33 Photography Composition Techniques To Master| Complete Guide

What is composition in photography? What are the different photo compositions used by professional photographers? Is my composition good or bad? These are some of the questions that often arise in the mind of an amateur photographer. If you are looking for answers, then this guide is for you. It will help you to learn everything about popular image composing techniques used by many famous photographers.

What is Composition in Photography?

Composition is everything in photography. It refers to how a photographer arranges different subjects and elements within the frame. The composition can include more or fewer elements. It is up to the person behind the camera to decide what needs to be in the image.

There is also a famous photography quote about photo composition. 

“Beauty can be seen in all thing, seeing and composing the beauty is what separates the snapshot from the photograph. ”– by Matt Hardy.

So, learning and using these photo composition techniques will help you create beautiful images.

READ MORE: What is Emphasis in Photography?

Why Image Composition is Important in Photography

Many people have taken photos of Taj Mahal in India. But, only some of these images will look interesting to the viewer. Do you know why? The answer is image composition.

The photos that look great are composed and captured using popular photo composition techniques, making them unique and compelling.

To illustrate the importance of an composition, let us consider an example.

The first image of the Brown-capped Kingfisher is directly from the camera. I didn’t have enough time to compose this image properly as I photographed the bird from a boat.

So, the composition isn’t great. Here, centering the subject does not make for a good composition. There are distractions in the scene in the form of branches and leaves on the right side.

I cropped this image to apply the rule of thirds so that the two intersection points align with the head and leg of the bird, with the vertical line going through the body of the bird.

You can see the big difference in the final image (3). Picture 1 is poorly composed, while Picture 3 is well composed using the rule of thirds and negative space on the left side.

I will give you three good reasons to understand the importance of composition in photography.

1. Determines the Subject(s) in The Picture

There are many elements and subjects in a scene. It is the composition of the image that decides what needs to be in the scene. It decides the main subject, other supporting subjects, and elements in the scene.

A good composition will also ensure that there are not too many subjects in the picture, often leading to tension in the frame.

2. Sets the Mood & Feel of the Image

Different compositions can set different feel for a picture. It is up to the photographer to choose the composition that conveys the mood and feel they intend to express. 

3. Directs the Viewer’s attention to the Subject

There are many ways to guide the viewer’s attention to different elements in a scene. The composition technique defines how you will draw the viewer’s eye to the subject. 

Poor composition will fail to bring out the real beauty of the frame. So, it is crucial for the photographer to know which technique to use for each type of scene. This skill comes with experience.

33 Photography Composition Techniques for Stunning Pictures

Now, let us explore 33 photo composition techniques that you can use in your images. You can use these rules with any type of camera.

1. Rule of Thirds

The first rule to learn as a beginner is the rule of thirds in photography. This rule emphasizes the position of the subjects in the frame.

According to this rule, you can position your subjects at any of the four intersecting points of the grid formed by two vertical and horizontal lines. You can also align your subjects along any of these four lines.

If you have a horizon level in the image, which is common in landscape photography, you can place the horizon on any of these lines to draw the viewer’s attention.

The bird (Snow Partridge) is framed using the rule of thirds. The two points of intersection of the grid lines, along with one vertical line fall on the bird’s body. The bird’s eye also lies on the top horizontal grid line.

2. Leading Lines Photo Composition Technique

Another useful technique to learn is leading lines photography. It is an easy-to-use rule.

You can use different lines in the scene to lead the viewer’s eye toward your subject. Thus, making it easier to draw attention to the subject of interest.

These lines can take various forms. It can be a road, rail, series of lampposts, patterns, etc.

In the above example, the photographer uses leading lines photography composition for lens ball photography. The blurred tube lights, the yellow marking line on the road and the series of pillars on either side act as the leading lines pointing toward the lens ball in hand.

3. Use of Negative Space

You can also use the negative space technique. Here, the subject occupies less area of the frame. There will be more blank space which can be anywhere in the frame.

This rule is mainly used to create minimalist photographs. People who are looking to capture pictures for banner and poster designs also use this technique.

In this example, the image of the bird, Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch is framed so that there is a lot of negative space on the right-hand side.

4. Fill the Frame Photography Composition

The Fill the frame composing technique is another popular photo technique. You can use it for portraits, wildlife, birds, etc. Here, the subject occupies most of the frame.

For portraits, this results in a tight composition, leaving little space around the subject. This rule may not be suitable for all scenes and situations.

Fill the frame composition in photography helps capture and show more details of the subject. The tight headshot image of this bird is a good example of the fill the frame technique.

5. Keep It Simple Technique

A common photography mistake made by amateur photographers is including too many elements and details in the frame. It often leads to poor composition as by distracting the viewers’ attention.

