stops it from being boring and shows thoughtfulness instead. There are many genres of photography where symmetry can be used with creative effect, so grab your camera and go hunting for subjects that benefit from the mirror-line composition
SYMMETRY
Good for architecture and symmetrical elements.
Symmetrical composition divides a photograph into two parts, either vertically or horizontally, that act as mirror images of each other. This approach emphasizes balance and harmony within the scene, creating a visually satisfying structure that draws the viewer’s attention to the repeated and aligned elements. Divide composition into two parts, vertically or horizontally, that are mirror images of each other.
What it's good for
Symmetrical composition is excellent for achieving a sense of equilibrium and stability in your photographs. It draws attention to the main subject while enhancing the viewer’s appreciation of the supporting elements that echo or complement the main subject. This technique is particularly effective in creating an intentional and organized aesthetic, making images feel both natural and controlled. By focusing on symmetry, the photo gains a timeless, calming quality that is ideal for architectural shots, reflective surfaces, and minimalist designs.
When to use it
This composition works best in scenes where symmetry naturally occurs or can be creatively introduced. For example, architectural photography benefits greatly from symmetrical framing of buildings, arches, or bridges. Reflections in water or glass are ideal opportunities to use this technique, as they naturally mimic the mirror effect. Minimalist landscapes with a clear horizon or repetitive elements like trees or columns also lend themselves well to symmetrical composition. It’s also effective when aiming for a clean and structured aesthetic, particularly in product photography or when showcasing deliberate design.
Steps to apply the artistic composition
Identify the Scene's Main Subject: Choose the most prominent, closest, or visually interesting object in the scene as the focus.
Find Supporting Elements: Locate smaller objects in the background or around the main subject that can complement or mirror its placement.
Divide the Scene: Imagine dividing the scene into two equal parts, both horizontally and vertically, to establish a balanced framework.
Place the Main Subject: Position the main subject at the center, where the horizontal and vertical lines intersect, to anchor the composition.
Arrange Supporting Elements: Align similar supporting elements on the sides of the main subject, mirroring each other for balance and harmony.
Refine the Balance: Ensure the composition feels structured and ordered, encouraging the viewer’s eye to start at the center and naturally explore outward in all directions.
