Composition makes or breaks an image. A busy scene can overwhelm the viewer, while a well-structured one guides the eye and creates impact. Understanding how people naturally interpret visual elements helps you control how your photos are perceived.
Coming to you from Peter Forsgård, this insightful video explores the Gestalt principles and how they apply to photography. These principles explain how the brain organizes what it sees, making them useful for simplifying complex scenes. One method is grouping subjects together to create a sense of connection. If people are close, the viewer assumes a relationship. Separating them changes the story. Another technique is isolating a subject by waiting for the right moment, like capturing a single figure in a cluttered environment. The video highlights how making small adjustments in framing, timing, or perspective can transform an image.
Figure and ground separation is another essential concept. A strong subject should stand apart from the background. This can be done with contrast, color, depth of field, or brightness. Positioning a subject against a lighter or darker area helps define it. If the scene is too chaotic, motion blur from a slower shutter speed can create separation. The video also discusses leading lines—using natural or man-made elements to guide the viewer’s eye. This can be paths, fences, or even the direction people are looking. The key is subtlety. If the composition is too obvious, it loses depth.
Visual interest keeps an image engaging. Something slightly unexpected—an unusual element or a compelling foreground—draws people in and makes them look deeper. This is different from just adding something for the sake of it. Patterns and repetition also play a role. Repeating elements, like similar shapes or colors, bring cohesion. Breaking a pattern, like one object standing out, creates tension and makes the image more dynamic. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Forsgård.
