Dynamic Symmetry
Video: Leading Lines
Challenge level
DIFFICULT
MODERATE
EASY
Main subject and supporting elements you might need
Good for scenes such as street photography, groups of people, complex nature scenes with action.
Dynamic Symmetry
Symmetry is highly valued in photography to express simplicity and harmony. In a symmetrical photo, a motionless subject is usually placed in the middle of the image and oozes stillness and calmness. The term ‘dynamic symmetry’ sounds like the opposite of this, and that’s definitely the case. In name and style, this artistic composition rule suggests life and movement. Using this technique gives your photos an atmosphere of intensity.
What is Dynamic Symmetry?
Dynamic symmetry is a composition style created from a series of diagonal, horizontal, and vertical lines. It looks confusing, but it has a mathematical basis and is a form of geometry that helps your photos come alive. It’s very similar to the photographer’s technique called ‘the rule of thirds, but it goes beyond this.
In the rule of thirds, the screen shows a simple grid-like game of tic-tac-toe. The idea is to position the main subject along with one of these lines. In the case of a landscape, you have the horizon on the top or bottom line. It’s a pleasing composition, but it can be a bit boring. Dynamic symmetry takes this concept to the next level. Diagonal lines run through the grid, starting at each corner and crossing every intersection point. A good photographer follows the rule of thirds, but a great photographer pays attention to the lines of dynamic symmetry and places important elements of the image along those diagonal lines.
History of Dynamic Symmetry
The ancient Greeks and the Egyptians adored the mystery and beauty of geometry, so it’s not surprising that they used dynamic symmetry in their architecture and art. In more recent times, this style of composition is seen in Vincent van Gogh’s painting of his colorful chair and in Salvador Dali’s surrealism.
Even though the lines we now call ‘dynamic symmetry’ have been around for more than two thousand years, this name was first coined by Jay Hambidge in his book, ‘The Elements of Dynamic Symmetry, published in 1919. It was originally aimed at artists but soon entered the world of photography, where this form of composition was promoted by Henri Cartier-Bresson. Using this pattern, he became one of the most famous photographers of all time.
How to Use Dynamic Symmetry
Some photographers like to point and shoot; others take their time, walk around an interesting subject, and compose a photo before pressing the shutter. It’s the latter type of camera user who enjoys the challenges and benefits of dynamic symmetry. It’s this person who sees the beauty and structure in mathematics and knows how to translate that into a composition that’s pleasing to the eye.
The easiest way to experiment with this form of composition is to open the Wise Camera app on your iPhone, touch the dynamic symmetry icon, and you will see this geometrical pattern over the image you are photographing. There’s a grid cutting your iPhone’s screen into multiple angles, and from the position of the main subject in this grid, a story begins. The horizontal and vertical lines are places of stability, so locate your main subject there for a relaxed image. Use supporting elements along with the other horizontal and vertical guidelines if you want to keep the photo balanced and calm. Align walls and buildings with that grid to point to the subject without overwhelming it. However, if you want drama and energy in your photo, position your main subject along a diagonal line. Add more tension by placing extra elements on the intersecting diagonal lines. Narrow shapes such as tree branches, strips of light, and colorful reflections work well to grab attention before it’s redirected towards the focus of the image.
Having a grid on your iPhone screen makes it easy to follow the concept of dynamic symmetry. After trying the Wise Camera app, a few people commented, “If only I could see this guideline through the viewfinder of my mirrorless camera!” That’s not possible, but when you line up a scene, and you wonder how to incorporate dynamic symmetry in that image, open the Wise Camera app on your iPhone and place it next to the camera’s viewfinder to help you follow this tricky but artistic composition rule.
A Dynamic Conclusion
The composition rule of dynamic symmetry used to be taken into consideration after a photo was taken. The grid was placed over an image to see if it could be cropped and aligned to the dynamic symmetry pattern. You can still do this with the Wise Photos app, but why wait until after the photo is taken? With the Wise Camera app, you can apply this grid as you take the photo. Make a masterpiece while you are on location; don’t hope for the best and try to fix it later. Not everyone likes the concept of dynamic symmetry, but often that’s because they don’t take the time to understand it before they dismiss it. In my mind, if it’s good enough for Vincent, Salvador, and Henri, then it’s good enough for me!
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
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What is the Rule of Thirds?The Rule of Thirds is a composition technique used in photography where the frame is divided into nine equal parts by two equally spaced horizontal lines and two equally spaced vertical lines. Positioning the subject along these lines or at their intersections moves the subject away from the center, creating a more balanced and engaging image.
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Why is the Rule of Thirds important in photography?It adds a simple but dynamic element to photo composition, moving the subject away from the center of the frame to create a well-balanced, harmonious image. This technique makes the photo more interesting and engaging by shifting the weight of the image and providing an unconscious appreciation for its balance.