So, try to use the, Keep it simple technique. It will make your composition more effective.

The image of the ship on the water is a good example. Here, the photographer uses a long exposure photography technique to create a calm sea resulting in a simple distraction-free image of the ship.

6. Golden Ratio Rule

The Golden ratio rule is also known by other names like Phi grids, the golden spiral, the Fibonacci spiral, etc. It uses the Phi Grids or the Golden spiral to position the different elements in the scene. This grid may not be available in all cameras. 

You can apply this rule either in the field or during photo editing. If you want to use it in the field and your camera doesn’t support it, there is a workaround.

You can print the grid/spiral on a transparent plastic sheet. The size of the grid must match your camera’s live view screen. Cut out the print and place it on top of the live view screen to use the rule.

In the example above, the photographer has placed the house (the subject of interest) at the spiral’s end to follow this rule.

7. Frame Within a Frame

The frame within a frame photo composition technique works best when both the foreground border and the subject are in focus.

You can choose to expose both the foreground and the subject, or just the subject alone. It depends on your peference and the scene.

You can use windows, doorways, aeroplane windows, and similar elements to try this technique. It works well for portraits, landscape, architecture, and street photography.

In this example, the photographer uses the window of a building to capture the city scene below, demonstrating the frame within a frame technique effectively.

8. Composing with Lines: Horizontal

You can use the horizontal lines in the frame for composition. These lines guide the viewer’s eye to move from the left to the right of the frame. The frame will appear more engaging if you can include your subject in these type of lines in your photography composition.

In this example, the yellow sections of the building act as the horizontal lines that enhance the composition. The windows and air conditioners serve as the additional elements in the scene.

9. Composing with Lines: Vertical

If you are photographing forests or architecture, you can use vertical lines in your composition. In a forest, vertical lines often take the form of trees. 

For architectural images, buildings and tall skyscrapers can serve as vertical lines. Vertical elements can be anything that emphasizes height and structure.

Photographer Niilo Isotalo employs the vertical lines technique using tall trees in a forest scene.

10. Rule of Diagonals

You can use diagonal lines in the scene to create dynamic compositions. Diagonal lines tend to produce stronger images compared to horizontal or vertical lines.

Avoid using the diagonal that connects opposite corners of the frame. It may not contribute to a compelling image.

Be cautious not to include too many diagonals. It can create visual tension.

11. Composing with Horizon Line

Most landscape and architecture photographers use the horizon line rule in their compositions.

The horizon line can represent various boundaries. It can be the line separating the sea from land, land from the sky, or mountains from the sky. Aim for a perfect level horizon to get the best visual impact. The photo will look most appealing if the horizon line is parallel to the frame.

In this example, the line separating the sea from the cloud-studded sky serves as the horizon line, framed parallel to the image.

12. Golden Triangle Composition

The golden triangle photography rule is a well-known composition technique used by both painters and photographers. This technique involves a grid formed by a diagonal line across the frame, with two perpendicular bisectors extending from the diagonal line to the other corners.

To follow this rule, place your subjects at any of the intersection points of these lines. The frame gets divided into four triangles. You can also align your subjects along these lines or within the triangles.

In this food image, the two intersection points coincide with the central food bowl (the main subject). The supporting fruit bowl, along with the main bowl and the spoon, are aligned along the diagonal.

13. S-curve Photography Composition

You can also use an S curve in the scene to compose your shots. The image will look more compelling if the S curve leads to your subject. Thus, easily drawing the viewer’s eye.

The S-curve can be formed by a road, rail, or a series of houses, trees, etc. You need to find the elements and the camera angle to capture such a curve in the scene. 

In this picture, it is a flipped S-curve formed by the road directs the viewer’s eye toward the mountains.

14. Composing with Curves

Not all scene will have S-curves. Some frames may feature curves in different shapes like “C”, “U”, etc. You can use these curves to your advantage.

Try to position your subject at the end of the curve or along with the curve. If you have multiple subjects, try to connect them using these curves. Curves can also act as the dividing element, especially in drone shots.

In this example, the water body shaped like a curve adds attractive element to the image.

15. Composing with Colors

You can also compose images using colors. Vibrant colors emphasize contrast, and saturated colors easily attract the viewer’s attention. Different colors convey different emotions and mood.

Green symbolizes hope as it is associated with nature. Desaturated colors provide a soft look. Muted colors create a long-lasting impact compared to strong ones.

In the above scene, the vibrant red color domiantes, making the yellow door and the black and white bicycle particularly interesting.

You can use the color wheel to get your color combinations.

Some popular color combinations that work well in images include complementary, analogous, split complementary, and triadic colors.

