Mastering Symmetrical Photography: Tips and Techniques for Stunningly Balanced Photos

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 21 June 2023 9 min read

Mastering symmetrical photography can truly elevate your work, creating visually captivating images that draw the viewer in. By understanding the principles of symmetry and incorporating them into your photography, you can achieve stunningly balanced photos that are both aesthetically pleasing and engaging. This guide will walk you through the process, from understanding symmetry to finding the perfect subjects and framing your shots. So, let's dive in and explore the world of symmetrical photos together.

Understanding Symmetry

Before we start snapping symmetrical photos, it's important to understand what symmetry is and how it can be utilized in photography. In its simplest form, symmetry is the quality of being made up of exactly similar parts facing each other or arranged around an axis. This balance can be found in various forms in the natural world and human-made objects, making it a versatile and fascinating aspect of photography.

Types of Symmetry

There are several types of symmetry that can be employed in your photography. Here are the most common ones:

Reflection symmetry: Also known as mirror symmetry, this occurs when one half of an image is a mirror image of the other half. This can be achieved by positioning subjects or using reflections in water or glass.
Rotational symmetry: This type of symmetry occurs when an object is rotated around a central point, and the shape remains unchanged. Examples include circular patterns and shapes, like a Ferris wheel or a snowflake.
Translational symmetry: This is when a pattern or shape is repeated at regular intervals, creating a sense of rhythm and consistency. Examples include rows of windows on a building or a patterned wallpaper.

By recognizing these types of symmetry and incorporating them into your work, you'll be well on your way to capturing eye-catching symmetrical photos.

Symmetry in Nature

Symmetry is abundant in the natural world, and recognizing these patterns can help you create stunning images. Some examples of symmetry in nature include:

Flowers: Many flowers exhibit radial symmetry, with petals arranged evenly around a central point. This can make for beautiful macro shots or interesting compositions in landscape photography.
Animals: Some animals, like butterflies and certain bird species, have symmetrical markings or features. Capturing these in your photos can create a sense of harmony and balance.
Trees: Trees often have symmetrical branches, which can provide a unique focal point or framing element in your photos.

As you explore the world around you, keep an eye out for these natural symmetrical forms to elevate your photography.

Choosing the Right Gear

Having the right equipment can make a significant difference in capturing stunning symmetrical photos. From selecting the right camera to using the best lenses and accessories, let's take a look at some essential gear for symmetrical photography.

Camera Selection

While any camera can be used to capture symmetrical photos, some features can make the process easier and more precise. Look for a camera with:

Manual focus: This allows you to fine-tune the focus on your symmetrical subjects, ensuring sharp and clear images.
Grid lines: Many cameras offer grid lines in the viewfinder or on the LCD screen, which can be helpful when aligning and composing symmetrical shots.
High resolution: A high-resolution sensor will capture the fine details of your symmetrical subjects, allowing for more creative cropping and editing in post-processing.

Whether you're using a DSLR, mirrorless, or even a smartphone camera, these features can help you achieve better symmetrical photos.

Lenses for Symmetry

The right lens can make a significant impact on your symmetrical photography. Some lenses to consider include:

Wide-angle lenses: These lenses can capture a large field of view, making them ideal for shooting symmetrical landscapes or architecture.
Macro lenses: For close-up shots of symmetrical subjects, like flowers or small objects, a macro lens will allow you to capture fine details and textures.
Prime lenses: Prime lenses, with a fixed focal length, often have superior optical quality and sharpness compared to zoom lenses, making them a great choice for capturing symmetrical photos.

Experiment with different lenses to find the best fit for your style and subject matter.

Tripods and Stabilizers

Keeping your camera steady is crucial for capturing sharp, symmetrical photos. Consider using these stabilizing tools:

Tripods: A sturdy tripod can help you maintain consistent framing and alignment, ensuring perfect symmetry in your shots. Look for tripods with adjustable legs and a ball head for precise positioning.
Gimbal stabilizers: If you're shooting handheld, a gimbal stabilizer can help reduce camera shake and keep your shots steady.
Remote shutter release: Using a remote shutter release can eliminate camera shake caused by pressing the shutter button, ensuring crisp, clear images.

