Central composition, or not?

Thursday 23 January 2025, 16:32 by Nando Harmsen | 2,338 views | 2 comments

This article was translated from Dutch with the help of AI. Read the original.

The Rule of Thirds is still used as a compositional rule at every opportunity. Some people prefer to break the rule. Using the rule, or deliberately not using it, produces very different images, when applied in the right way.

I'm not a fan of the Rule of Thirds, that's no secret. I prefer to talk about an asymmetrical composition, or an L-composition. That doesn't mean that the Rule of Thirds can’t be applied to many of the compositions I use.

The last thing I do is claim that I break with the Rule of Thirds. That makes it sound as if you disregard the rules of composition. The reality is that you simply use a different compositional rule. That could also be a central or symmetrical composition.

You have a choice. Choose based on what you want to say with the photo. But avoid leaving space in a photo unused. This is often the result of compulsively using the Rule of Thirds. If you have a choice, think about what you want to say with the photo.

Do you want the subject in the photo to stand completely apart from its surroundings? A central or symmetrical composition can achieve this. It allows the subject to come fully into its own.

The tree is what matters. The dunes act as lines in the image. It is clear what this is about: the tree. This way, it comes fully into its own.
Do you want to show the subject in its surroundings, as part of them? Then an asymmetrical or L-composition is a perfect choice. This is, or is similar to, the Rule of Thirds. The surroundings play an important role.

The tree is the subject, but the surroundings play an important role. All the image elements form a whole, complete with lines that all lead to the tree.
This applies to all types of photography, not just landscape photography. Let the position of the subject in the frame depend on the role the surroundings play. Only then will you make the right compositional choice.

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About the author

Nando Harmsen has been photographing for more than 40 years. He specialises in wedding photography and landscape photography. Nando also gives talks, workshops, masterclasses and photo trips, and regularly reviews new and interesting equipment.

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2 comments

Donald Willemsen wrote on Thursday 23 January 2025 at 21:04 | reply
A great article. I don't think rigidly clinging to a composition rule does a photo any good. Work from your feelings and creativity. Let the story in the photo take precedence.
What does it turn out? That you have automatically used some kind of composition rule.
Translated from Dutch.

Martin Verbruggen wrote on Tuesday 28 January 2025 at 12:05 | reply
Oops, an interesting problem. I am trying to get the rules of composition in order, but it is still difficult for me. I think the rule of thirds is fantastic. Simply put, it helps you remember that composition makes the photo. And of course, don't hold on to it too rigidly. There are so many things you also have to think about. To me, neither of the photos in this article is about the tree. The dunes are so heavy and prominently present that they continuously demand attention. The 4 * 5 format is partly to blame for that. I looked at the photo in 16 * 9 (slightly expanded) and then you get a much more harmonious image, but perhaps a bit duller. So Yes, the photographer's intention and taste are important. As far as I am concerned, this is a plea for another composition bible for inspiration, with two photos on each page that do or do not apply the tip as described on that page.
Translated from Dutch.

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