Last updated on December 7th, 2023
Maintaining a portfolio of stunning photos is not an easy thing to do. That’s because it takes more than just snapping pictures. Photographers need to be aware of the composition and understand how to compose their shots to create a great photo.
A lot goes into taking a good picture that many people can appreciate, and this blog post will teach you 15 ways that will help you take better photos!
Follow the Rule of Thirds
The rule of thirds is a composition technique that’s been around for centuries. It was initially used in paintings, but it has since found its way into photography as well. The idea behind the rule of thirds is to split your photo up by dividing it with two vertical and two horizontal lines.
A great thing about this system is that you don’t have to worry about what point precisely on the grid should be taken- instead, make sure there are four points evenly spaced out across the frame!
This will help create more exciting compositions because they’ll often appear asymmetrical or unbalanced if not done correctly. This can also provide a new perspective on an otherwise dull shot where nothing pops off the screen at viewers! The viewer’s eyes will also travel across the photograph, evoking a sense of motion and life in the picture.
Pay Attention to Leading Lines
Leading lines in photography include any lines that guide the eyes of a viewer through an image.
A great, simple trick to create leading lines in your photos is by including roads or paths in the foreground and background when taking outdoor shots. Roads can be used as natural guides for where viewers’ eyes will go- even subconsciously!
The next time you’re at a park and see kids playing on swings, take notice of how many people’s attention is caught by what they see out there vs. what they know within themselves.
Leading lines are one way to draw someone into looking closer at something while providing an interesting point of focus!
Instant tip: If you don’t have any roadways nearby but still want those beautiful curves outlining your shot, try drawing them instead. You can use it as a basis for creativity when setting up your photography shot.
Work with Negative Space in Your Photography
Negative space includes the parts of a photograph that are not the subject in your photo. It’s often those areas surrounding what you want viewers to notice and can be used to draw their eye into it.
Negative space is all around us- if we look closely enough! But how do we use negative space effectively in our photography? Here are some tips:
Include plenty of skies when taking photographs, so there is more room for other elements or details on the ground as long as they aren’t too distracting from everything else going on in the image.
Experiment with which part of an object you show, such as having only half a face shown instead of looking at someone full-on (which might seem intimidating). This will allow people viewing your photos to use their creativity and curiosity to complete the photograph.
Take a photo with something that is out of focus in the background. This will keep viewers’ attention on your focal point and help them to notice more about what you’re trying to show than if there were too much going on behind it.
Don’t be afraid to use a lot of space, such as negative space for an entire image or by including objects so far away from the lens that they are barely noticeable. Negative space can give your eyes room to breathe and not feel overwhelmed by everything else happening in the photograph.
When composing photographs, don’t forget: foreground-middle ground-background; center framing (horizontally); overlap composition; repetition variations; natural elements (sky, water); color variety; and light.
Learn and Use the Golden Ratio
The Golden ratio has been around for a long time and is often used by the masters of composition. It’s called such because it’s a ratio that results in something aesthetically pleasing, meaning if you set up your photo so that there are Golden Ratios on every side, then chances are people will like your photography better. You can do this without even knowing what they’re looking for or why – just following these simple steps!
-The first way to create the ‘golden triangle’ is with this rule: divide an object into two parts vertically, horizontally, or diagonally; whichever lines meet at any point creates a perfect golden triangle.
-Another way to use the Golden Ratio is as a point of interest when composing photos, but be sure you know how. Beginners should start by finding one particular object and background, which makes them appear at their most eye-catching ratios.
-Finally, make sure that you use the Golden Ratio by including a point of interest in your composition. This can be anything from the horizon to a person, but it needs to make sense within the photo and not just thrown into an otherwise empty photograph to achieve this rule.
How To Utilize the Golden Spiral
The Golden Spiral is the way to find spiral-based patterns in nature. It is a trendy rule of thumb for composers because it follows the natural order from point to the center and back again, which means there are no awkward gaps or empty spaces on your photo’s canvas.
To utilize this concept when composing photos, you will need to know how to draw a perfect Golden Spiral that goes counterclockwise around an object while still following its lines as they go up and out.
When you do this, the object in the center of your spiral-based composition should have all its lines pointing outwards to create a feeling that they are radiating. This will be visually pleasing and allow for some natural movement within the shot itself.
The image below is an example of utilizing the Golden Spiral rule of thumb when composing photos:
How To Use the Golden Triangle Principle in Photography
The Golden Triangle is a composition rule of thumb utilized for portraits and group shots, not typically landscapes.
The Golden Triangle’s three points are placed in the following order:
- Eye-level or chin-level
- One hand length from the subject (or two)
- A distance equal to on arm’s length away from your camera lens
This will create a more natural feel when taking photos as it allows subjects to interact with each other even if they’re standing still. The image below shows an example of how you can use this principle:
To use the Golden Triangle when taking landscape photography, you should find the horizon line.