By incorporating these tools into your photography setup, you'll be able to capture sharp and well-aligned symmetrical photos.

Finding Symmetrical Subjects

Once you've got your gear sorted, it's time to find subjects that lend themselves to symmetrical photography. Keep an eye out for interesting patterns, structures, and natural elements that can be captured with balance and harmony. Here are some ideas for finding symmetry in various subjects:

Architecture and Buildings

Architecture offers a wealth of opportunities for symmetrical photos. Look for:

Facades: Building exteriors often have symmetrical designs and repeating patterns that can create visually stunning images.
Interiors: Inside buildings, you may find symmetrical staircases, hallways, or decorative elements that can make for compelling photographs.
Urban landscapes: Cityscapes often feature a mix of symmetrical and asymmetrical elements. Look for interesting juxtapositions and alignments to create dynamic compositions.

When photographing architecture, pay attention to your angles and perspective to ensure your images are balanced and symmetrical.

Landscapes

Nature offers plenty of opportunities for finding symmetry. Consider these ideas:

Reflections: Bodies of water, like lakes and ponds, can create natural reflections, resulting in perfectly symmetrical photos of the surrounding landscape.
Trees and plants: Many plants, trees, and flowers exhibit symmetrical patterns in their leaves, branches, and petals. Capture these elements up close for striking macro shots or include them in wider landscape compositions.
Geological formations: Natural formations like mountains, rock formations, and sand dunes can sometimes display symmetrical patterns and shapes. Look for interesting formations and use them as focal points in your landscape photos.

When photographing landscapes, consider your viewpoint and composition to emphasize the symmetry in the scene.

Patterns and Textures

Patterns and textures can be found in both man-made and natural environments, and they can add visual interest to your symmetrical photos. Some ideas to explore include:

Textiles and fabrics: Clothing, rugs, and other textiles often have symmetrical designs and patterns that can be photographed up close or as part of a larger scene.
Wallpapers and tiles: Intricate wallpapers and tile work can create mesmerizing symmetrical patterns, perfect for capturing in detail.
Natural textures: Elements like wood grain, leaves, and animal markings can display interesting symmetrical patterns. Get up close to capture the intricate details.

When photographing patterns and textures, consider the lighting and how it affects the appearance of the symmetry in your images.

Composition and Framing

Once you've found your symmetrical subjects, it's crucial to compose and frame your shots in a way that emphasizes the symmetry. Here are some techniques to help you create perfectly balanced and captivating symmetrical photos:

Rule of Thirds

While the rule of thirds is typically used to create asymmetrical compositions, it can also be helpful for framing symmetrical photos. To do this:

Divide your frame into nine equal parts using two horizontal and two vertical lines.
Place the main elements of your symmetrical composition along these lines or at their intersections.
By doing this, you can ensure that your image is well-balanced and visually engaging.

Keep in mind that the rule of thirds is just a guideline, and you can always experiment with different compositions to find what works best for your symmetrical photos.

Leading Lines

Leading lines are a powerful composition technique that can be used to guide the viewer's eye through your symmetrical photos. Use these lines to:

Draw attention to the center of your image and emphasize the symmetry.
Create a sense of depth and dimension in your photos.
Enhance the feeling of balance and harmony in your compositions.

Examples of leading lines include roads, pathways, railings, and architectural elements. Experiment with different angles and perspectives to find the most effective leading lines for your symmetrical photos.

Using Reflections

Reflections can be a powerful tool for creating stunningly symmetrical photos. To make the most of reflections:

Look for calm water sources, like lakes, ponds, or even puddles, to capture clear and sharp reflections.
Shoot during the golden hour or on overcast days to avoid harsh shadows that can disrupt the symmetry.
Try different angles and heights to find the best perspective for your reflection shots.

Don't be afraid to get creative with reflections: you can also use mirrors, windows, or metallic surfaces for a unique take on symmetrical photography.

