Visual composition refers to the deliberate arrangement of elements and application of principles within the frame. This action creates an image or photograph that not only demonstrates harmony, engagement, and aesthetics, but also has the power to evoke strong emotions. Visual composition, as a process, is crucial to photography, particularly in creating pictures of technical quality that also have a profound emotional and narrative impact.
The essence of visual composition is about organizing visual elements—such as lines, shapes, colors, textures, and light—within the photographic space. The outcome of such an action and intention transforms a simple snapshot into an image that expresses the photographer’s ideas and vision, engaging the viewer’s interpretation and guiding their eye to the intended message or emotion.