Even though the period of the Old Masters was between 1300 and 1800 (or 13th and 18th century), it is undeniable that their techniques were highly advanced and are still applicable today for composing harmonious artworks.
Visual weight in composition refers to the perceived "heaviness" or "lightness" of elements within a frame, determining where the viewer's eye is drawn. It’s not about the actual physical weight of objects but rather how much attention an element commands in the overall composition. Understanding visual weight helps create balanced compositions that guide the viewer’s eye and even evoke certain emotions.
Here’s a breakdown of what contributes to visual weight and how you can use it effectively in your compositions - this applies to all photography including birds and wildlife.
Size
Larger objects generally have more visual weight than smaller ones. The viewer’s eye is naturally drawn to larger elements because they dominate the space.
Tip: If you want a certain object to be the focal point, consider making it larger relative to other elements in the frame.
Example: In a landscape photograph, a large mountain in the foreground will naturally have more visual weight than smaller distant peaks.
Let's look at how this can apply to bird photography. In this image, the charming Pardalote is dwarfed by the massive branch. Although he is sharp and otherwise appealing, I put this photo in the discard pile as the visual weight of the branch upsets the balance of the photo. It's just not pleasing to the eye.
In this second example we can edit or compose differently, taking visual weight into consideration. The first image we have the post dominating the scene - visually outweighing the size of the bird:
With an adjustment to the cropping of the image, we've now adjusted the visual weight of the post, and the eye is drawn to the subject. The post is still there, it just isn't taking over
the composition.
Now we're not talking big changes - but it's the subtle details that make the difference between an average and a stand-out image!
Position in the Frame
How you position your subject in the frame also can make big difference.
Elements closer to the centre of the composition tend to have more visual weight because they’re naturally the first place the viewer looks. Objects placed toward the edges of the frame tend to feel lighter and less dominant.
Tip: Placing a heavy visual element off-centre can create tension or dynamic balance, while centre it can create stability.
Example: A portrait with the subject centred in the frame draws immediate attention, while placing the subject to the side allows the background to balance the composition. Both can work well, but I find a centreing the subject works best when there is also symmetry at play.
By adjusting the position in the frame of a 'too heavy' object, such as oversize branches, you can minimise their impact and place the focus back on your subject. Don't be afraid of introducing negative space into your composition to do so.
Here's an example - our tiny Scarlet Myzomela is somewhat dwarfed by the chunky branch. But who gets to choose where they land?? ... I'm lucky to get a shot of these fast moving delicate beauties...
We can improve on this image by reducing the space the branch occupies and bringing in more negative space, adding more visual weight to our singing beauty.
Colour
Another way to add visual weight is through the use of colour. Bright colours such as red and yellow carry more visual weight than neutral or muted tones like greys and browns. Similarly, warm colours appear heavier than cool colours.
Tip: Use bright or warm colours sparingly if you don’t want them to dominate the composition - or use them strategically to highlight focal points.
Bird Photography Example: A Flame robin, although still tiny in the frame, has a big impact as the vibrant warm colouring immediately draws the eye.
But when we try the small-in-foliage shot with this neutral coloured female wren, it just doesn't quite have the same impact. She gets a bit lost, not having enough 'visual weight' in the frame.
She's too cute to go in the discard pile, so we can add more 'visual weight' by cropping in tighter, reducing the impact of the foliage and placing the focus on our pretty but beige-toned subject.
Contrast
Another way to add visual weight is to use contrast. High contrast between an element and its surroundings gives that element more visual weight. Dark objects on a light background, or light objects on a dark background, stand out more.
Tip: If you want to emphasise an element, increase the contrast around it. For more subtle compositions, reduce contrast.
Example: A dark silhouette against a bright sky has strong visual weight due to the stark contrast.
Here I used a layer mask to slightly darken the background to further emphasise the contrast. The stark white of the Black-shouldered Kite against the darkened background shows off his impressive feather flex 🙌
Isolation (Negative Space)
An object that is isolated or surrounded by negative space (empty or less detailed areas) will appear to have more visual weight because it stands out more clearly.
Tip: If an element feels too "heavy" in the composition, reduce its isolation by adding nearby elements to balance it. Conversely, if an element needs more emphasis, increase the surrounding negative space.
Example: Shooting with completely clean backgrounds is a go-to for many bird photographers. Whole portfolios only contain clean background shots. Some painstakingly removing the natural background to completely isolate the subject. I don't do this, it's too much computer time for me. But a clean background always looks good if your subject is co-operative.
