Bilateral Symmetry Improves Image Balance

Symmetry Helps to
Emphasize Your Subject

Use bilateral symmetry to create strong, balanced digital photo compositions. Bilaterally symmetric images reflect across a single axis, usually horizontal or vertical, as if the axis were a mirror. Imagine photographing an open book, the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, or the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

Review these examples for ideas of how to use symmetry in your digital photography.

When you're done with this page, check out radial symmetry to carry the theme further.

Dinah

For a symmetrical example that grabs your attention, look at the photograph of the Border Collie, Dinah. The vertical axis of the image bisects her face almost perfectly. While she has some non-symmetric markings, they don't create an uncomfortable imbalance as in the second battleship photo on the Rule of Thirds page.

Minolta Dimage 7Hi, Built-in Zoom @ 31mm
ISO 200, 1/125s, f/3.5
Head-on shot emphasizes strength of character.
Mouse over to see line of symmetry and rule-of-thirds alignments.

Centered portraits often tend to be ordinary, but this one works because of its intensity. Border Collies are intelligent working dogs, well-know for the depth of their stare. Framing Dinah closely clearly captures the force of that stare.

The rule of thirds does not escape this photograph. Dinah's pupils center on the thirds' intersection points, while her nose intersects the lower horizontal third-line.

Orchid

Nature offers many examples of bilateral symmetry, as in this orchid. Presented head-on, as in the first image, the orchid's symmetrical structure engages the eye. As with Dinah, there is a rule-of-thirds element, as well, with the "mouth" of the orchid intersecting the lower third-line.

Minolta Dimage 7Hi, Built-in Zoom @ 51mm
ISO 200, 1/180s, f/4.5
Flowers are great examples of symmetry, although the bilateral symmetry of the orchid is less common than radial symmetry in other flowers.

Selective cropping can put a different perspective on a symmetrical subject. The second orchid image puts the focus on the "mouth" of the orchid, moving it off-center to the upper-left third-point. This creates an overall non-symmetrical image balance based upon the rule-of-thirds, but using an otherwise symmetrical subject.

Orchid showing offset bilateral symmetry

Minolta Dimage 7Hi, Built-in Zoom @ 51mm
ISO 200, 1/180s, f/4.5
Add interest to symmetrical images by moving the subject's center to a third point.

Think about which composition works best, and why. There is no best answer - but it helps to think about which works best for you.

Jumbo Jet

For a man-made example of bilateral symmetry, check out these Jumbo Jet photographs.

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Bilateral Symmetry Improves Image Balance

Symmetry Helps to Emphasize Your Subject

Dinah

Orchid

Jumbo Jet

Symmetry Helps to
Emphasize Your Subject