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Back to Basics: 10
Composition Rules
in Photography

P
Information source hotography is all about creativity, inspiration, and sharing your
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© 2009-2019 unique artistic vision. With all the freedom, is there really any space
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for rules? Yes! Photography composition rules should always be kept
Visual Communication, in mind because they are fundamental in excelling as a photographer. Your
the Centre for Media
Studies Jyoti Nivas College basic knowledge of photography composition rules will give you the tools to
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experiment as you work on improving and establishing your style.

Even if you know all these photography composition rules well, polishing up
on some basics might just ignite a spark of creativity in you. Let’s take a look at
all the composition rules that exist out there, and figure out how you can work
towards embracing (or breaking) them.

Keep in mind that you can buy images in this article to have a small reminder
of the 10 simple rules of composition in photography.

What is a composition in photography?

As in visual arts, composition in photography is simply the arrangement of
visual elements within a frame. The term composition literally means ‘putting
together’. So, to get the perfect shot, the photographer has to organize all
objects in a scene.

Why is composition important in photography?

This may come as a surprise to many, but photo composition is as important
as the technical side of a photoshoot. Suppose a photographer arranges the
visual elements within a frame, complying with the rules of composition. In
this case, a viewer’s eye will automatically be drawn to the most significant and
interesting parts of the image. A well-composed shot will stand out from the
rest and aid in distinguishing a great photographer from a good photographer.
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5 Basic elements of composition in photography

To enrich images and make them more visually appealing, photographers
utilize a variety of compositional elements. Patterns, textures, lines, shapes,
forms, color, tone, contrast, depth, frames, symmetry, asymmetry, depth
of field, viewpoint, negative space, positive space, and visual tension are
among them. Read on to learn about the five basic elements of composition in
photography.

1. Shape
. . .is a two-dimensional compositional element of photography that can define
a subject or a structure. It can be organic, like a person, animal, plant, or
geometric, like a square, circle, or triangle. When different shapes intersect and
overlap, they can unite to create a new shape. They can also surround an area,
forming another shape.
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2. Form
. . .is created when the shape becomes three dimensional. This can be done
by adding depth to a photo through lighting and perspective. Thus, when the
shape and shadows collide, we see touchable contours brought out by the tonal
range.
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3. Texture
. . .is a compositional element of photography that adds another layer of depth
to an image, making it more real and perceptible. Texture itself can be the
subject of a photo, such as an ice surface or patterns on leaves. Alternatively,
texture can be part of the composition, adding dimension and weight to your
image and giving it a sense of reality.

4. Color
. . .is characterized by hue, saturation, and luminance. Each variable can
influence not only the composition of a photograph, but also its mood. By
experimenting with various colors in the frame, you can put visual weight
on the specific part of the image. Black and white photography can help
show contrast, highlight emotions, or emphasize key visual elements in your
photographs.
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5. Positive and negative space.

The scale and arrangement of the elements and objects in the frame affect
the viewer’s perception of the picture. By effectively using space in your
photographs, you can convey a certain mood or draw the viewer’s eye to an
interesting or significant part of the image. Positive space refers to the subject
or areas.
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10 Rules of composition to follow for the best shots

1. RULE OF THIRDS
With the rule of thirds, you have to train yourself to split your camera screen
into a grid. Keep in mind the key points of intersection, and place important
elements along those lines for visual appeal. This asymmetric composition
in photography works well for any genre including landscapes, still-life
photography, and portraits.

In this still-life image, the photographer employed the most common way of
using the rule of thirds by placing the main subject in the center. However, you
can put it off-center as seen in the picture below. The photographer positioned
a tree with a model near the grid intersection at the bottom left angle, drawing
the viewer’s attention to them and creating a more interesting composition.

Useful hint. Turn on your camera’s rule-of-thirds grid to improve your

photography skills.
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2. THE GOLDEN RATIO

The Golden Ratio differentiates from the rule of thirds by the balance of the
photograph. Here, the focus of the photograph is more towards the center
(with more details). The roots of this rule go back centuries and can be found
in notable works of art. In essence, it is the perfect balance with a ratio of
1 to 1.618, and you can search for this to understand the proportions in
photography, architecture, and art.

Instead of nine equal rectangles, the frame is divided into a sequence of

squares that form a Golden Spiral, also known as the Fibonacci Spiral, which
resembles a shell. The spiral guides the viewer’s eye around the frame and
shows how the scene should develop.
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3. LEADING LINES
Take advantage of the structures and lines in landscapes. Use them in
proportion to your subjects to lead the eye into the picture. A centered and
symmetrical photography composition is the most preferable one in this case;
it helps the viewer focus on your subject or object.

