{"id":72711,"date":"2021-08-16T15:00:10","date_gmt":"2021-08-16T19:00:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/?p=72711"},"modified":"2021-08-16T14:03:05","modified_gmt":"2021-08-16T18:03:05","slug":"how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Use Symmetry in Photography"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>It may seem counterintuitive to look to basic rules and techniques when exploring creativity, but such is the case in many of the arts. Musicians use precise intervals in time and space to craft beautiful melodies. In photography, we regularly draw from centuries-old compositional techniques of master painters to give our images depth and meaning. Nature provides another source of inspiration in the many naturally occurring patterns we find, including the symmetry in our own human form. In fact, symmetry represents one of the most effective compositional tools we can use to take better, more impactful pictures. It\u2019s been shown that we\u2019re hard-wired to recognize and respond to it, so why not use it to our creative advantage? That said, we\u2019ve put together a collection of tips on how to use symmetry in photography to help you create stronger images.<\/p>\n<p>Let\u2019s get started.<\/p>\n<h2>What Is Symmetry?<\/h2>\n<p>Simply put, symmetry occurs in an image when two halves closely mirror one another. As a result of this mirroring effect, a symmetrical image will feel balanced, even if the two halves are not identical. An image does not require symmetry to achieve balance, but balance is more easily achieved with symmetry. Also, an image may only include certain elements that are symmetrical while the majority of the objects in the scene do not meet these requirements. We\u2019ll discuss this more in the following examples.<\/p>\n<h2>Types of Symmetry<\/h2>\n<p>Below, we\u2019re going to look at three basic types of symmetry and then use specific examples to share tips on how to use symmetry in photography.<\/p>\n<h3>1. Vertical Symmetry<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_72727\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-72727\" style=\"width: 1080px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-72727\" src=\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-vertical-with-couple.jpg\" alt=\"Couples portrait on the roof with trees\" width=\"1080\" height=\"719\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-vertical-with-couple.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-vertical-with-couple-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-vertical-with-couple-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1080px) 100vw, 1080px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-72727\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Photo by Lin &amp; Jirsa Photography<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The first type of symmetry we\u2019re going to look at is also one of the most common: vertical symmetry. In an image that features vertical symmetry, you\u2019ll notice a line passing through the center of the frame from top to bottom, splitting the photo into two (mostly) identical halves on either side. In the image above, there&#8217;s no actual dividing &#8220;line,&#8221; but the image still splits in the center where we&#8217;ve place the couple. Because of the trees in the background and the couple in the center, the two halves of this image are not identical. However, you can see how looking for symmetry can guide us to a clean and impactful composition.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Horizontal Symmetry<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_72732\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-72732\" style=\"width: 1600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-72732\" src=\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-horizontal-pixabay.jpg\" alt=\"Landscape symmetry\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1066\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-horizontal-pixabay.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-horizontal-pixabay-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-horizontal-pixabay-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-72732\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/body-of-water-near-mountains-158385\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pixabay<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Similar to vertical symmetry, images with horizontal symmetry feature a noticeable line that divides the image into two halves. Only this time, the dividing line passes through the center of the frame from left to right.<\/p>\n<h4>Reflections<\/h4>\n<p>Many people classify symmetrical images that were created using reflections as falling under \u201cReflective Symmetry,\u201d but I consider using reflections as a means to achieve a particular type of symmetry. You may disagree if you feel that symmetry must otherwise occur naturally, but that\u2019s for you to decide.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_72713\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-72713\" style=\"width: 1600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-72713 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-reflections-martin-damboldt.jpg\" alt=\"how to use symmetry in photography with reflections\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1066\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-reflections-martin-damboldt.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-reflections-martin-damboldt-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-reflections-martin-damboldt-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-72713\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/gray-bridge-and-trees-814499\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Martin Damboldt<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Photographers often use water like lakes and puddles, windows on buildings, or smaller objects with reflective surfaces like prisms and smartphones to capture horizontal symmetry in their photos.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Radial Symmetry<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_72719\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-72719\" style=\"width: 1600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-72719\" src=\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-wedding-ring-photography-composition.jpg\" alt=\"ring shot with radial symmetry\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1237\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-wedding-ring-photography-composition.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-wedding-ring-photography-composition-300x232.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-wedding-ring-photography-composition-1024x792.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-72719\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.linandjirsa.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Lin &amp; Jirsa Photography<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>You\u2019ll find radial symmetry in flowers, bike wheels, puddle splashes, and more. Radial symmetry occurs when patterns repeat around a central point. This type of symmetry differs from the others in that it exists around a singular point rather than solely on either side of a dividing line. Of course, you can have two symmetrical halves of a flower, but with radial symmetry, you can also further divide the image into 4 (nearly) identical quadrants.