15 photography composition techniques to transform your photos.

1. Rule of thirds

The most fundamental composition technique. Divide your frame into a 3x3 grid and place your subject at the intersections of these lines. When photographing horizons or buildings, try aligning them with these gridlines.

This creates a balanced image that is visually pleasing. Shifting your subject away from the middle creates a sense of balance and negative space, giving the photo more depth and enhancing its storytelling potential.

When to use it:

• Landscape photography
• Portrait composition
• Street photography
• Nature scenes

2. Center composition

Create immediate impact by placing your subject in the dead center of your frame. While often considered basic, center composition can create powerful, striking images.

Perfect for:

• Symmetrical architecture
• Formal portraits
• Reflections
• Pattern photography

3. C & S curves

Incorporate curved elements to guide viewers through your image naturally. These C and S curves create visual flow and keep viewers engaged with your photograph. The gentle curves in the images below create a sense of motion as well as emphasize depth and smoothness.

Look for curves in:

• Roads and paths
• Rivers and coastlines
• Natural landscapes
• Urban architecture

4. Diagonal lines

Create dynamic energy in your compositions by incorporating diagonal elements. Diagonal lines add movement and drama to otherwise static scenes.

Most effective with:

• Urban architecture
• Stairways
• Mountain ranges
• Abstract patterns

5. Tunnel vision

Frame your subject through natural or architectural tunnels to create depth and draw viewers into your image.

Look for opportunities in:

• City arcades
• Forest paths
• Rock formations
• Building corridors

6. Natural framing

Use elements in your environment to create a frame within your photograph. This technique adds depth while naturally directing attention to your subject.

Common framing elements:

• Tree branches
• Archways
• Window frames
• Rock formations
• Building elements

7. Triangle composition

Arrange elements to form triangular shapes within your frame. This classical technique creates stability and natural visual flow.

Works well for:

• Group portraits
• Landscape elements
• Architectural details
• Still life arrangements

8. Half and half

Split your frame into equal parts either horizontally or vertically. This technique creates striking, balanced compositions.

Perfect for:

• Seascapes
• Urban horizons
• Reflections
• Minimalist scenes

9. Leading lines

Use natural or constructed lines to guide viewers' eyes through your photograph toward your main subject.

Find leading lines in:

• Roads and railways
• Fences and walls
• Rivers and shorelines
• Architectural features

10. Sandwich composition

Frame your main subject between similar elements on either side to create natural focus and balance.

Effective uses:

• Street photography
• Architectural shots
• Nature photography
• Portrait settings

11. Symmetrical composition

Create mirror-image compositions that instantly catch the eye. True symmetry can create powerful, memorable images.

Best for capturing:

• Modern architecture
• Water reflections
• Pattern photography
• Formal portraits

12. Quarter frame

Divide your frame into quarters and place your subject at one of the intersection points. This technique offers more compositional flexibility than the Rule of Thirds.

Ideal for:

• Wildlife photography
• Environmental portraits
• Minimalist compositions
• Scene-setting shots

13. Juxtaposition

Create visual interest by placing contrasting elements together in your frame. This technique tells compelling stories through contrast.

Look for contrasts in:

• Old vs. new
• Nature vs. urban
• Light vs. shadow
• Large vs. small

14. Fibonacci spiral

Compose your image following nature's golden spiral pattern. This creates a natural flow that guides viewers through your image.

Applications include:

• Nature photography
• Portrait composition
• Landscape photography
• Abstract imagery

15. Golden ratio

The most sophisticated of our composition techniques, the Golden Ratio creates naturally balanced images that feel perfectly proportioned.

Place your subject at points created by diagonal lines from corners meeting perpendicular lines. It's between the Rule of Thirds and Quarter Frame positions.

Best applied to:

• Architecture
• Portrait photography
• Nature compositions
• Fine art photography

Work with your environment.

• Scout your location at different times of day
• Look for natural frames and leading lines
• Consider how light affects your composition
• Move around to find the best angle

Use your camera's tools.

• Enable grid display for easier composition
• Use live view for precise framing
• Try different focal lengths to affect perspective
• Experiment with varying depths of field