Why does symmetry work?

Symmetry is one of the five main parts that make up the composition of every shot. This is possibly the easiest to understand of the five pieces of the puzzle so today we'll take a larger look at this tool in action, and how to guide your viewers attention through your shot. An equilibrium gained with this practice makes our photos easier to look at and therefore is an effective tool for athletic photographers to create balanced shots.

Let's take a look at a photo with strong proportional symmetry.

Finding Coherence in the Chaos

In this example, we have a shot of the starters sitting on the bench before their big game with their cross town rivals. We have five players split down the middle with two empty chairs on each side of them, with two lines of players of both sides. This shot is as symmetrical as sports photography can get.

What makes finding balance in photos so essential is the rhythm to the eyes. This shot excels because it instantly draws viewers' eyes to the middle player before guiding them outward evenly. The symmetry naturally captures attention, creating a strong focus on the subject.

Finding symmetry in athletic media isn't easy. Sports are an ever changing environment and symmetry is a fickle thing. If my shot is even slightly off balance, it can completely disrupt the composition. This balance is something you have to prepare for and search for. Rarely will balance just fall into your lap.

This is another photo with symmetrical harmony. With the single student in the middle, one directly behind and two holding up towels to either side, this photo has the same effect as the last one. People's eyes are drawn into the center of the symmetry and then outward from there.

This tool is effective in creating a point of interest for the viewer to see first, and then explore the photo on their own once we draw them in.

5 Composition Tips for Sports Photography - Lloyd Belcher Visuals