The photo below demonstrates this:
You can use this composition rule in a variety of different situations, not just landscapes and portraits. Placing subjects at one hand length away from your camera lens is an easy way to get them centered on-screen without dragging them back or zooming out.
For instance, if you’re taking a group shot with four people lined up against the wall, then they should each stand two arm lengths apart (four arm lengths total) so that their eyes are directly in the middle of the frame when looking through its viewfinder.
If you have five people, then there would be six total arm lengths between all of them; for seven, eight hands lengths, etcetera – more space needed.
How to Check the Depth of Field in Your Photography
It can be a challenge for beginners to learn how to compose their photography and know if they have the correct depth of field. Depth of field gives your photos that “in-focus” look- in other words, you want everything from foreground to background looking sharp. There are several ways photographers use depth of field for different purposes:
*A shallow depth of field (DOF) will keep only one subject or element in focus while blurring all others out; this effect often makes images more dramatic and eye-catching.
The blurred part at the edges usually starts about two inches away from the center point on which attention is the focus, with DOF settings being measured using a f/stop scale – the lower the depth of field means your photos will result in a more fantastic blur.
*A deep depth of field (DOF) will keep all in focus and can be used for more casual snapshots or to create a more inviting environment – such as the photographer’s living room, where you might want to capture everything from coffee table books on the floor to your favorite chair sitting by the window. The deeper DOF means that minor post-capture editing is needed after taking shots which requires more care during shooting due to extreme lighting conditions.
Photography tips: Capture every detail with perfect focus! If you’re looking for a shallow depth of field photo, use an aperture setting low enough like f/22; if you want lots of details from foreground to background with one central subject clear without the distraction of other unfocused elements, use a wide-open aperture such as f/11.
Set Up Your Main Subject
The most important thing to consider when setting up a shot is the main subject. Photographers should take time to think about how they want their viewers to experience this picture and what’s going on in it.
In some cases, photographers may wish for all attention to be focused on one specific element of the frame, while other times, it might make more sense for them to create a balanced composition that includes multiple subjects set against a strong background or foreground interest.
*If you’re looking for an extreme close-up with lots of detail (such as capturing every bit of dust from your shoe), use either macro mode or enhance digital zoom features on your camera lens
*Consider the depth of field before pressing snap, as we just discussed.
Want to try something different? Move your feet to capture the scene from a new perspective.
*Photographers should also be mindful of the color and contrast in their images as these elements can affect how viewers appreciate what they are seeing
*If you’re using an aperture, shutter speed, or ISO setting that is not automatically set by your camera (such as when shooting with Manual mode), make sure to pay attention to this detail before you take an image, so it turns out right every time. This includes working with light balance for indoor shots, which might require different settings than those used outdoors.
One last tip: try composing each shot from the side instead of standing directly over your subject—you’ll find more creative opportunities!
Try Different Angles
Different angles will result in different views and perspectives of your photography. Try out different shooting angles by moving to the side of your subject instead of standing directly over it. Shooting from a different angle may give you more creative opportunities for that photo!
Some photographers are getting creative with their images, using patterns to make them more appealing. Although this can be difficult at first, you’ll know exactly how to do it right with patience and practice. The secret moves around your subject, looking from different angles for signs of patterns on the ground below or balconies above.
Breaking out of the standard photography rules is beneficial for attracting viewers.
You can find patterns in unusual, abstract realms by looking more closely at your subject matter. Macro images that explore patterns in nature are usually visually appealing to the eye because they take viewers straight into another realm of beauty.
This pattern-seeking photo style also reveals designs and colors that would be otherwise overlooked and not noticed. Taking a closer look at what surrounds you will make it hard to see anything else once you start noticing all the significant nuances that exist around you!
Framing Your Shot
Setting up compositions in photography can be challenging with little experience, but it’s not too difficult. When you’re starting as a photographer and want to get some happy images of your family, there are a few easy tricks that will help you create more beautiful photographs.
Start by focusing on natural framing elements such as trees or stones, if possible. Drawing attention to architectural objects such as doors and windows is also effective; make sure the photo doesn’t take away from the scene’s surroundings!
For example, one way to create a dramatic shot is to use the subject’s arms to frame the body and face with light and dark lines.
Many beginning photographers find it daunting to choose frames for their shots or thinking of ways to incorporate them in the shooting process.
If you’re unable to find natural frames for your subject, don’t worry. One easy way to add a frame is by using fabric draped around your lens or branches. You can also add more subtle movement using bare tree branches in front of and behind the subject.
Fill the Frame
When composing your photos, you can crop out distracting elements so that the image’s main subject gets extra attention. Fill the frame so that fewer distractions (the background) are present and stick to standard rules of photography when shooting.
Balance
Balance is often confused with symmetry, but they are not always the same. While an image can be balanced by having equally weighted elements on either side of the frame, balance also balances color tones and symmetry.
Pay attention to the background, too. Don’t leave out this essential step.
Look for other ways to balance the composition of your image with a different color, texture, or light.
