Like a lot of Renderosity members, I have created more composition renders than I could possibly count. No way to put an overall number on those things as some of us make multiple renders of the same composition before releasing one.

In this case, by composition, I mean the makeup of the scene. The layout of the subjects, props, vegetation, lighting, and other factors. I’m not talking about using something like After Effects to layer composites with VFX or artistic elements even though a lot of this applies there as well.

Vendors find out that image composition is very important to gather interest in a new product or their online storefront, right down to the product thumbnails. We discussed the importance of Search Engine Optimization (SEO) in a previous article and just like good SEO practices, good image/render composition practices can help create more interest by catching the eye of the viewer when a thumbnail is on a page.

While I have taught composition in articles and tutorials there is a lot to keep up with, so I once again went to the search engines and chat tools to help quantify the bullet points with several sources using the same query.  What follows is a list of common items amongst the results that, compared with my own experience, sum up what to keep in mind when creating a scene that will resonate with as large an audience as possible.

• The Rule of Thirds is a fundamental principle of composition that applies not only to 3D rendering but also to traditional art and photography. The concept involves dividing the image into nine equal parts using two horizontal and two vertical lines, creating four intersection points. Placing key elements of the scene on or near these points adds balance and visual interest to the composition. For instance, the focal point of your 3D scene, such as a character or an important object, can be strategically positioned on one of these points to draw the viewer's attention and make the image more engaging.

• Rule of Odds: When placing multiple objects or characters in a scene, try to use an odd number (e.g., three, five) rather than an even number. Odd numbers tend to create a more visually appealing and balanced composition.

• Rule of Simplicity: Avoid cluttering your scene with too many elements. Keep the composition clean and focused by removing unnecessary objects or details that do not contribute to the main subject or story.

• Lighting and Shadows: Proper lighting and shadows can dramatically impact the mood and atmosphere of your 3D scene. Different lighting techniques, such as three-point lighting or HDRI (High Dynamic Range Imaging) lighting, can be employed to achieve specific effects. Soft lighting can create a gentle and calming ambiance, while harsh lighting can add drama and intensity. Shadows, on the other hand, contribute to the depth of the scene and help establish a connection between the elements in the composition. Experimenting with various lighting setups and shadow positioning can significantly influence the overall look and feel of your 3D render.

• Balance: Distribute the visual weight of your scene evenly to create balance. Avoid overcrowding one side of the scene with elements and leave empty or negative space to counterbalance the visual elements.
• Focal Point: Establish a clear focal point or main subject in your scene. This could be a character, an object, or a specific area of interest. Ensure that the focal point is visually prominent and stands out from the rest of the scene.

• Framing: Consider using natural or architectural elements within the scene to frame your subject. This can help draw attention to the main subject and add visual interest to the composition.

• Color and Contrast: Utilize color and contrast to create visual impact. Experiment with complementary or contrasting color schemes to add vibrancy and harmony to your scene. Ensure that the colors support the overall mood and story of the composition.

• Experiment and Iterate: Don't be afraid to experiment and iterate on your scene composition. Try different camera angles, lighting setups, and arrangements of objects to find the most compelling composition. Take the time to review and refine your work to achieve the desired result.

• Render Settings: The renderer needs to be configured before generating the final image. Settings include things like resolution, aspect ratio, anti-aliasing, ray depth, ambient occlusion, motion blur, etc. Higher values for these settings will take longer to render but produce higher-quality results.

There were a lot of rules at the start of all this and we all know rules are made to be broken but like cliches, they exist for a reason. They can be the foundation of good art that presents your artistic vision, product, or demo image in its best light.  

It’s also how we’ve trained the public over the years to view images.  Like good animation, viewers have high standards honed by years of consuming content with high production values. How well your image compositions are embraced by a large audience relies on a lot of factors, but the points listed create a great roadmap to an eye-pleasing and eye-catching end result.

A great composition rendered properly just might draw more attention than a great product or artistic vision with a poor composition. Along with lighting and proper render settings, the composition can make or break an image or scene because of that ever-important “first impression”.