Film photo club: Focus no. 13

For this month’s focus I want to focus on composition. This has been a topic we’ve touched on before— specifically with framing, using bokeh, and tight crops— but this month I want to focus on symmetry.

When I think of symmetric composition, my mind immediately goes to the films of Wes Anderson. They are films I return to again and again because I find each frame so pleasing.

Perhaps it’s the former accountant in me, but I find there’s something about balance that puts my mind at ease. Our brains are constantly searching for patterns and symmetry provides a sense of order in a chaotic world. When both sides of a composition mirror one another, our eyes know exactly where to look. There’s no visual tug-of-war competing for our attention, just a feeling of harmony.

In photography, symmetry invites the viewer to slow down. Instead of quickly scanning the frame, they’re encouraged to linger, noticing the details, textures, and subtle differences that make the images interesting. It’s a composition that feels intentional and balanced.

• Reflections in lakes or ponds

• Hallways, bridges and tunnels

• Buildings (I love older architecture with plenty of detail and charm)

• Arches

• Fences

• Rows of chairs (at a stadium, on a boat, in a chapel, etc.)

• Bicycle wheels

• Couples face to face

• Rows of crops, orchards, vineyards, etc.

• Repeating umbrellas at a beach

The beauty of symmetry is that it’s easy to spot once you train your eye to look for it. That being said, the challenge doesn’t come from finding symmetry but rather knowing how to photograph it with intention.