I don’t know about you, but when I think of composition in photography, I think of the Rule of Thirds, framing, and leading lines. I do NOT think about Juxtaposition and the Rule of Odds. I admit, before I began thinking through this lesson, these two concepts never even crossed my mind to use as composition techniques. But… I am so thankful that I researched these two techniques, because I’m sure I will use them in the future. They are both very useful methods to create an appealing photo for your viewer.

Juxtaposition is a composition technique where the photographer uses two or more objects or concepts to create contrast in an image. This technique can be simple or complex as it shows the relationship between unlike elements.  It can also be a very effective way to tell a story in your photograph. 

Some examples of juxtaposition in photography can be:

• scale
• color
• concept
• irony
• mood
• age
• size
• dark/light
• shapes
• activities
• position

The first step in creating a juxtaposing photograph is to identify the two or more subjects in the frame. They should have a strong and purposeful presence, so that the viewer knows exactly who or what is to be contrasted in the photo.  

After identifying the subjects, frame them in a way that will give the viewer enough context to understand what is happening in the scene.  A wide angle lens could be a good choice to include some of the subjects’ surroundings to give context.

Finally, get rid of all distracting elements in the frame that will take away from the story you are trying to tell through juxtaposition. A simple scene is usually better for framing a juxtaposing situation.

In my opinion, one of the best results of juxtaposition is that it causes the viewer to pause and look longer at the photo to consider its message.

The Rule of Odds says that photographers should use an odd number of elements or subjects in their photographs because it creates balance. Our brains find odd numbers of subjects more pleasant to view because we are always mentally trying to pair even amounts of items together. Odd amounts of subjects allow our eyes to flow over the photograph, instead of getting stuck on subconsciously “pairing” the subjects. I look at this concept as more of a guideline than a rule. Sometimes it is effective, and other times the photographer should just go with his gut and override the rule.  

Take a look at the two photographs below. Which do you find more appealing? Do you like the one with the two vases or three? Most people would say that they find the one with three vases more appealing because with the two vases, your brain is working to pair them, instead of just flowing over the image.

Odd numbers of subjects also allow the viewer’s eye to gently move over the photo, instead of hopping back and forth from subject to subject. Check out these two LEGO guys in the photograph below. There are two subjects in the photograph, which means your eyes are probably moving back and forth from subject to subject.

Now look what happens when another guy is added. Your eye easily flows over the frame, instead of getting caught up in bouncing back and forth.

Using three elements in the frame is the most effective way to use the Rule of Odds. When greater odd numbers are added, the individual subjects become lost, and our brains interpret the subjects as being a group, no matter if there is an odd or even amount of subjects.

The Rule of Odds isn’t always practical, especially if you have four kids, like I do. One way to have an even amount of subjects in your scene and still create a sense of “odds”, is by grouping some of your subjects. I’ll use the handy LEGO guys to illustrate again. There are four guys in the below photo, but I’ve paired two of them to be facing each other, so that there are effectively three “groups” of subjects that the viewer sees.

This trick could be used in family photos with even numbers of subjects as well. Have a pair of subjects hold hands, go piggyback, or simply turn toward each other to create a sense of odd groupings within the photo.

Again, use this “rule” at your discretion, but keep it in mind when you set up your shots to create the best sense of balance in your photos.

Although we often don’t hear about using Juxtaposition and the Rule of Odds in our photography, these composition techniques can give the viewer reason to pause and find your photos appealing.  I look forward to seeing your practice shots using these techniques over on the Facebook page!

Written by Sarah Bednar