<\/p>\n<h2>General Tips on How to Use Symmetry in Photography<\/h2>\n<p>Now that we know the different types of symmetry and recognize their impact on imagery, we can look at how to use symmetry in photography to take better pictures.<\/p>\n<h3>1. Grid and Live View In-Camera<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_72724\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-72724\" style=\"width: 1600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-72724\" src=\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-grid-breaking-rule-of-thirds-landscape.jpg\" alt=\"how to use symmetry in photography with a grid\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-grid-breaking-rule-of-thirds-landscape.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-grid-breaking-rule-of-thirds-landscape-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-grid-breaking-rule-of-thirds-landscape-1024x683.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-72724\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Photo by SLR Lounge<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Most camera bodies these days include an option to display a grid on the screen and\/or through the viewfinder. Photographers often use these lines for compositional purposes. They especially come in handy when using the rule of thirds, but that\u2019s not the only way they help. The grid lines also help ensure you have a level horizon, and they work for all types of symmetrical photos.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Architecture<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_72715\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-72715\" style=\"width: 1600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-72715 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-with-architecture-benjamin-suter.jpg\" alt=\"how to use symmetry in photography with architecture\" width=\"1600\" height=\"2000\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-with-architecture-benjamin-suter.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-with-architecture-benjamin-suter-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-with-architecture-benjamin-suter-819x1024.jpg 819w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-72715\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/white-painted-wall-interior-2400547\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Benjamin Suter<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>One of the best ways to learn how to use symmetry in photography is to photograph architecture. Bridges and buildings, in particular, tend to feature interesting elements and repetitive patterns that you can use to great effect in your symmetry-inspired images.<\/p>\n<h4>Mind the Center<\/h4>\n<p>It is crucial that you center your shot as precisely as possible when capturing symmetry in architecture. Make adjustments up or down, left or right, until you\u2019ve dialed in your composition. Even if you\u2019re off by just a fraction, it can make all the difference and make the frame feel off balance.<\/p>\n<h4>Find Interesting Angles<\/h4>\n<figure id=\"attachment_72716\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-72716\" style=\"width: 1600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-72716 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-interesting-angles-architecture-stas-knop.jpg\" alt=\"how to use symmetry in photography with interesting angles\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-interesting-angles-architecture-stas-knop.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-interesting-angles-architecture-stas-knop-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-interesting-angles-architecture-stas-knop-1024x683.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-72716\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Photo by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/low-angle-of-yellow-houses-1209521\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Stas Knop<\/a><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>As photographers, we can find interesting angles and make selective crops to present the world around us in new and unique ways, as the image above from Stas Knop demonstrates. In other words, you can start off with basic captures, but challenge yourself to create an original frame that goes beyond a simple walk-up shot. Check out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/outdoor-architecture-photography-tips-for-beginners\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">this article<\/a> for more tips and ideas to improve your architecture photography.<\/p>\n<h4>Use a Wide-Angle Lens to Amplify Depth &amp; Effect<\/h4>\n<p>In addition to capturing a wider frame, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/l\/?searchinfo=wide-angle%20lens&amp;sel=Item-Condition_New-Items\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">wide-angle lenses<\/a> are notoriously tied to a phenomenon known as lens distortion. There are different types of distortion, but one we see regularly is called barrel distortion. With this type of distortion, straight lines in the scene will appear to bend outward from the center of the image. As such, the effect becomes more exaggerated toward the edges of the frame. We can use this effect to our advantage to transform a scene and further amplify elements in our composition.\u00a0It&#8217;s worth noting that the architecture itself doesn\u2019t need to serve as the hero in the image. With a wide-angle lens and a low perspective, you can make great use of architecture to create a symmetrical background in couples portraits.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_72717\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-72717\" style=\"width: 1600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-72717 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-wide-angle-Engagement-Photography.jpg\" alt=\"couples portrait in DTLA\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1066\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-wide-angle-Engagement-Photography.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-wide-angle-Engagement-Photography-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-wide-angle-Engagement-Photography-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-72717\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Photo by Lin &amp; Jirsa Photography<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If you place the couple close to the camera while using a wide angle lens (see the image above), you\u2019ll need to direct your couple to bend at the hips and lean toward the camera. If you don\u2019t, the couple will appear to lean away from the camera and their bodies will become unnaturally elongated. This is due to what is known as wide-angle lens distortion. The effects of this distortion add visual appeal to the background and shapes around the couple, but you want the couple to look as normal as possible.<\/p>\n<h3>3. Group Portraits<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_72725\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-72725\" style=\"width: 1600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-72725\" src=\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-group-portrait-standing.jpg\" alt=\"how to use symmetry in photography for group portraits\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1078\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-group-portrait-standing.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-group-portrait-standing-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-group-portrait-standing-1024x690.