Tamron Blog: Simplicity In Symmetry

Symmetry is something the human eye and brain likes and if you use it in your photos, you can create images that people can't help but look at. When used right, you can actually create very visually powerful, as well as interesting, images that the brain sees as balanced and in a way, harmonious and as we've said, it's something that we humans just like to see. 

When you start looking for patterns and symmetry, they're compositional tools that are, actually, really easy to find. Think landscapes reflected in mirror-like lakes, butterfly wings, tunnels, lines in architecture... the list is rather long when you starting flicking through ideas. 

The above landscape was captured at the coast and it's a rather simple shot of a harbour entrance but the lighthouses on either side of the image, combined with the even distance the harbour walls reach in from the sides create a symmetrical image that's very pleasing to the eye. The muted, pastel shades along with the calm waters also evoke a sense of calm which, when compared with the symmetry, creates an image you're happy to look at for quite some time. 

We didn't head out with capturing symmetrical themed images in-mind, it was something we just started to think about once we had this one saved to our memory card and 'seeing' patterns soon became pretty easy after this. 

We were armed with the Tamron 16-300mm lens as when strolling around, it's better to have a lightweight lens that offers a variety of focal lengths rather than a bag full of kit. 

If you want to capture your own seaside symmetry shots, now's actually a good time to head for the coast as it won't be full of tourists and day trippers. You might also be able to capture some images of stormy seas to add another level of interest to your coastal shots, too.