Wide-angle Lenses

Tips for Shooting Off-centre Composition

Previously, I posted an article about using Lock Focus and discussed how to lock focus and recompose your frame. Now is an excellent time to discuss Centre vs Off-centre composition.

off-centre composition

Centre Composition

Centre composition creates static images
off-centre composition

Off-centre Composition

Same image as above but off-centre composition.

Should you place your main subject in the centre of the frame or off-centre composition?

The answer to this question is subjective, as it primarily depends on the individual’s personal style and artistic vision. However, it’s worth noting that numerous skilled photographers advocate for the off-centre composition technique, which has the potential to produce photos that are more dynamic and visually captivating. On the other hand, some photographers prefer placing the subject in the centre of the frame, which can create a more static image. Ultimately, choosing between these two methods is a matter of personal preference and the desired effect the photographer wants to achieve.

The following tips help you shoot off-centre effortlessly. 

If you’re looking to take visually appealing photos, you need to understand focus and composition well. One technique that can help you achieve this is “Focus Lock” or “Lock Focus.” 

When taking photos, you may come across situations where your subject is not in the center of the frame. In such cases, if you use the autofocus feature, your camera may focus on something else, resulting in a blurry or out-of-focus image. This is where “Focus Lock” comes in handy.

To use this technique, you need to follow a few simple steps. First, set your camera’s focusing mode to “Single Shot.” Next, position the focusing point in the center of the frame and press the shutter button halfway to activate autofocus. Hold the shutter button to lock the focus once the camera has focused on the subject. 

Now comes the creative part. With the focus locked, you can recompose the shot to place your subject off-center. This adds an interesting element to your photo and makes it visually appealing. Finally, press the shutter button all the way down to take the picture. 

Using “Focus Lock,” you can take clear and focused photos even if your subject is not in the center of the frame. This technique is especially useful when you’re taking portraits or landscape photos.

Off-Centre Composition

Off-centre composition

Composition Tip

The off-centre composition adds more dynamic tone.

2- Change the Focusing Point

To improve your photography skills, try changing the focusing point of your camera. If you tend to shoot off-centre, set the focusing point to the right or left of the frame. This way, your camera will always focus off-centre, producing more creative and exciting shots. Just make sure you are aware of the focus point so you can adjust it accordingly.

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Omnilargess Photography workshops focus on teaching simple yet crucial settings for photography. We cover several in-camera setup skills during our Bootcamp program, which is set to start on March 9, 2024. Our Digital Photography Bootcamp is one of our most popular photography courses. It consists of six classroom sessions and two field trips, all of which are hands-on to make learning fun!
 

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January 25, 2025 9:00 am

That is all for now. Stay tuned for my following photography Tips. We love to hear from you. Let us know if you have any questions; feel free to send us your questions, and we will gladly answer them. Follow us on FacebookInstagram and Twitter for more Free Tutorials and Tips.

Ted and the Omnilargess Team

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