Post-Processing for Symmetry

Once you've captured your symmetrical photos, there's still work to be done in post-processing. Enhancing your images through editing can help to perfect the symmetry and bring your vision to life. Here are some key techniques to consider:

Cropping and Straightening

Ensuring that your symmetrical photos are perfectly aligned can make a significant difference in the final result. To achieve this:

Use the crop and straighten tools in your preferred photo editing software to adjust the composition and alignment.
Pay attention to the horizontal and vertical lines within your image to make sure they're parallel to the frame's edges.
Remove any distracting elements by cropping them out or using the clone stamp tool.

Taking the time to fine-tune your symmetrical photos in this way can greatly enhance their overall impact and appeal.

Color and Contrast

Adjusting the color and contrast in your symmetrical photos can help to emphasize the symmetry and create a more visually engaging image. Here are some tips:

Boost the contrast to make the symmetrical elements stand out more.
Play with color adjustments, such as saturation and vibrance, to enhance or mute specific colors in the image.
Experiment with color grading techniques to create a unique and cohesive look across your symmetrical photos.

Remember that less is often more when it comes to editing, so be careful not to overdo it and maintain a natural look in your images.

Adding Symmetry in Photoshop

If you want to take your symmetrical photos to the next level, you can use Photoshop or similar software to create or enhance symmetry. Here's how:

Select half of your image and copy it to a new layer.
Flip the copied layer horizontally or vertically, depending on the desired symmetry orientation.
Align the flipped layer with the original to create a perfectly symmetrical composition.
Use layer masks and blending techniques to seamlessly merge the two halves together.

This technique can be especially useful for creating conceptual or surreal images, but be mindful of overusing it, as it can result in unrealistic or overly manipulated symmetrical photos.

Symmetrical Photography Inspiration

Now that you have the tools and techniques to create stunning symmetrical photos, it's time to gather some inspiration. Drawing from the work of famous photographers, social media platforms, and photo challenges can help you develop your unique style and push your creativity to new heights.

Famous Photographers

Studying the work of famous photographers who excel in symmetrical photography can provide valuable insights and ideas for your own work. Some notable photographers to explore include:

Yener Torun: Known for capturing the vibrant architecture of Istanbul, his symmetrical photos often highlight bold colors and geometric patterns.
Romain Tornay: Specializing in landscape and architecture photography, Tornay's work showcases the beauty of symmetry in both natural and man-made environments.
Erik Johansson: A master of surreal and conceptual photography, Johansson's work often incorporates perfect symmetry to create dream-like images.

By examining the work of these photographers and others, you can gain a better understanding of how symmetry can be used effectively and creatively in various genres of photography.

Instagram Accounts to Follow

Instagram is a treasure trove of symmetrical photography inspiration. Following accounts dedicated to this style can help you discover new ideas and stay up-to-date with the latest trends. Some accounts worth following include:

@symmetricalmonsters: Featuring a curated selection of symmetrical photos from photographers around the world, this account showcases a diverse range of subjects and techniques.
@symmetryhunters: Another collection of stunning symmetrical photos, Symmetry Hunters focuses on architecture and urban environments.
@symmetrybreakfast: For a lighthearted take on symmetry, this account features beautifully composed breakfasts arranged with perfect symmetry.

By following these accounts and others like them, you can find a constant source of inspiration for your own symmetrical photos and connect with like-minded photographers.

Photo Challenges

Participating in photo challenges can be a great way to practice your symmetrical photography skills and push your creative boundaries. Many platforms and photography communities host regular challenges with specific themes, including symmetry. Some examples include:

Reddit's /r/photography: This subreddit often hosts weekly photo challenges with various themes for users to submit their best work.
Gurushots: A photography platform where you can participate in various photo challenges and contests, with symmetry occasionally being a featured theme.
52Frames: A weekly photo challenge community that encourages participants to explore different themes and techniques, including symmetrical photography.

By taking part in these challenges, you can receive valuable feedback on your symmetrical photos, discover new ideas, and become part of a supportive community of photographers who share your passion for symmetry.

If you're looking to improve your portrait photography skills, we highly recommend checking out the workshop 'Demystifying Portrait Photography' by Cyn Lagos. This workshop will provide you with the knowledge and techniques needed to take stunning and captivating portraits, helping you take your photography to the next level.