Balance in photography refers to the distribution of visual elements in a composition. A photograph with good balance looks harmonized, with neither too much visual weight on one side nor important elements cropped out. There are several techniques photographers use to achieve balance, such as the rule of thirds, symmetrical balance, and asymmetrical balance. Choosing a balanced composition helps create order, focus the viewer’s attention, and communicate visual ideas more clearly.
What is balance in photography?
Balance in photography is the arrangement of visual elements in a way that seems harmonious and pleasing to the eye. Photographers think about balance in terms of the distribution of visual weight in a composition. Visual weight refers to how much an element draws the viewer’s gaze and attention. Larger, brighter, high-contrast, and centrally-placed objects have more visual weight. Smaller, darker, low-contrast objects placed near the edges have less visual weight.
A balanced photo distributes the visual weight evenly across the frame. Elements on one side are counterbalanced by elements on the other side. This creates a sense of equilibrium, preventing the image from feeling too visually heavy on one side. Balance gives a composition order and structure. It’s a principle that helps photographers thoughtfully arrange elements to craft an intentional and aesthetically pleasing image.
Why is balance important in photography?
There are several reasons why balance is an important compositional technique in photography:
- Balance creates a sense of order and equilibrium that’s appealing to the eye.
- It focuses the viewer’s attention where the photographer intends.
- It prevents distractions from uneven visual weight.
- It communicates visual ideas clearly by arranging elements thoughtfully.
- It demonstrates the photographer’s intent and artistic vision.
In a poorly balanced scene, the eye jumps around unsure where to look. But a balanced photo guides the viewer seamlessly through the image. The distribution of weight feels natural, not random, helping the photographer visually communicate ideas and tell stories. Balance requires purposefully placing elements in specific spots to achieve the desired look and feel. Mastering balance takes practice observing how visual weight interacts in a frame.
Types of balance
There are three main types of balance in composition:
Symmetrical balance
Symmetrical balance distributes visual weight equally on both sides of a central vertical axis. It creates a mirror-like look. For example, a portrait with a subject’s face precisely centered has bilateral symmetry. Symmetrical balance conveys formality, stability, and order. It’s commonly seen in architecture and sculpture.
Asymmetrical balance
Asymmetrical balance has visual weight distributed unevenly to both sides of a central axis. This creates a less formal look. Asymmetrical balance uses contrasting elements of differing size, tone, color, shape, etc. to counterbalance each other. It conveys dynamism and organic asymmetry found in nature.
Radial balance
Radial balance arranges visual elements around a central point. The viewer’s eye cycles outward from the focus point to all parts of the image. Radial balance creates a sense of expansion or contraction from a central subject. Sunflowers spiraling outwards or ripples in a pond demonstrate radial balance.
How to achieve balance in photography
Photographers use various techniques to create balanced compositions. Here are some common approaches:
The rule of thirds
The rule of thirds is a guideline for identifying balanced compositions. Divide the frame evenly into thirds vertically and horizontally. Place important subjects where lines intersect to balance the scene. Off-center subjects paired with negative space counterbalances the frame.
Leading lines
Leading lines create invisible lines that draw the viewer’s eye through a scene. Placing subjects off-center along lines adds balance. Diagonals, converging lines, curves, and S-shapes make dynamic leads.
Framing
Framing uses elements like tunnels, arches, doors, foliage, etc. to frame off-center subjects. The resulting image-within-an-image effect provides balanced focus.
Fill the frame
Filling the frame with a centralized subject balances its visual weight. Get close and remove distracting background elements.
Negative space
Negative space is the empty area around a subject. Juxtaposing negative space and a centralized subject creates balanced simplicity.
Depth and perspective
Overlapping and size variation creates depth and perspective. Place subjects at varying distances in a scene to balance the composition.
Patterns and repetition
Repeating colors, shapes, and textures develops patterns. Consistent visual rhythms produce balanced compositions.
Color
Complementary or contrasting colors balance each other. But color distribution also affects balance. Place touches of accent colors throughout an image to balance it.
Cropping and aspect ratio
Cropping tightens up compositions. Along with adjusting the camera’s aspect ratio, cropping helps stress particular elements to balance a photo.
Examples of balanced composition
Here are examples demonstrating balanced photographic composition:
Symmetrical balance
| Portrait with subject’s face centrally framed. | Lonely tree symmetrically reflected in a still lake. |
| Bicyclist riding down the exact center of a road. | Butterfly with wings outstretched symmetrically. |
Asymmetrical balance
| Small boat on one side balances large mountain on the other. | Bright red flowers on one side balance green foliage on the other. |
| Large boulder on left balances cluster of small rocks on right. | Portrait with subject’s face on left balances empty space on right. |
Radial balance
| Sunbeams radiating outward from hidden sun. | Ripple pattern expanding outward in a puddle. |
| Flower petals spiraling out from a center. | Converging lines directing gaze towards a central point. |
Conclusion
Balance creates pleasing, harmonious compositions by thoughtfully distributing visual elements. Photographers use techniques like the rule of thirds, symmetry, leading lines, framing, depth, and patterns to achieve balance. A balanced photo provides order amid potential chaos, focuses the viewer’s eye, communicates ideas clearly, and demonstrates the photographer’s compositional skills. Developing an eye for balance takes practice observing how forms and negative space interact within a frame. Mastering balance gives photographers creative tools to intentionally craft captivating, balanced photos.