B - Balance: Achieving Harmony in Composition

A balanced image can easily hold a viewer's attention, as the central message is clearly conveyed. 

(Image Credit: Sean Stratton)

Balance is one of the most fundamental concepts in photographic composition. It refers to the way visual elements are arranged within a frame to create a sense of stability, harmony, and equilibrium. Just as in physical balance, where different weights are distributed to keep an object stable, visual balance in photography involves arranging elements so that no single part of the image overpowers the others, leading to a visually pleasing and coherent photograph. Balance guides the viewer's eye through the image, creating a comfortable and complete sense of order.

Just as we seek balance in our daily lives, achieving balance within a photographic frame is equally important. 

(Image Credit: Oksana Taran)

Visual balance is not just about symmetry or equal distribution. It involves understanding how each element in a frame interacts with others in terms of size, color, texture, and placement. When all these elements work together cohesively, the result is a balanced image that feels natural and inviting. On the other hand, an unbalanced composition can feel chaotic or unsettling, making it more difficult for viewers to engage with the photograph. Understanding how to achieve balance is essential for creating images that resonate with viewers on both a visual and emotional level.

This image shows the wood pattern with balanced composition.

(Image Credit Jude Infantini)

There are different types of balance that photographers can use to create impactful images. Symmetrical balance involves creating a mirror-like effect, where elements on either side of the frame are arranged similarly, producing a sense of formal stability. This type of balance is often used in architectural and portrait photography to convey elegance, strength, or harmony. Symmetrical balance can be particularly effective when photographing buildings, bridges, or other structures where precision and formality are key themes. In portrait photography, symmetrical balance can be used to create a sense of harmony and strength, such as positioning the subject in the center of the frame with equal elements on either side. It provides a sense of order and perfection that can evoke feelings of grandeur and stability.

Symmetrical balance can be vertical, horizontal, or diagonal. For architectural shots, it is usually vertical.

(Image Credit: Luke Besley)

Asymmetrical balance, on the other hand, involves balancing elements of differing visual weights to create a more dynamic and interesting composition. This can be achieved by positioning a large object on one side of the frame and balancing it with smaller or less prominent elements on the opposite side. Though not identical, the visual weights of the elements create equilibrium, giving a more relaxed, natural feel to the image. Asymmetrical balance often makes an image feel more engaging because it adds an element of unpredictability. By carefully considering the visual weight of different elements, such as their size, color, and texture, photographers can create compositions that feel balanced but still retain a sense of movement and energy. For example, placing a large, brightly colored tree on one side of the frame and balancing it with a smaller group of people or a distant object on the other side can create an engaging asymmetrical balance that draws the viewer in.

Asymmetrical balance can be achieved in still photography by using more vs. less elements.

(Image Credit: Neha Deshmukh)

Radial balance is another technique where elements radiate out from a central point. This type of balance draws the viewer's eye into the center of the image and is commonly used when photographing subjects like flowers, spirals, or architectural features like domes. Radial balance can create a powerful sense of movement and focus, giving the viewer a sense of being drawn into the core of the subject. This type of balance is particularly useful when you want to emphasize a central subject or create a sense of depth and perspective. By using radial balance, photographers can create images that feel both dynamic and cohesive, with all the elements working together to lead the viewer’s eye toward a focal point.

Staircase shots taken from above or below are common examples of radial balance composition.

(Image Credit: Sven Read)

Mastering balance in composition allows photographers to guide the viewer's attention and evoke specific emotions. A well-balanced image feels harmonious and complete, making it easier for viewers to engage with the subject. When used effectively, balance can help tell a story, convey a mood, or simply provide a sense of order in what might otherwise be a chaotic scene. For example, in a street photography setting, achieving balance between people, buildings, and other elements can create a more compelling narrative that draws viewers in and helps them understand the context of the scene. Balance is also a useful tool for evoking specific emotions — symmetry might convey tranquility, while asymmetry might convey excitement or tension.

What balancing technique is used in this image?

(Image Credit: Ryoji Iwata)

To practice creating balanced compositions, try experimenting with different types of balance in your photos. Notice how symmetrical compositions convey formality, while asymmetrical ones feel more spontaneous. Symmetrical balance might work well for a serene landscape, with the horizon line perfectly dividing the sky and land, while asymmetrical balance could be more effective for a candid portrait, where the subject is placed off-center to create a more natural, relaxed atmosphere. Similarly, try using radial balance when photographing flowers or other circular patterns, and observe how this draws the viewer's eye toward the center.

In landscape photography, keeping everything horizontally straight is essential to evoke a sense of natural balance.

(Image Credit: Sam Quek)

Another important aspect of balance is the use of negative space — the empty or unoccupied areas within a frame. Negative space can be a powerful tool to achieve balance, as it provides breathing room for the main subject and prevents the composition from feeling overcrowded. It also helps emphasize the subject by drawing the viewer's attention directly to it, creating a clear focal point. Additionally, negative space can contribute to the emotional tone of the image, evoking feelings of calmness, simplicity, or even loneliness, depending on how it is used. By balancing the subject with areas of negative space, photographers can create a sense of simplicity and elegance that enhances the overall impact of the image. For instance, placing a lone subject against a large, empty background can create a striking composition that emphasizes isolation or tranquility.

Negative space vs. positive space: another technique for achieving balance.

(Image Credit: RoonZ Nl)

By understanding and using balance thoughtfully, you can create images that are both visually appealing and emotionally resonant, leading to a deeper connection with your audience. Balance is a tool that can transform a good photograph into a great one by ensuring that all elements of the composition work together seamlessly. Whether you are photographing a bustling cityscape, a serene landscape, or an intimate portrait, mastering the art of balance will help you create images that captivate and engage viewers, making them want to explore every detail of your work.

A photo is often composed of a mix of these balancing techniques. Can you identify some in this image?

(Image Credit: NEOM)

Written By Jacky Lee, Founder of PSHKA.