9 Top Photography Composition Rules You Need To Know

When we talk about Steve McCurry, we will talk about his"Afghan Girl." McCurry has photographed many assignments for National Geographic and has been a member of Magnum Photos since 1986. COOPH recently summarizes the nine basic composition skills with the example of McCurry’s classic works. Although we might know them already. But Steve McCurry’s photos will definitely refresh your knowledge about the basic composition rules.

1: The Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds photography composition is one of the basic tools at your disposal. And it’s the easiest one to master.
It refers to divide the photo into 9 equally squares with 2 horizontal and 2 vertical lines. Place your subject on either intersection of the line, you will get a more visually pleasing image.

2: Leading line

Use lines and colors to draw the viewer’s attention directly to the main subject.

3: Diagonal Lines

The diagonal line can add dynamic to the image.

4: Frame

Observe the scene and make most of the frame in the image, such as a window, the door, the hole, etc.

5: Find the contrasts between the subject and the back-ground

It is better to have some connection or contrast between the subject and the background.

6: Filling the Frame

Try to approach the subject, in this way you can eliminate the distracting elements and create a powerful visual impact to the image.

7: placing the subject’s eye in the middle of the picture.

Place the model’s eye in the middle of the picture in portrait photography.

8: Searching the texture and the repeating elements.

Texture and repeating elements can bring a sense of order but it can be boring if not handing well. So it is better to have some contrast elements.

9: Symmetrical composition

This is the simplest and original composition skills. It can effectively increase the sense of balance.