Photo Composition Tip: It Takes Two

In my last article on photography composition, I discussed ways to use three primary subjects to create powerful compositions. And although I have a bit of a soft spot in my heart for three, two subjects can be just as compelling, if you know how to do it right. Compositions with two subjects give you opportunities to capture interesting behavioral interactions when working with animals or people, and lend themselves to simple yet bold designs no matter what type of subject you are working with. Simply put, there are certain things you can’t do with just one—and furthermore, sometimes three’s a crowd!

Related article: Photo Composition Tip: Three is a Magic Number

Related article: Photo Composition Tip: One (Is the Loneliest Number)

In the immortal words of Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock, “It takes two to make a thing go right. It takes two to make it outta sight.” Or, put another way: two can often be the perfect number when you are looking to create dynamic compositions.

Two subjects create opportunities for dynamic interaction.

When two things get together, opportunities arise that just don’t exist when you have only one subject—especially when your two subjects are animals or people! Be on the lookout for interesting interactive behavior, such as fights, a predator chasing its prey, moments of greeting or affection, tenderness between a mother and child, and a whole host of other photogenic activities.

For the photo below, I watched for several minutes as two young jackals played together on the Kalahari plains. I waited for the moment of peak interaction between the two before triggering the shutter, when the two jackals were facing each other with their mouths wide open.

Two similar subjects can be used to create symmetry.

When you have two similar subjects facing off, you have an opportunity to use symmetry as the basis of your composition. The symmetrical treatment of visual elements can bring balance to your visual design, but be careful—too much symmetry can sometimes render your composition somewhat static and uninteresting. When working with symmetrical compositions, keep in mind this simple but effective tool: look for ways to break up the symmetry. Any element that diverges from the symmetrical pattern will automatically become a strong focal point for the viewer, immediately attracting attention and therefore helping to create visual energy.

For this photo below of scarred elephant seals battling for dominance on the shore, I waited for the moment when both seals reared fully up, their jaws agape. One seal, however, is a bit taller than the other, breaking somewhat the symmetry of the composition. Also, the diagonal lines formed by the colorful clouds in the background further disrupt the symmetry, making the composition much more dynamic.

Look to juxtapose two subjects in a counterpoint relationship.

Visual counterpoint occurs when one element of a composition is set up in contrast with another. Counterpoint is a way of positioning two subjects within the image frame, relying on the spatial relationship between visual elements to create compositional structure and interest. I find that counterpoint usually works best when the two visual elements are juxtaposed in a diagonal relationship.

For example, with the photo below, the foreground bear is (mostly) in the lower left of the image frame, with the background bear in the upper right. This creates an energetic visual relationship between the two elements, forcing the viewer’s eye to bounce back and forth and therefore prolonging and enhancing interest in the composition (which is a good thing).

Conclusion

Learning how to effectively work with two subjects requires an understanding of the concepts of symmetry and counterpoint, which lend themselves to simple yet graphic compositions. Also, when photographing two living subjects, be on the lookout for opportunities to capture interesting behavioral interactions.

Want to learn more?

If you are interested in taking your photos to the next level, then check out Visual Flow, my critically acclaimed eBook/video bundle on photographic composition. This is a great resource, but don’t just take it from me – here’s what others have said about it:

“Ian Plant has done the best job I have seen in explaining the secrets of good composition.” —Landscape Photography Magazine

“Visual Flow is one of the most comprehensive e-books I’ve ever read on the topic of composition. In fact, I would say this book might completely revitalize your photography.” —PhotoWhoa

“Ian Plant’s eBook Visual Flow: Mastering the Art of Composition belongs on the digital bookshelf of every serious photographer.” —PhotographyTricks.com