Visual tension is an often overlooked aspect of composition, but it's one you should be paying attention to. It’s about the spatial relationship between objects within a frame and how those objects relate to the edges of the frame. Ignoring this concept can lead to images that feel off-balance, while mastering it can elevate the quality of your work without extensive cropping or post-editing.
Coming to you from Ben Horne, this insightful video takes a deep dive into how visual tension plays a role in composition. One key takeaway is that visual tension isn't inherently bad. In fact, it can add dynamism to an image. But for Horne, who specializes in portraying calm, tranquil scenes, minimizing visual tension is critical. He shares several examples from his work, like a centered oak leaf in a sandy wash. The placement of the leaf at the center reduces visual tension and enhances the calmness of the scene. Horne argues that if the leaf were positioned near the edge or corner, it would become an "eye magnet," pulling attention away from the calm, centered feeling he intended.
Horne goes on to discuss how different levels of visual tension can be used to varying effects. Another example he provides involves a frozen leaf embedded in ice, where he deliberately creates a bit more visual tension. The leaf is positioned closer to the corner, but Horne maintains equal spacing between the leaf and the edges of the frame, ensuring the tension doesn’t overwhelm the viewer. This balance is key. He points out how equal distances between elements in the frame can prevent an image from feeling too chaotic or off-kilter.
In more complex scenes, such as one featuring salt flats in Death Valley, Horne stresses the importance of measuring distances between objects to create a balanced composition. He uses his fingers to physically measure elements on the ground glass of his large-format camera. This level of precision allows him to avoid any unwanted visual tension that might distract from the image’s main story. Even small changes in camera positioning can have a significant impact on how balanced or tense an image feels.
As the video progresses, Horne explains how varying the placement of elements, particularly in relation to corners, can either enhance or reduce visual tension. He shows examples where diagonal lines and objects placed near the edge of the frame add a sense of tension, while others benefit from avoiding corners altogether to keep the composition calm. This consideration for every detail, down to the smallest object’s placement, exemplifies how mastering visual tension can transform your photography. Check out the video above for the full rundown from Horne.
And if you really want to dive into landscape photography, check out our latest tutorial, "Photographing the World: Japan With Elia Locardi!"
