Composition - Perspective

Composition is one of the most critical aspect of a photography, but also one of the most diverse and difficult to pin down. A photo can be appealing (or not) for many reasons, colour, texture, lighting & exposure, subject placement, even a facial expression. In some cases, a combination of the above can make or break a shot. One on it's own can be enough, sometimes many together contribute to the success of a final shot.

But I'm not here to try to "measure" a photograph or it's merits, to chart the strong a weak points on a scale of 1 to 10. That exercise is somewhat pointless, at the most basic level a photograph (or painting) either works, or it does not. Still, we can at least look at what elements are a factor,and how they helped enhance the final result.

Perspective is one element of composition, it can be either man made lines, or a natural scene...the result is to pull the viewer into a shot by the use of "depth" As photos and paintings are flat and not 3 dimensional  this is even more important than it might seem at first glance.

Tarbert Church, Co. Kerry: The ceiling beams and seating pews create depth for the viewer

The shot above has very strong and obvious lines, leading to a point at the back of the church. Note the fact the composition is balanced, with equal spacing either side..the focal point is the down the aisle to the "Christ" picture. A low viewpoint and wider angle lens, placed a stronger emphasis on the ceiling over the pews. The church is a fairly modern one, and it would be easy to ignore for many photographers. In this case the use of perspective, and and a lower viewpoint has made the shot somewhat different to a normal one. 

Had I stood up, and took the shot from a  normal eye point, the perspective element would have been far less obvious and dramatic. Converging lines, and balance are the main appeal for this particular shot. Try to imagine the shot with the focal point dead centre, and with the pews and ceiling beams split 50/50. The result would be very different, with equal elements competing for the viewers eye. Frequently photographers try to enhance the appeal of one element or subject over another, composition is one way of doing this.

Ventry, near Dingle: A strong emphasis on the stone wall

 and dirt track show a natural way of using perspective

This photo gives a good example of how to use perspective out and about in the non man made world! Converging lines are present, but they are not straight as in the church shot. I used a very low viewpoint on top of the stone wall lying on top of it with the camera just inches above the stone. With a wide angle lens in use, and moving in closer the the wall...you create an exaggeration of objects that are close to the camera.

The road to the left is open at the start of the picture, and closes down towards the bend. The same happens with the stone wall, leading lines converging to create a sense of depth and scale. This picture would have looked completely different taken from a standing position which is what many people would have done. Note the "vanishing point" is not central, but slightly off left position much higher up the frame. Where you place your vanishing point can have a very significant effect on the picture. I have also ignored completely the "rule of thirds", with the foreground taking a much stronger part in the composition, to the exclusion of the sky. The rule of thirds is merely a useful guide/starting point to photographers and artist alike. It is not an etched in stone rule, and should be broken as and when desired!

One of the most powerful tools a photographer has is composition, and in some cases perspective can become the strongest part of a picture.