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Can the Rule of Thirds be applied to all types of photography?Yes, the Rule of Thirds is versatile and can be used for various types of photography including landscapes, portraits, street photography, wildlife, fashion photos, and more. It works well in both horizontal and vertical formats, making it applicable to a wide range of subjects and scenes.
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How does the Rule of Thirds benefit landscape photography specifically?For landscape shots, positioning the horizon one-third of the way from the top or bottom of the frame rather than in the center can make the photo more compelling. This technique allows the photographer to emphasize interesting textures in the foreground or dramatic skies, depending on the horizon's placement.
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What are hot spots in the Rule of Thirds and how are they used?Hot spots refer to the points where the grid lines intersect in the Rule of Thirds grid. Placing your subject at one of these intersecting points incorporates an extra key element into the photo's design. For example, in portraits, aligning the person’s head or an eye at a hot spot can significantly enhance the image's impact.
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How can the Rule of Thirds improve photos that seem lacking?Revisiting photos with the wisdom of hindsight and applying the Rule of Thirds can breathe new life into images that may not have received the attention they deserve. Using this composition technique can often reveal it as the missing piece in the composition puzzle, making the photo more appealing and well-composed.
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What is negative space in photography?Negative space refers to the area around the main subject of a photograph that is left empty or uncluttered. This compositional technique emphasizes the main subject by providing lots of room around it, directing the viewer's focus to the subject and adding a sense of calmness and contemplation to the image.
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How does negative space impact the viewer's perception of a photo?Negative space creates a dramatic effect that makes the viewer stop and consider the impact of the photo. It draws attention to the main subject, induces feelings of solitude and peacefulness, and provokes curiosity about the photographer's intent by breaking traditional photography rules.
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What is the difference between positive and negative space?Positive space in a photo is the area occupied by the subject, whereas negative space is the area around the subject. Using a lot of negative space can make the subject stand out more prominently, offering a clear contrast between the subject and its surroundings without making the image feel crowded or cluttered.
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Can negative space have color or texture?Yes, negative space doesn't have to be completely white or blank. It can include color or texture, such as a blue sky or a field of grass, as long as these elements do not distract from the main subject. The key is to maintain contrast and ensure that the background objects in the negative space do not draw attention away from the focal point.
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How can photographers effectively use negative space in their compositions?Photographers can use negative space by ensuring that the background occupies more space in the frame than the subject. Using the Wise Camera app, photographers can position their subject within a guided area, leaving ample space around it as indicated by the app's guidelines. This approach helps in isolating the subject and drawing the viewer's attention directly to it.
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What are some tips for creating negative space in photos taken with an iPhone?When using an iPhone, photographers can take advantage of its wide angle of view to leave extra space around the subject, emphasizing the negative space. If necessary, photos can be cropped afterward using the Wise Photos app to adjust the composition and create a more impactful negative space image.
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What is the Left to Right composition rule in photography?The Left to Right composition rule involves positioning the subject on the left side of the frame, making them look or move towards the right. This technique leverages the natural way viewers scan an image, particularly in cultures accustomed to reading from left to right, creating a dynamic and engaging visual flow.
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Why position the subject on the left side of the image?Positioning the subject on the left side of the image takes advantage of the natural reading and viewing habits of people in Western cultures, who tend to scan images starting from the left. This positioning guides viewers through the image in a comfortable and familiar pattern, enhancing the photo's impact.
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How does the Left to Right rule enhance storytelling in photographs?By having the subject look or move towards the right, photographers can introduce a sense of direction, movement, and mystery to their images. This technique encourages viewers to ponder what has captured the subject's attention or where they are heading, adding a storytelling aspect to the photograph.
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Can the Left to Right rule be applied to all types of photography?Yes, the Left to Right rule can be applied across various photography genres, including sports, street photography, portraits, and more. It is especially effective in scenes with moving subjects, such as racing cars, sailboats, airplanes, and people walking or running.
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How does cultural reading direction influence the effectiveness of this composition rule?Cultural reading direction significantly influences how viewers perceive an image. In cultures where reading occurs from right to left, such as those using Arabic and Hebrew scripts, the visual path through an image may be reversed. Photographers working in these cultures might place the main subject on the right side of the frame for a more natural viewing experience for their audience.
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How can photographers implement the Left to Right rule in their work?Photographers can implement the Left to Right rule by using tools like the Wise Camera app, which offers guidelines for positioning subjects. They should ensure the subject is placed on the left, looking or moving towards the right, and leave ample space on the right side of the frame for the subject to "move into." This composition approach makes photos more appealing and engaging to viewers, encouraging them to explore the entire image.