Everything can serve as leading lines: rivers, dunes, waves, roads, paths,
bridges, fences, staircases, hallways, patterns, etc. Furthermore, leading lines
do not necessarily have to be straight. In our example, we utilized a spiral
staircase to lead the viewer’s eye to the point of interest in the frame and create
a more beautiful image composition.

Exposure hint. Some fabulous lines might be seen with unusual exposure
compensation.
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4. DIAGONALS
One thing about diagonal lines that differentiates it from other composition
techniques is that the lines help create movement in the photograph, even
when your subjects are still. This is a great tip for photographers that want to
step outside of perfect compositions, yet still create appealing photography
compositions with the help of diagonal lines.

In our example, diagonal lines assist in emphasizing perspective and add

dynamics to the photo. The subject in the image appears still, yet you can tell
that he is ready to move.

Diagonals hint. Your composition will look chaotic if you include too many
diagonal lines in the frame.
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5. FRAME WITHIN A FRAME

As you plan how to frame your shots, consider that outside structures can
serve as natural frames. This can be things like windows, doors, or arches, so
use them to your advantage! This composition in photography is also called
frame within the frame. What makes a photograph like this interesting is that it
is soothing to the eye.

The photographer added layers and depth to the scene in the image above by
placing the subject in the arch. Note that frames don’t necessarily have to be
man-made and fully surround your subject. You can also use tree trunks and
hanging tree branches for a frame within a frame photo composition technique.
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6. FIGURE TO GROUND
Try to focus on your subjects and make them stand out by narrowing in on the
contrast between the subject and the background. The more contrast, the more
dramatic your shots, and the more prominent your subject. A winning photo
composition is one in which your main subject is isolated due to the contrast
solution.

Our picture is a perfect example of the figure to ground photographic

composition. The main subject contrasts with the background, making
the model stand out. This effect can also be achieved with a contrast light
difference, where more light falls on the subject than on the backdrop.
Alternatively, you can find a subject that is lighter than your background and
place it in the same light.

Hint for photography composition with two subjects in the photo. Use the Golden
Ratio rule or the rule of thirds to balance your image.
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7. FILL THE FRAME

To fill the frame, your subject should occupy a significant portion of your
image, leaving no or little space around it. This way, the photographer removes
all distractions, allowing the viewer to focus on the main subject and explore
every detail.

Get up close and personal with your subjects. Have them fill in the frame so
that they are the focus and the dominant feature of the photograph. Note how
in this photo composition example, the background was used as a pattern to fill
in the frame.

Useful hint. Use a zoom lens to help fill the frame.

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8. CENTER DOMINANT EYE

When photographing people, place their dominant eye in the center of the
photograph. This makes the picture more luring as it appears that the subject’s
eyes are following the viewer.

Look at our photo and try tilting to the side or scrolling the image up or down.
You’ll notice that the subject’s eyes are always following your movement.
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9. PATTERNS AND REPETITION

There is a reason why we love patterns – they are aesthetically pleasing to the
eye. Another aspect to explore: include something in your photograph that
interrupts a pattern, adding an element of surprise.

In our case, a man-made pattern provides an attractive composition. However,

you can look for repetitions and patterns created by nature, such as an alley of
trees, dunes, or waves.

Useful hint. Try to break the pattern. The imperfection will add interest to the
image and draw the viewer’s attention.
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10. SYMMETRY AND ASYMMETRY

There is beauty, simplicity and a certain type of elegance in a photograph
that is perfectly symmetrical. It’s pleasing to the eye and a sure way to catch
the attention of many. The same goes for a slight variation of the style;
asymmetrical shots that include empty space for visual interest (use the first
photo composition rule in this list to find out where to place your subject).

Depending on the scene – symmetry can be something to go for – or to avoid

completely. In this aerial shot below, the photographer captured horizontal
symmetry, creating a strong point of interest and drawing the viewer’s eye to
all parts of the photo.

Useful hint. You can use reflections in your photos. They allow you to reposition
the symmetry axis in the image.
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Wrapping Up

These are just 10 of the most noteworthy rules of

composition in photography. But how do you improve your
photography composition skills if none of these principles
are applicable? All things aside, you know better than
anyone else that rules are meant to be broken. The
most important thing is that you develop your personal
photography style, as well as push forward your aesthetics
and your unique vision. That’s the one rule you should
stand by 100% of the time. However, before that, you need
to know the rules first.
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