Composition Techniques
Arrange positions, lines and negative space to guide attention.
Rule of Thirds
Arrange the subject and surroundings along thirds to create a useful starting point for comparing compositions.
Symmetry
Create corresponding relationships across the frame to establish order, or use small deviations to draw attention to something unusual.
Leading Lines
Use roads, edges and shadows to guide the viewer's eye toward important parts of the frame.
Framing Within Frame
Use a doorway, window or foreground structure to frame the subject again, establishing a viewpoint and a relationship between inside and outside.
Negative Space
Leave meaningful space beside the subject to express isolation, anticipation or a sense of direction.
Shallow Focus
Keep only a limited range of distances sharp to separate an important subject from a complex background.
Deep Focus
Keep the foreground, middle ground and background sufficiently sharp so the viewer can read several layers at once.
Mise-en-Scène
Bring setting, costume, props, lighting and performer positions together so the arrangements within the frame support the story.
Golden Ratio
Use proportions or a spiral as a guide to visual emphasis, rather than treating them as a universal formula for beauty.
Depth of Field
The range of acceptably sharp distances depends on focus, aperture, focal length, subject distance and viewing conditions.
Foreground Interest
Include a useful element close to the camera to establish depth, an obstruction or a position from which to observe the scene.
Balancing Elements
Balance the frame through the distribution of size, brightness, color or position without requiring mirror symmetry.
Diagonal Lines
Use diagonal elements within the frame to create direction, depth or a sense of movement.
Triangular Composition
Arrange three important points into a triangle, using positions or eyelines to organize a group.
Centered Composition
Place the subject at the center of the frame to create a direct point of attention or a sense of ceremony.
Headroom
Control the space between a person's head and the edge of the frame to avoid unnecessary emptiness or unintended cropping.
Lead Room
Leave space in the direction of a gaze or movement so viewers can understand where the figure is looking or going.
Visual Weight
The size, contrast, color and position of elements influence how attention is distributed across the frame.
Repetition and Pattern
Establish order through repetition, then introduce variation to make an important difference stand out.
Figure-Ground Relationship
Separate the subject from the background through tone, color, focus or outline.
Contrast
Establish viewing priorities through differences in brightness, size, shape or movement.