Artists often follow various rules of composition to create visually appealing and balanced artwork. Here are some fundamental principles:

Rule of Thirds: Divides the canvas into a 3x3 grid. Important elements are placed along the lines or at their intersections, creating more dynamic and interesting compositions.
Leading Lines: Uses lines to guide the viewer's eye through the artwork, often leading to the focal point. These can be actual lines or implied lines created by shapes, colors, and forms.
Balance: Achieves visual equilibrium through symmetrical or asymmetrical arrangements. Symmetrical balance distributes elements evenly, while asymmetrical balance uses differing elements to create a harmonious composition.
Contrast: Utilizes differences in color, value, size, or texture to make elements stand out. This can draw attention to focal points and create visual interest.
Focal Point: Establishes a primary area of interest or emphasis that draws the viewer's attention. This can be achieved through contrast, placement, or detail.
Framing: Uses natural or created frames within the artwork to focus attention on the subject. This can be done with objects like trees, windows, or architectural elements.
Repetition and Pattern: Repeats elements or motifs to create rhythm and unity in the composition. This can lead to a more cohesive and aesthetically pleasing design.
Movement: Directs the viewer’s eye in a specific path through the artwork. This can be achieved with lines, shapes, or the arrangement of elements.
Proportion and Scale: Considers the size relationships between different elements in the artwork. Proportion ensures elements are in a realistic relation, while scale can be exaggerated for effect.
Depth: Creates the illusion of three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface. Techniques include overlapping, perspective, shading, and atmospheric perspective.
Simplicity and Clarity: Avoids clutter and unnecessary details to keep the composition clear and focused. This principle is often referred to as "less is more."
Unity and Harmony: Ensures all elements of the artwork work together to create a cohesive whole. This can be achieved through consistent use of color, texture, and style.

These rules are guidelines that can be followed or broken depending on the artist’s intention and the effect they wish to achieve.

In all my flower programs I talk about remembering to take a look at the backside of the flowers you are shooting. You never know if you will find something interesting.

Here is the backside of a Sunflower which has lots of good stuff happening there.

Lots of depth in the subject so shot at f/32. Cropped, Sharpened, and soften down the color in Smart Photo Editor.

Here is the original out of the camera.

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In a Facebook photo group, a viewer commented on one of my images, "This must come under the Fine Art category, I imagine?"

Honestly, I don't know what the term fine art means. Here's something I found related to fine art photography.

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I've heard it said, "you should learn the rules, then break the rules."

Well, if you plan to break the rules, why bother even learning the rules, just make up your own rules.

I tend to follow most of the rules, as they have been working for hundreds of years, why mess with something that works.

Just my humble opinion.

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MACRO PHOTO CLUB - Mike Moats - Award Winning Macro Photographer

Artists often follow various rules of composition to create visually appealing and balanced artwork. Here are some fundamental principles:

Rule of Thirds: Divides the canvas into a 3x3 grid. Important elements are placed along the lines or at their intersections, creating more dynamic and interesting compositions.

Leading Lines: Uses lines to guide the viewer's eye through the artwork, often leading to the focal point. These can be actual lines or implied lines created by shapes, colors, and forms.

Balance: Achieves visual equilibrium through symmetrical or asymmetrical arrangements. Symmetrical balance distributes elements evenly, while asymmetrical balance uses differing elements to create a harmonious composition.

Contrast: Utilizes differences in color, value, size, or texture to make elements stand out. This can draw attention to focal points and create visual interest.

Focal Point: Establishes a primary area of interest or emphasis that draws the viewer's attention. This can be achieved through contrast, placement, or detail.

Framing: Uses natural or created frames within the artwork to focus attention on the subject. This can be done with objects like trees, windows, or architectural elements.

Repetition and Pattern: Repeats elements or motifs to create rhythm and unity in the composition. This can lead to a more cohesive and aesthetically pleasing design.

Movement: Directs the viewer’s eye in a specific path through the artwork. This can be achieved with lines, shapes, or the arrangement of elements.

Proportion and Scale: Considers the size relationships between different elements in the artwork. Proportion ensures elements are in a realistic relation, while scale can be exaggerated for effect.

Depth: Creates the illusion of three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface. Techniques include overlapping, perspective, shading, and atmospheric perspective.

Simplicity and Clarity: Avoids clutter and unnecessary details to keep the composition clear and focused. This principle is often referred to as "less is more."

Unity and Harmony: Ensures all elements of the artwork work together to create a cohesive whole. This can be achieved through consistent use of color, texture, and style.

These rules are guidelines that can be followed or broken depending on the artist’s intention and the effect they wish to achieve.

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MACRO PHOTO CLUB - Mike Moats - Award Winning Macro Photographer

Made my first trip of the summer to the Ankley Family Farm in Imlay City, Michigan to photograph the flowers. It wasn't great conditions, to warm and sunny, plus a little wind.

I was hoping the Dahlias were blooming but only a few early season plants were flowering, and the larger ones come later in September, and I planned to come back again when those are in bloom.

The Zinnias were looking really good so got a lot of Zinnia shots.

Here are two of the rows I was working in.

Here is a before and after of my favorite Zinnia shot of the day.

I'll Share more images in future posts.

I've been mirroring a lot of my flower shots lately and really like the look I'm getting.

Today I used my Nikon D7000 and Tamron 18-400 lens.

Here is the image of the camera.

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MACRO PHOTO CLUB - Mike Moats - Award Winning Macro Photographer

Join my Macro Photo Club online. Over 290 instructional videos. Over 2900 members from 29 countries.
Info and to sign up.

Join my Macro Photo Club online. Over 280 instructional videos. Over 2900 members from 29 countries.
Info and to sign up.

Join my Macro Photo Club online. Over 280 instructional videos. Over 2900 members from 29 countries.
Info and to sign up.

Join my Macro Photo Club online. Over 280 instructional videos. Over 2900 members from 29 countries.
Info and to sign up.

Join my Macro Photo Club online. Over 280 instructional videos. Over 2800 members from 29 countries.
Info and to sign up.