Composition177 articles

Rule of thirds? Leading lines? The Fibonacci spiral? Learn it all with our deep archive of photography composition tips for beginner, intermediate and pro photographers.

The Advanced Photography Composition Guide

The Advanced Photography Composition Guide

This updated & expanded in-depth guide rolls years and years of practical knowledge, condensed into 239 pages packed with training, illustrations, and assignments. Advanced Composition goes far beyond knowing what composition is… (or, even knowing what the tools of composition are). Develop the SKILLS of anticipation, pre-visualization, and timing that are core to capturing great […]

Continue Reading

A New Photographer’s Guide to Composition

A New Photographer’s Guide to Composition

It’s easy to be swept away by the technical demands most cameras require. But as a new photographer, it’s critical that you develop your composition skills. Your ability to compose a powerful, visually captivating image is one of the most important keys to a great photograph. So how do you begin? First, let’s dive into […]

Continue Reading

Timing in Photography Composition

Timing in Photography Composition

When we create photographic images, we would like our compositions to be different and eye-catching—even when the subject is common. We all know that timing is extremely important in photography, as it can make all the difference between an excellent image and one that is mundane. We have the standard timing of sunsets—we have to […]

Continue Reading

Some Thoughts on Composition

Some Thoughts on Composition

When we talk about composition it’s all about the elements that make up the picture – the light, where it falls, how it falls, when it falls, from which vantage point you take the picture, the point of central focus, color, balance, etc. – and how they all interact. Aperture, shutter speed and ISO ratings […]

Continue Reading

How to Use Lines in Photography Compositions

How to Use Lines in Photography Compositions

A very powerful method of improving the composition of photos is the use of lines. Properly used, lines can significantly increase the impact of images. Lines serve to affect photographic composition in two ways. First, they serve to create a mood. Second, they lead the eye through the photograph. By affecting mood, lines add emotional content […]

Continue Reading

Compositional Balance vs the Rule of Thirds

Compositional Balance vs the Rule of Thirds

What is the first rule of composition that we all learn at the very beginning of our journey? The Rule of Thirds—right. What if there was another simple rule, that was as good or better than the rule of thirds? I used to follow thirds blindly, placing all my subjects and horizons on or near […]

Continue Reading

The Importance of Negative Space in Photography

The Importance of Negative Space in Photography

In the visual arts, “negative space” refers to the area around and between the subject(s) in an image. Often overlooked, this concept is essential for creating well-balanced and impactful photographs. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of negative space, its impact on composition, and tips for effectively utilizing it in your photography. […]

Continue Reading

Simplicity in Focus: Mastering Minimalism in Photography

Simplicity in Focus: Mastering Minimalism in Photography

In a world where chaos often reigns, the allure of minimalism is ever-growing, not just in lifestyle, but in photography as well. Minimalism is about reducing elements to the essentials, creating a simple, yet strong composition. It’s an art that, when mastered, leads to visually arresting images that hold the gaze. Below are some tips […]

Continue Reading

Using Framing in Photography Compositions to Draw Interest

Using Framing in Photography Compositions to Draw Interest

In previous lessons, we’ve been getting pretty heavily into scientific and technical issues, so today I wanted to step back and talk about one of the softer techniques. For today’s photo tip, we’ll move back into landscape photography composition. Framing is one of the major photo composition ideas and is a strategy that you should be […]

Continue Reading

Using Juxtaposition in Photography

Using Juxtaposition in Photography

Juxtaposition is a term often thrown around in the artistic world, but in photography, it holds a unique power. At its core, juxtaposition involves placing two or more elements in a scene in a way that they contrast each other. This contrast can evoke strong feelings, tell a story, or provide commentary about a particular […]

Continue Reading