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Symmetrical

Symmetrical

Discovering Balance in Everyday Scenes


Symmetrical composition, unlike the Rule of Thirds, is self-explanatory upon a glance. Our daily lives are filled with numerous symmetrical elements, whether inherent in objects or created through discovery. When we aim to showcase symmetry in our photos, symmetrical composition becomes a powerful tool.

Symmetrical composition showcasing architectural reflection, captured with an iPhone.

In addition to naturally occurring symmetrical scenes, we can also create symmetry ourselves.

One of the most common methods is using reflections, which can be found in glass surfaces, water bodies, and more. When capturing such photos, position your phone’s lens as close to the reflective surface as possible. For example, when photographing a water surface, align the top of your phone close to the water level. This perspective reveals details unseen by the naked eye in daily life, as most people don’t typically lean close to the water to observe their surroundings.

Symmetrical composition utilizing a puddle on the ground for an intriguing twist, taken with an iPhone.

You don’t necessarily need a large reflective surface to achieve symmetry; sometimes, a small puddle or even pouring a bit of water onto the ground can suffice. This photo utilized a puddle on the ground to capture a symmetrical composition. This approach adds an intriguing twist.