16. Juxtaposition in Photography

When you place two contrasting subjects together in a frame, you apply the Juxtaposition rule.

It can be male vs female, rectangle vs square, new vs old, fat vs thin, kid vs adult, etc. If you encounter such contrasting subjects, try using this rule.

The image of an old film camera vs a new mirrorless camera is a good example of the Juxtaposition technique. 

17. Repetition Photography Composition 

If you have repetitive patterns in the scene, you can use the repetition composition technique.

Situations where you can use this rule include crowds, sand pattern, bricks, stacks of fruits, windows, chairs, ripples in water, etc. 

Here, photographer Nacho Capelo cpatures a frame with orange chairs using the repetition composition technique.

18. Balance in Photography

The term “Balance” comes in composition when you have two or more subjects in the frame. There are four key ways to achieve this balance. They are symmetrical balance, asymmetrical balance, balance on the vertical axis, and balance on the horizontal axis.

Symmetrical balance is created when two subjects of similar size are in the scene. Subjects of different sizes create asymmetrical balance.

Here, the rocks in the foreground appear to be larger in size than the rocks on the backside, creating a  balanced composition.

19. Texture in Photography

Incorporating textures into a scene is an excellent way to compose pictures. Texture can include elements like tree bark, building walls, paper, sand, rope, mountains, leaves, etc.

If you are using an interchangeable lens camera, a macro lens will help capture maximum texture details. Interesting textures can result in beautiful images.

An image of the texture of the paint on the wall is shown above.

20. Symmetry in Composition

You can use symmetry in a scene to compose photos. If you divide the picture horizontally or vertically along the center, and one side reflects the other, the image is said to have symmetrical composition.

The other side does not need be an exact mirror image. You can use this rule for water reflection photography. Buildings and structures are also good subjects for creating symmetrical images.

The image above of a building from a worm’s eye perspective, captured from inside the building, makes an interesting composition. This image is symmetrical along both the horizontal and vertical axes.

21. Composing with Foreground Interest

Foreground elements can enhance the composition of your scene. If the middleground and the background elements are less attractive, using foreground elements can make the image more pleasing.

In this case, double-check the image exposure. Sometimes, the foreground elements may be too dark, and the details will not be visible. To address this, consider using the fill-in flash technique or HDR. 

In the image above, the use of flowers in the foreground makes the image of tall skyscrapers with a lake in between more beautiful.

22. Composing with Background

Sometimes, the background adds dynamism and liveliness to a picture. However, ensure that the background does not dominate the picture.

When photographing a person in their working environment, the background plays a significant role in depicting the environment. So, capture the background details as well. 

For this, shoot with a wide-angle lens with a narrow aperture opening to keep the background in focus.

I captured this image of the Double-humped camel in its habitat, which includes mountains and shrubs in the desert.

23. Light & Shadow Photography Composition

The light and shadow technique has been popular since the early days of photography.

Here, light falls on the subjects of interest, while other areas of the scene are predominantly covered in shadows. The light can be natural or artificial.

In this image, the light falls on the bird’s head, and I underexposed the photo by 2 stops to get such a result. Thus, drawing the viewer’s eye to the head without any distractions.

24. Triangle Composition

The triangle composition method is another exciting rule. It uses the triangle shape formed in the scene.

The triangle shape can be formed in different ways. If there are three subjects in the scene, you can frame them so that they form the vertices of a triangle. If you can connect 3 interesting points in a frame in a triangle structure, you can use this technique.

Photographer Valerie Elash uses the triangle photo composition rule in the picture, where the three women form the 3 vertices of a triangle.

25. Subject Isolation using Depth of Field

Subject isoaltion is a common technique used by portrait, fashion, wildlife, and bird photographers.

Here, the photographer uses a shallow depth of field to make the subject stand out in their environment. Large focal lengths and wide aperture opening help achieve this result.

In the image above, the viewer’s eye is easily drawn to the bird perched on the rock without distraction. The 500mm telephoto length and the wide aperture of f/4.0 help create a pleasing background blur. 

READ MORE : Essential Camera Functions

26. Changing Vantage Point

Sometimes, changing the vantage point can help you achieve better compositions.

Certain frames look better from a birds eye view than from eye level view. Other scenes may look best from a worms eye view.

Visualize the same scene from different camera angles to see what works best. You may need  to use a drone for an aerial perspective.

In the example above, the use of worms eye view helped create an interesting photo composition of the building.

27. Radial Balance Photography Composition

You can use the radial balance technique to create images that radiate outwards, not necessarily from the centre. Photographers use this technique to capture star trails, flower photography, radial patterns in architecture, and more.