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-72725\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Photo by Lin &amp; Jirsa Photography<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>When posing groups, no matter if you\u2019re going for a traditional symmetrical or editorial pose, balance is key. You may not always have an equal number of people and the background might not be exactly symmetrical, but you can strategically place your subjects to balance the frame, giving the appearance of symmetry. The main thing is to ensure that both sides of the frame feature equally weighted visual elements. In the image above, I staggered the subjects in various poses in an effort to find balance. As a result, the group portrait conveys a sense of symmetry, even though it is not symmetrical.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_72726\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-72726\" style=\"width: 1600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-72726\" src=\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-family-portrait.gif\" alt=\"Group portrait\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1066\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-72726\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Photo by Lin &amp; Jirsa Photography<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>In the group portrait above, the use of chairs and staggered poses (sitting vs. standing) works well for creating balance.<\/p>\n<h3>4. Details &amp; Ring Shots for Weddings\/Fashion<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_72720\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-72720\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-72720\" src=\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-wedding-details-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"wedding shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-wedding-details-shoes.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-wedding-details-shoes-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-72720\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Photo by Lin &amp; Jirsa Photography<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>If you photograph weddings, look for ways to capture details and ring shots using symmetry. Reflective surfaces like tables and counters work especially well for further emphasizing symmetry in these images. I prefer breaking out a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/car10028.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">macro lens<\/a> when capturing these shots to further separate the objects from the background. Also, I use lighting to give them depth and add visual interest.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_72721\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-72721\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-72721\" src=\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-wedding-details-rings.jpg\" alt=\"wedding rings\" width=\"800\" height=\"800\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-wedding-details-rings.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-wedding-details-rings-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-wedding-details-rings-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-wedding-details-rings-256x256.jpg 256w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-72721\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Photo by Lin &amp; Jirsa Photography<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>For more inspiration in this area, you can find more tips on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wedding-ring-photography\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">wedding ring photographing\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3>5. Combined Compositional Tools<\/h3>\n<figure id=\"attachment_72722\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-72722\" style=\"width: 1600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-72722\" src=\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-whip-pan.jpg\" alt=\"how to use symmetry in photography whip pan\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-whip-pan.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-whip-pan-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-whip-pan-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-whip-pan-825x465.jpg 825w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-72722\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Photo by Lin &amp; Jirsa Photography<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Symmetry, of course, is one of many compositional tools you can use. Combining, or &#8220;stacking&#8221; these tools generally leads to much stronger photos. For example, many symmetrical layouts also incorporate leading lines and repetitive patterns. You can use to direct your viewer\u2019s gaze to your subjects. In the image above, I used a shutter drag technique called &#8220;whip panning&#8221; to add a sense of motion. The photo below is made stronger with the combined use of symmetry, leading lines, mirroring, and lighting.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_72736\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-72736\" style=\"width: 1500px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-72736\" src=\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-composition-stack.jpg\" alt=\"Landscape couples portrait\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-composition-stack.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-composition-stack-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-composition-stack-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/07\/how-to-use-symmetry-in-photography-composition-stack-825x465.jpg 825w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-72736\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><em>Photo by Lin &amp; Jirsa Photography<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>Conclusion<\/h2>\n<p>I hope you found these tips and ideas on how to use symmetry in photography helpful. Learning to master <a href=\"https:\/\/www.adorama.com\/alc\/basic-photography-composition-techniques\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">compositional tools<\/a> like symmetry helps guide our creative process and allows us to take better pictures. Remember that we can use symmetry for balance without having to capture perfect symmetry. The cleaner it is, however, the better. Look for symmetry in your surroundings the next time you head out for a shoot.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>It may seem counterintuitive to look to basic rules and techniques when exploring creativity, but such is the case in many of the arts. Musicians use precise intervals in time and space to craft beautiful melodies. In photography, we regularly draw from centuries-old compositional techniques of master painters to give our images depth and meaning. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":11111165,"featured_media":72739,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[639,645,17770,17779],"tags":[17640,2642,17641],"class_list":["post-72711","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-how-to","category-photography-645","category-photography","category-photography-101","tag-photography-composition","tag-symmetry-2642","tag-symmetry-in-photography"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>How to Use Symmetry in Photography - Adorama<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"It may seem strange to use basic techniques to push your creativity, but it works. 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