But It can be difficult to achieve a naturally clean background with birds favouring hiding in the bushes! Especially forest birds, which is what I mainly shoot 😤
Although I don't replace backgrounds, I do 'clean up' images to remove distracting objects using the remover tool in Lightroom or the 'inpainting brush tool' in Affinity Photo.
Before:
After:
Texture and Detail
Elements with more texture or intricate details have more visual weight than smoother or less detailed areas. The eye is naturally drawn to areas with complexity.
Tip: Use textures and details to enhance focal points and create areas of interest. For a calmer composition, reduce texture in the background or other areas.
Example: In this bird portrait, we are breaking the 'rules', not even having our subject facing the camera. But the fine details in the feathers have enough visual weight to make the photo interesting.
Here's another example. Now you wouldn't think a Lyrebird's bum would hold much interest 😂 But because we having added enough visual weight using the intricate details in the feathers, we have an engaging photo.
Using Shape
Complex shapes or objects with more irregular, dynamic forms tend to have more visual weight than simple, geometric shapes. Sharp or jagged forms also carry more weight than soft, rounded ones.
Tip: Use complex or irregular shapes in areas where you want to direct attention, while using simpler shapes elsewhere for balance.
Example: Despite this being a common bird on a beige background, it still makes an interesting photo due to the shape of the raised wing and the jagged branch. It wouldn't be quite so good with the bird sitting normally with folded wings on a straight branch. The extra elements add visual weight, and create a more powerful image.
Depth and Perspective
Elements that appear to be in the foreground or closer to the viewer have more visual weight than those in the background. This perception of depth can be controlled by using techniques like leading lines or overlapping objects.
Tip: If you want to balance a heavy object in the foreground, use a large or brightly coloured object in the background to create balance across different planes.
Example: The chunky fence in the foreground of the photo has more visual weight than the little Jacky Robins, but this is balanced by using leading lines to draw our eye towards the pair. The additional light on the birds also helps to illuminate them nicely, creating a more dynamic image.
Orientation and Direction
Objects that appear to have movement or direction (e.g., a running figure, a car in motion) carry more visual weight than static objects, as they engage the viewer’s eye by suggesting motion.
Tip: Use movement to add energy to the composition and to lead the viewer’s eye through the scene. Pay attention to where the direction leads—elements pointing out of the frame may feel unbalanced.
Example: Bird flying across the sky creates a visual flow, leading the eye in the direction of the movement. Always leave some negative space for the bird to 'fly into'. Even when space is tight, I always make sure I have more room in front of the birds than behind them.
Patterns and Repetition
Repeating elements or patterns can accumulate visual weight over time. A series of similar objects (like a row of trees or a line of people) can collectively become visually heavier, even if individual elements are not.
Tip: Use repetition to create rhythm and structure in the composition. To reduce visual weight, break the pattern with a contrasting element.
Example: The criss cross of fence wire has a lot of visual weight, dominating the composition. The Flycatcher peering at us through the wire visually 'breaks' the wire and creates an unusual and engaging photo. Well, provided you're not a purist who won't have any artificial elements in their bird photos anyway... I don't mind wire and fence posts. I grew up in the country 😁
A few more points....
Applying equally to bird photography as well as all other photographic genres, to create a balanced composition, you must distribute visual weight across the frame in a way that feels pleasing to the eye, which has endless possibilities!
Here are a few more techniques and ideas to think about for all kinds of photography.
Symmetrical Balance: When elements of equal visual weight are mirrored on both sides of the frame, creating a sense of calm and order. This is often used in architectural photography or portraits.
Asymmetrical Balance: This involves distributing elements of different visual weights in such a way that they still feel balanced. For example, a large object on one side can be balanced by a smaller, more brightly coloured or detailed object on the other side.
Radial Balance: Elements radiate from a central point, creating a balanced circular arrangement. This type of balance is often seen in nature (e.g., flowers) or in architectural photography (e.g., staircases).
Balance with Negative Space: Sometimes, an empty space in the composition can act as a counterbalance to a visually heavy element. This creates a more minimalist feel but still maintains balance.
Understanding visual weight allows you to create dynamic, engaging compositions that draw the viewer’s attention to where you want it. By adjusting factors like size, colour, contrast and position, you can control the balance of your composition and evoke different moods and experiences. Mastering visual weight is key to effective composition in both photography and art.
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