This technique helps bring perfect balance to the frame. The centre of the radial pattern can be in the middle of the frame or at a different location.

Steel wool photography is a perfect example of the radial balance technique.

Here, the long exposure photography technique is used to create these star trails, resulting in a radial pattern.

28. Subject Centering

Centering the subject does not work for all types of pictures. But, it can be effective in certain situations, especially for many portrait shots.

If you want to include the person’s environment or achieve a nice background blur, this technique may work. It helps direct the viewer’s eye to the subject without any distractions.

In this photo, the lady occupies the centre of the image, with beautiful white flowers on either side.

29. Depth with Subjects at Different Distances

Creating more depth in a scene is a technique commonly used by landscape photographers. You can use a wide-angle lens and a narrow aperture to get this effect.

Use the hyperfocal distance to get a wide Depth of Field. It will ensure that the subjects in foreground, middleground, and background are in focus.

In this example, the use of a narrow aperture keeps the house in the foreground, the trees, and lake in the middle ground, and the mountains in the background all in focus. Thus, it helps to create a sense of depth.

30. Depicting Motion of Subjects

You can compose images by depicting motion in the scene. You can achieve this effect either through the panning shot method or by you can long exposure photography. Such photos convey a sense of motion to the viewer.

In this image, photographer Ahmad Odeh uses the long exposure technique to create a motion effect of the dancer, visible as motion blur. 

31. Interaction – Story-Telling Images

A great way to bring pictures to life is to capture storytelling images. By looking at the picture, the viewer should be able to see the action taking place. 

The image by Matty Adame is an excellent example of a storytelling scene. Anyone who views the picture can interpret that the crowd is enjoying the music played by the DJs, while the cameraman is busy capturing the footage.

32. Landscape Vs Portrait Orientation

You can capture pictures in landscape and portrait orientation. Some photos look better in one orientation than the other. So, try composing with both orientation to see which one suits the scene best and choose accordingly.

I have cropped the image of the Rock bunting bird into portrait orientation (the original image in landscape orientation), to show the difference between the two. Here, the bird details are more visible in the portrait orientation. 

33. Rule Of Odds

The rule of odds refers to the number of subjects in the picture. According to this rule, the photo will be more pleasing to the viewer if there is an odd number of subjects.

In the above picture, we can see three kids (odd number) that satisfy this rule. This rule works well for odd numbers like 3,5, and 7. You may not be able to use this rule all the time for your photos.

5 Ways To Improve Photography Composition During Photo Editing Stage

You can also enhance the photo composition during the photo editing stage. I will share some of the editing techniques you can use to improve your picture composition.

1. Crop the Picture

Cropping an image is a great way to enhance its compositions. Most photo editing tools offer various compositional grids when you enable the crop feature.

These grids are available in popular photo editing tools like Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Lightroom. Rule of thirds, golden spiral, golden ratio, and diagonal grid are some of the popular grids.

Cropping is also effective for changing the aspect ratio of the image, which can significantly alter the composition.

2. Vignetting

When the subject occupies most of the picture, adding a slight vignette can help make the subject stand out.

You can apply the vignette using a photo editing tool. Be careful not to overdo it.

3. Black and White Conversion

Some images look better in Black and White than in color. So, try converting an image to black and white to see which one is the best.

It is good idea to capture the image in RAW format if your camera supports it. This will help you retain the maximum details in the frame.

4. Contrast Adjustments

In certain scenes, increasing the contrast can make the picture more appealing.

You can boost the contrast of the image during editing. But, make sure not to increase it too much as this can make the image look unnatural. 

5. Levelling the Horizon

Sometimes, when you capture an image, the horizon may not be perfectly level.

This issue often arises from not using the in-camera grid feature. Landscape photographers frequently encounter this problem.

5 Recommended Books To Read For Photography Composition

I also recommend the following books, if you want to learn more in-depth about different photo compositions.

1. Mastering Composition- The Definitive Guide For Photographers by Richard Garvey Williams

2. Creative Compositions by Harold Davis

3. Understanding Composition Field Guide by Bryan Peterson

4. The Photograph: Composition and Color Design by Harald Mante

5. The Secrets to Creating Amazing Photos: 83 Composition Tools for Masters by Marc Silber 

Conclusion

Now, you know what image composition is and the different photography composition techniques. It is essential to try out these rules to get a better understanding. It will help you to decide which technique to apply in different situations.

Sometimes, you may use multiple composition rules in a single image, creating a masterpiece. Learn and master these techniques. Later, you can break these photography composition rules and develop your style.

If you are a beginner, I strongly recommend trying the first six photo composition techniques.

READ MORE: How to Get into Photography?