Consider balancing the frame by including an element that you can see on both sides of the photo. This will help you achieve symmetry and bring visual unity to your photos.
If there is something significant on one side, find its equivalent (but not necessarily exact match) on the other side of the frame. A good example would be a tree off in one direction but then placing another tree at equal distance from the camera position in another order, so it balances as well as provides depth to your shot!
When composing a photo with the rule of thirds, it’s common to have one larger, more dominant subject in the foreground. However, this can give an unbalanced feel. To correct this, add more minor elements in the background that balance the scene and make it seem less busy.
Incorporate the Rule of Odds in Photography
One can also add more visual interest to a photo by applying the rule of odds. In this way, an even number would have two subjects with one leftover while an odd number of subjects would have one to three or four. One can then split up these groups by making it appear that there are two separate smaller photos on either side of the odd group.
To help with compositions, use trees as natural frames: if you’re photographing mountains off in one direction but have nothing else on the other side of the frame, then place a tree at equal distance from the camera position (either left or right), so it balances out and provides depth! Trees work well because they don’t move around much like people do-so they provide stability!
If there’s something else to include in your photograph, try including high-contrast items within a scene. Low light levels usually appear gray and muted when photographed with an SLR–try contrasting them with bright colors such as rich blues.
Work On Your Vantage Point in the Field
A vantage point is a position in the field (for example, on a hill or at an angle) from which you take your photograph.
Include foreground and background items to make your subject pop out more: try including other objects or use contrasting colors!
Photographers should also use their surroundings as natural frames; this includes trees and buildings, waterfalls, etc.
To show depth in any photo, whether it be near-to-far distance shots with mountains off into the horizon or even close-up portraits, try positioning yourself such that one side of your frame is brighter than the other for better contrast and pops of color. When photographing people looking away from the camera, frame them so half their face is lit while the other side remains lighted.
Symmetry Leads to an Excellent Composition of Photography
Symmetry is essential when taking photos because it leads to good composition. When photographing a scene, make sure that the horizon line is level and that there are no distracting objects on either side of the frame.
Many people overlook this rule, but you should always have symmetry in your frame when taking landscape photos as it will lead to better compositions. For example, try positioning an object at one-third from each edge so both sides can be equally seen or keep taller trees behind shorter ones for balance within the photo.
Use Color Theory
The color composition links different colors to compliment each other. The primary colors on the color wheel are red, blue, and yellow. Each has its secondary counterparts that create a beautiful effect when combined – like orange with light green.
With so many shades of gray in the sky when capturing landscapes or cityscapes, photographers will need to do some post-processing to make it appear as though you took them under warm tones such as those found in daylight.
- The use of color can have a dramatic effect on an image.
- Cool colors create a calm mood, while warm colors are more intense, happy, and energetic.
Whether you are taking pictures of scenery, people, or even your artwork, color can help draw attention to a specific part of the shot. You may want this effect with the overuse of neon colors or dull colors. Just make sure that the contrast of those colors is too different from being muddled and that there is more than one color in the shot.
Post-Processing Tips for Better Composition:
Lightroom gives budding photographers a perfect tool to edit and compose photos more appealing to the viewer’s eye.
Open Adobe Lightroom, go to Tools -> Crop Guide Overlay and choose the overlay you want to access these overlays.
Frequently Asked Questions: Photography Composition for Stunning Photos
How do I make my pictures more stunning than ever before?
The answer is to compose your shots with the following techniques:
- Try a wide-angle lens for sweeping landscapes.
- Shoot pictures from low angles and make sure that you center them, so they don’t become distorted. This technique can work well in tight spaces, too!
- Experiment with different focal lengths. they all make a difference because they’ll change the perspective and how you see things.
- Framing your subject with the remaining space can give your photo more appeal.
How do I compose my photographs?
To compose your photos more professionally, follow these techniques:
- Try a wide-angle lens for sweeping landscapes.
- Shoot pictures from low angles and make sure that you center them, so they don’t become distorted. This technique can work well in tight spaces, too!
- Experiment with different focal lengths… they all make a difference because they’ll change the perspective and how you see things.
- Framing your subject with the remaining space can give your photo more appeal.
What are the ten rules of photography?
- Rule of thirds
- The Golden Ratio
- Leading lines
- Diagonals
- Frame within a frame
- Fill the frame
- Center dominant eye
- Patterns and repetition
- Symmetry and asymmetry
- Figure to ground
What are the five rules of composition in photography?
- The Rule of Thirds
- Leading lines
- Reduce clutter
- Contrasting colors
- Creative framing
Conclusion: 15 Ways to Compose Stunning Photos
You can’t break composition rules without taking some risks, but it’s essential to learn the basics before making any significant changes.
Following these tips will help a beginner create beautiful, photogenic photos.
Always remember that there are more tips, tricks, and secrets–all of which will help you take beautiful photographs.
If you’re looking to take better photographs, be sure to check out our other related guides and resources. You’ll learn all the tips, tricks, and secrets straight from the experts.
