Symmetry is critically important in design - and by default in photographic composition as well. How we achieve it is open to interpretation and debate!
For some symmetry is all about a peaceful balance of all the elements in frame, while others find it restricting, insisting instead on a touch of off-balance tensity in their compositions.
You cannot deny it though, regardless of how you view it, symmetry is powerful its something we are attracted to.
Here is a shot I took in Central London, it was the taken the morning after a stabbing had taken place outside Urban Outfitters.The arrangement of the elements of the picture, controlled of course by the cameras viewpoint, has a strong hint of symmetrical balance; yet the picture is just 'off centre' to prevent that hint becoming featureless as to conceal what else is going on in the frame.
And that is important. For a picture should of course be good to look at from the point of view of design - but if it is nothing more than a sterile juxtaposition of shapes then it may well end up being merely a pretty pattern, with nothing else to stimulate the viewer's interest.
Here’s a simple recipe to help create something moving. First, figure out what your main subject is and here it is the man walking across the central reservation. Then, when you are certain about the shot, move yourself to a position where you can capture the image which will communicate some mystery or story element to it. Ultimately, you want to be in a place which maintains the importance of the subject in frame.
In this circumstance, I had been walking on the other side of the road when the man caught my eye and instinctively I decided to walk across to the centre and capture him walking across.
Did you get the formula down?
Now that sounds like a lot of work and faffing around but it should be pretty straightforward. Regardless of you shooting with the latest Mirrorless Camera, iPhone or Analog Camera by practicing deliberately you should be able to naturally recognise opportunities to get into the right spot for the perfect shot. Have you ever been shooting, whether out in the countryside or in a portrait shoot, you have stopped and thought, no I need to try that in a different way, that’s it. Just learn to consciously be aware of it and you’ll be well on your way!
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