HOW TO COMPOSE SYMMETRIC IMAGES (WITHOUT KILLING OF BOREDOM)

Symmetric images are deeply appealing to our eyes, they bring us balance, peace and well-being. But they have a fairly common problem. They can end up being boring, banal and common. That is to say, the majority pass without sorrow or glory in front of our retinas, they seem beautiful, perhaps well composed, but little else. This is, almost always, because we get carried away by the impression that a certain symmetry causes us and we forget that the images are made up of many other elements that we must help each other to form rich and interesting images. Do you want to see some ideas to photograph symmetry without killing someone from boredom?

WHAT IS SYMMETRY?

Although probably when you hear symmetry, we will both have the same thought of what it is, the truth is that there are many types of symmetries depending on the field in which we work (math, physics, drawing, geometry, etc.). As far as we are concerned, we could define it similarly to the SAR: Exact correspondence in shape, size and position of the parts of a whole in relation to a center, an axis or a plane. That is, with respect to an imaginary axis or line, distribute the different elements on both sides of it, and identically.

SEARCH FOR A CENTER OF INTEREST

This is THE key point of any photograph. The photographs should always be justified, thought, should try to explain something, and that is achieved through what we know as a center of interest , which is nothing more than what we highlight in our image as the protagonist of the story we have chosen. Without a center of interest, the gaze wanders the image without direction or motive, without knowing where to stop or what it tries to express. In short, without a center of interest, the image is not hooked and, worth the redundancy, of interest.

HELP YOURSELF FROM LINES

The lines in composition are very useful to guide the viewer's gaze to that particular point that we determine with the composition. Straight lines in symmetry, depending on the point of view, can create interesting vanishing points (the real or imaginary place where the lines meet at infinity) by adding vitality, strength and interest to the image.

Help yourself with lines and leaks to make your image more interesting

ADD MOVEMENT TO THE SCENE

Another way to add interest, strength and vitality to symmetric images can be through movement, either from what we photograph or from what we can generate ourselves, with techniques such as zooming or scanning .

You can play with techniques such as zooming or scanning to add interest to the image.

PLAY WITH THE GEOMETRY

Many times geometric shapes are a motive in itself and can function as a center of interest alone, as in the following image, which plays with different shapes such as the circle (the most prominent) or different lines that take us to the central point of an image as if it were a target.

Play with geometric shapes

REFLEXES

They are a recurring classic in photography, so it is important to use them with something that somehow "justifies" the image. That is, it is not enough that the image is perfectly symmetric, probably with that you will only get one of these boring images that you hate so much. The image must be accompanied by something else that enhances the message and makes it interesting. It can be the light, the framing, the motive, the atmosphere or whatever you think is convenient.

Reflexes can be a good way to work symmetry, but they must be accompanied by something that enhances your interest.

TAKE TIME TO COMPOSE THE IMAGE

This is a point that is always important, but the more formal the images we are going to work, the more importance it takes if possible. It is always good to remember the most common rules of composition and use them if necessary. Here are some that may be useful for composing in symmetry.

Rule of thirds
Fill the frame
Horizon Law
Dare also with the vertical format

ADD A HUMAN ELEMENT

The human (and / or animal) element naturally adds interest to photography, since as living beings, we tend to be attracted to what we identify or empathize unconsciously. It doesn't matter if it's just a shadow, a foot or a bag in a corner. Everything that reminds us of the presence of a human being enhances our interest in the image.

EXPLAIN A STORY

Do not forget that this is the essence of any photograph and it is very easy to lose sight of it when we look for compositions as formal as symmetric ones. Remember that it is not only the form, it is the message; you must convey something with your image, beyond that it is beautiful, well composed, correct of light, and so on.

Explain a story

LOOK FOR INTERESTING VIEWS

In photography, good casual images do not exist, or occur very rarely. The more worked an image is, the better results you will have, the more thought, the more tests and modifications, in general, the better. Especially at the beginning, the more you practice and experience, the more agility and ability to anticipate the scenes you will have. To do this, and to escape the boredom of certain compositions, it is best to experiment with different perspectives, angles and points of view. Remember that the same image with a simple variation of the point of view can dramatically change the scene. A low point of view accentuates line leaks, a chopped point of view dwarfs the portrayed, and so on.

PATTERNS

Patterns can give a lot of play in symmetric photography. You can find them in nature (butterflies, peacock tails, flowers ...) or artificially. Patterns can help you add rhythm to images, and make them formally more attractive.

Patterns and visual rhythm

PPP: THINK, PREVIEW AND PATIENCE

Beyond technique, knowledge, etc., in photography it is key to think and anticipate the image. Let's use the previous image as an example. The photographer could simply have taken the image of the pattern generated by the ground lines. However, that would have been a somewhat boring image. He instead decided to wait for a human element to break that rhythm , that symmetry, which is also in motion and contrasts with the static ground. How about? I hope you are encouraged to practice with the symmetries, they are very photogenic and can help you a lot in the narration of your photographic stories. And speaking of helping, if you have found it useful, share it so that someone else benefits from these tips. Thank you and see you next time!

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