I like to think of composition in animal photography as the visual foundation for communicating a subject in a portrait. The manner in which you establish your subject within the frame, the orientation of the photo, and the balance of elements within the confines of a single image play significant roles in the overall impact of your image. Without keeping in mind a few basic visual considerations, your photos may not be perceived as well as it could.
In this article, I’m going to explain basic composition for wildlife portraiture by first breaking down my thoughts on composition theory.
The Journey of the Eye
In its simplest form, composition is the journey of the eye as it moves throughout the scene within a photo. The path that a viewer’s eye takes is dictated by where we as photographers place the objects or “elements of composition” within the frame. These include the subject, of course, but also lines, patterns, textures, color, contrast, curves, negative space, foreground, and background. This can also include visual tension between objects, natural frames, shapes, and depth.
Conventions
You’ve probably heard of the rule of thirds, and the cliche that it’s not a “rule.” Well, it’s true that it’s not a rule. Although, it is a powerful visual convention and guideline for helping you to arrange compositional elements within the frame.
The basic concept is that an image is split up into 9 equal sections, split by three vertical and horizontal lines. By placing your elements of composition — such as the subject or the eyes of your subject — on these lines or at their intersections, you’ll create a more interesting visual journey for your viewers eyes.
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Symmetry in Animal Photography
The three vertical and symmetrical lines represented above by the rule of thirds can also be seen as symmetrical if you divide the frame in both vertical and horizontal directions.
Each side is mirroring the other. For me, the acknowledgement of this vertical and horizontal line in the center forms the guideline for how I position subjects within the frame.
Symmetry is very pleasing to the eyes because there is less information for the mind to take in if there is balance within an image. This balance means that your image can more effectively be understood within a shorter period of time. When combined with negative space and minimizing other textures and colors, symmetry can be a powerful tool in creating captivating portraits.
Where to Place the Eyes
Personally, when the subject is looking straight into the camera, it is ideal to put the eyes of the subject somewhere above the middle horizontal of the frame. There should be an equal amount of empty space to the left and right. For me, it feels like the subject and I are on the same level, looking straight into each other.
This can also work well if you place the dominant eye on one of the two vertical lines, according to the rule of thirds. Where the middle horizontal line crosses one of the third verticals is also very ideal. In the example below, the blurry foreground and bokeh background, combined with the leading line of the back of the subject, creates a natural journey for the eye.
Viewers’ eyes are first attracted to the element that is in focus (the face) and then drawn to the most in-focus eye. Thus, the eye spends more time on the image and takes in more information when the compositional elements are balanced as such.
There are many other well-suited positions for the eyes. For example, in the image above, the negative space around the subject immediately draws you to the center. The eye of the African wild dog is also the strongest visual element in terms of sharpness.
In the example below, placing the eyes on the third horizontal line of the rule of thirds helps to establish a sense of dominance within the frame. The higher the eyes are within the frame, the more it gives you the feeling of looking up to the subject.
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Leading Lines in Animal Photography
One of the most powerful compositional elements that can help lead the eye into the focus of an image is natural curves or lines. For example, in this image of the elephants taken from below (using a special camera trap) there are several strong lines of the trunks that stand out against the sky. The lines then bring you into the center of the image. It holds your attention longer, and gives you a chance to take in more of the image.
The leading lines formed by the symmetrical orientation of the cows in the image below is another example of how symmetry and leading lines can be combined. Here, the out-of-focus cows in the background decrease in height as you move toward the edges of the frame. This creates a natural arrow to the cow in the front middle. When you look at the cow in the center, your peripheral vision further compounds the visual structure. This holds the gaze of any viewer on the focus of the image — the cow with the biggest horns.
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Natural Framing in Animal Photography
Creating depth and a sense of context can be established using the compositional element of natural framing. This, as the name might suggest, essentially means to use elements that exist in the scene to create a frame around the main subject. This could be trees, other subjects, or anything within the scene.
Color in Animal Photography
Color is one of the most effective tools in establishing the subject within the frame. For example, by using two contrasting colors, you can create a juxtaposition for the subject to stand out. This can be accomplished either in the field, or through editing by adjusting the hues.
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Combining Compositional Elements
Combining various concepts within composition theory is the best approach to creating a journey for the eye within the frame. For example, the image of the horse — which features a strong element of color contrast — also places the eye of the subject on the symmetrical horizontal line. Overall, this brings in the attention of the viewer straight to the center of the frame. This balanced horizontally as well because the horse has equal negative space to the left and right.
Whether you are capturing portraits of horses, elephants, or your cat at home. Considering the elements of composition to establish a pathway for the eye is paramount in creating powerful imagery that holds the attention of any viewer.
