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Understanding Balance And Symmetry For Better Compositions

BySam

This article is all about balance and symmetry in your compositions and how they can improve your landscape photos.

Understanding the basics of exposure is essential for capturing a good photo, but the composition of the image truly makes it stand out.

To really capture the essence of a landscape, it’s important to understand composition.

Simply put, composition is how you arrange your elements within your frame, and it’s one of the key ingredients to telling a story with your image.

Composition can transform an ordinary snapshot into an impressive image.

Great photos usually involve more than one compositional element, and balance is integral yet often overlooked.

Used alongside other techniques such as the rule of thirds, leading lines, and layering, balance can help you create even more compelling images.

Photographers often overlook the importance of balance, yet it is one of the key components of a stunning image.

One of my favourite compositional techniques is using balance and symmetry within the frame. Combined with the rule of thirds and leading lines, these elements can create some particularly powerful images.

I often look for compositions with centred subjects and combine them with negative space as a way to balance the main topic.

This article will cover the importance of balance and symmetry in your composition, and how you can use these concepts to draw your viewer into your images.

Before we get started, I wanted to share my freebie with you if you’re also new to photography. 

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Promotional graphic for a 'Landscape Photography Toolkit' featuring a sunset view of a lighthouse. The toolkit includes an Exposure Quick Start Guide, 7 Practical Checklists & Info Sheets, and an On-The-Go Camera Settings Cheat Sheet. A 'Free Download' badge is present, and a button at the bottom reads 'Send Me The Toolkit'.

Balance

Balance in a photo means arranging things so the picture looks just right.

In a photo, balance is achieved when the viewer’s eye is drawn equally to different areas of the frame.

It occurs when objects, colours, or sides of an image have equal visual weight.

There are two main types of balance: symmetrical and asymmetrical.

Symmetrical balance is when both sides of the photo match. Picture a line down the middle; each side would look the same.

Asymmetrical balance is when the sides aren’t identical, but the photo still looks balanced and pleasing.

Coastal scene at sunrise with a watchtower on a rocky outcrop, accompanied by the text "Top Composition Techniques for Better Landscape Photos" at the bottom.

Symmetrical Balance

Symmetrical balance in photography is when both sides of the frame look the same.

Think of it like a mirror—if you draw a line down the middle, each side is almost identical.

This balance gives a photo a stable and orderly feel. It’s often used in formal shots like portraits, architecture, and still life.

When you split the image in half, both sides should match, creating a sense of harmony.

Using Symmetrical Balance

Symmetrical balance can make your photos feel calm and organised. It naturally draws attention to the centre of the frame.

In landscape photography, it’s great for scenes like mountains reflecting perfectly in a lake.

A serene lake reflecting the surrounding snow-capped mountains and a cluster of green trees, creating a symmetrical scene under a clear blue sky.

Asymmetrical Balance

Asymmetrical balance is when the visual weight isn’t equal on both sides, but the photo still feels balanced.

This type of balance uses different sizes, shapes, colours, and textures. The elements aren’t identical, but they still create a pleasing look.

Negative space, the empty area around your subject, is key. It helps the photo feel balanced.

A lone, bare tree standing in a vast yellow field of flowers, with a contrasting green hill in the background and a blue sky dotted with clouds, illustrating the rule of thirds
The rule of thirds is a classic example of where asymmetrical balance works

Using Asymmetrical Balance

You can use asymmetrical balance in many ways.

One method is the rule of thirds. Divide your frame into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, and place your subject at one of the intersections. This makes the photo look appealing and balanced.

Colour can also help. For example, a person in a red jacket in a green forest or by a blue sea creates balance, even if they’re small in the frame.

Different textures and patterns can also create asymmetrical balance. Mixing these elements makes the photo feel balanced and harmonious.

Promo for 'Quick Start Photography Guides' with covers for different topics: Waterfall Photography, Composition 101, Golden Hour Photography, and more. The text encourages users to 'Start Capturing Landscape Photos You Love' with beginner-friendly guides, offering a bonus long exposure photography guide for free. A 'Get Started Now' button is visible.

Making the Right Choice: Symmetry or Asymmetry?

Both symmetrical and asymmetrical balance have their place in photography. The choice between them depends on your creative vision and the scene you’re capturing.

By understanding these two approaches, you can create images that are visually striking and emotionally engaging.

When deciding which balance to use, think about the mood and message you want to convey.

Symmetrical balance brings stability and order to your photos. It’s great for landscapes with mirror-like reflections on water.

Asymmetrical balance adds interest and movement. It can create tension and drama in your scenes.

While there isn’t a general rule about when to use an imbalanced or balanced composition, my suggestion is to always try different compositions for the same subject and see which one works better.

Ultimately, it’s up to you to choose the balance that best fits your vision and the story you want to tell.

A person stands alone on a wooden wharf, which extends into a calm lake at sunrise. The sky transitions from warm orange to purple, and the reflection of the wharf divides the scene symmetrically.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

As you explore balance and symmetry in your photos, watch out for these common mistakes:

Ignoring Negative Space: Negative space is a powerful tool. Don’t clutter your frame with too many elements, which can make your photo feel busy and unbalanced.

Over-relying on Symmetry: Symmetry creates a stable look, but using it all the time can make your photos predictable. Mix it up with asymmetrical compositions to keep things interesting.

Unbalanced Weight: Make sure no part of your photo feels too heavy compared to the rest. An unbalanced photo can feel lopsided and awkward.

Keeping these points in mind will help you use balance and symmetry more effectively, making your photos stand out.

A picturesque landscape of mountains with snow-capped peaks mirrored in a still lake during sunrise, with the sky turning pink and purple, emphasising the balance and symmetry between the water and the mountains.

Quick Tips for Using Balance and Symmetry

Use Reflections: Look for water bodies or reflective surfaces to create symmetrical balance with stunning mirror-like effects.

Centre Your Subject: For symmetrical balance, place your main subject right in the centre of the frame to create a sense of order.

Embrace Negative Space: Use empty areas around your subject to achieve asymmetrical balance. This can make your subject stand out more.

Rule of Thirds: Divide your frame into thirds and place your subject at one of the intersections for a balanced asymmetrical composition.

Mix and Match: Don’t be afraid to combine symmetrical and asymmetrical elements in the same photo. It can add depth and interest.

Check the Weight: Make sure no part of your photo feels too heavy compared to the rest. Balance the visual weight to keep your image harmonious.

These tips can help you create more balanced and visually appealing photos.

Promotional graphic for a 'Landscape Photography Toolkit' featuring a sunset view of a lighthouse. The toolkit includes an Exposure Quick Start Guide, 7 Practical Checklists & Info Sheets, and an On-The-Go Camera Settings Cheat Sheet. A 'Free Download' badge is present, and a button at the bottom reads 'Send Me The Toolkit'.

Conclusion

This article was all about how understanding balance and symmetry when thinking about composing your landscape photography can help you create more impactful images.

Whether you choose symmetrical or asymmetrical balance, each brings its own unique feel to your photos.

Symmetry offers stability and order, while asymmetry adds interest and movement.

Experiment with both to see what fits your vision and the story you want to tell.

Remember, there are no strict rules – just guidelines to help you capture the beauty of your world.

That’s it for now – Keep Clicking

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Sam is the creator of joywithphotography.com, a website dedicated to helping newbies Discover the joy of learning landscape photography – without the overwhelm. Based in Australia, Sam combines her passion for photography to bring you tips, insights and experiences to help you take better photos without all the technical jargon so you enjoy the journey.

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