Symmetry. It’s a simple word, but one that holds great weight in the world of art and design. In wedding and portrait photography, symmetry can be the defining factor that transforms a good photograph into a masterpiece. The use of symmetry can evoke emotions of harmony, unity, and balance. It can provide a sense of stability in an image, highlighting moments and expressions while simultaneously painting a picture of equilibrium.  In this article, we’ll showcase beautiful examples of symmetry from our collection of photographers and discuss the different ways this technique is used to create incredible artwork.

Photo by Jason Vinson (Website | Wedding Maps Profile)

What is Symmetry?

At its core, symmetry refers to a balance and harmony in a composition. In photography, it can mean mirroring an image or subject, either horizontally or vertically. A common example is a reflection in water or a mirror, where the top half mirrors the bottom. But symmetry is not just limited to exact mirroring; it can also mean balanced arrangement of elements that may not be identical but appear harmoniously proportioned.

Photo by Jeff Tisman (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Pleasantdale Chateau in West Orange, NJ

Why Symmetry in Wedding and Portrait Photography?

Telling a Balanced Story: Weddings are about unity and balance – two souls joining together in harmony. What better way to represent that than with a symmetrical composition? A couple standing equidistant on either side of a central point, or a bride and groom reflected in a still lake, tells a visual story of their union and balance.

Photo by Charles Moll (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Hyalite Canyon in Bozeman, Montana

Attention to Detail: Symmetry often requires an eye for precision. For a photo to look harmoniously balanced, the elements must be carefully considered, and small shifts in the angle or perspective can make or break a photo.

Photo by Vow of the Wild (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at San Juan Mountain Range in Colorado

Aesthetic Appeal: Symmetrical compositions are naturally pleasing to the eye. The brain is drawn to patterns and balance, making symmetrical wedding photos instantly captivating.

Photo by Tekoa Rose Photo (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Deepwood Museum and Garden in Salem, Oregon

Creates a Sense of Grandeur: Using symmetry, by placing the couple centrally and using the grand surroundings equally on both sides, photographers can create a sense of grandeur and significance.

Photo by Mattie Wezah (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Wren Building at William and Mary College in Williamsburg, Virginia

Common Scenes for Symmetry in Wedding and Portrait Photography

Symmetrical scenes with Greenery: Nature is often symmetrical. Gardens, avenues lined with trees, or a trail leading through a forest can provide a balanced backdrop for couples or individuals.

Photo by Picturist Photography (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at San Francisco Botanical Gardens in Golden Gate Park.

Symmetrical scenes with Artwork: Public sculptures, murals, or any large-scale artwork can be a focal point that underscores a symmetrical composition.

Photo by Courtland Photography (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Dairy Block in Denver, CO

Buildings with Symmetry: Whether modern skyscrapers or heritage structures, buildings often have a balanced design that can be capitalized upon in a shot.

Photo by Luzye Photography (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Old Orange County Courthouse in Santa Ana, CA

Building Interiors with symmetry: Grand staircases, hallways, or rooms symmetrically furnished can elevate a photo’s aesthetic.

Photo by Roy Serafin (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Union Station in Chicago, IL

Light patterns with symmetry: Light patterns in nature, with string lights, or with a photographer’s own flashes can create interesting symmetrical patterns and scenes.

Photo by SMJ Photography (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Grandview Vineyard in Mount Joy, PA

Churches with Symmetry: With their aisles, altars, and stained glass windows, churches inherently exude balance.

Photo by Andy Sidders Photography (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at St Albans Cathedral in St Albans UK

Caves with Symmetry: The natural formations within caves can provide an enchanting, symmetrical backdrop.

Photo by Sean Thurston (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Melrose Caverns in Harrisonburg, VA

Symmetry with large windows: Large windows, especially in older buildings, offer a frame within a frame, producing layers of symmetry.

Photo by 4 Eyes Photography (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Fairmont Banff Spring in Banff, Alberta Canada

Symmetry with arches: Arches, be it in ruins, churches, or historic buildings, provide a curved, balanced structure that complements a central subject.

Photo by Michael Freas (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, FL

Symmetrical using reflective water: Lakes, pools, or even puddles can mirror subjects, creating perfect symmetrical compositions.

Photo by Andy Madea Photo (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Mountain Top Inn in Chittenden, Vermont

More beautiful examples of symmetry in wedding and engagement photography

Photo by Larsen Photo Co (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Maroon Bells Amphitheater in Aspen, CO

Photo by PMC Photography (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at San Clemente State Beach in San Clemente, California

Photo by Jeff Tisman (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Pleasantdale Chateau in West Orange NJ

Photo by Green Apple Weddings (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at The Barn at McCall Springs in Harrodsburg, Kentucky

Photo by In Love and Adventure (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) in Philadelphia, PA

Photo by Ladman Studios (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at St. Elizabeth Parish in Ludlow MA

Photo by Zack Bradley (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Cliffs of Glassy Chapel in Greenville, SC

Photo by Lets Make a Memory (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at The Richland OC in Orange, CA

Photo by Bob Kniley (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Fig Hollow Event Barn in Rochester, NY

Photo by Jessie and Dallin (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, UT

Photo by Magda Moiola (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Piazza Tirano in Tirano Italy

Photo by Kevin Heslin (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Vista Hermosa Estate in Manuel Antonio Costa Rica

Photo by JCM Photography (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Firelight Farm in Bozeman, MT

Photo by Laurentiu Nica (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Oradea in Bihor Romania

Photo by Nix Weddings (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Big Chill in Charlotte, North Carolina

Photo by Party of Two (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Triple C Barrel Room in Charlotte, NC

Photo by We The Light (Website | Wedding Maps Profile) at Lake Dillon in Dillon, CO

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