Composition in Photography

With Good and Bad Examples

Rule of Thirds

Not centered

Place horizon on top or bottom

Align your subject

Good Composition

Bad Composition

Leading LinesDirect attention to your subject

Straight, diagonal, wavy

Any other creative variation

Good Composition

FramingOther objects frame your subject

More depth to the picture

Better focus on the main subject

Good Composition

SymmetrySame elements on each side

Top or bottom

Patterns

Good Composition

ViewpointAngle you shoot from

High above, ground level

Side shot, from the back, close up, etc.

Good Composition

Bad Composition

Bad Composition (not a good angle)

BackgroundTake away the busy background

Camera flattens the foreground and background

Look for plain, unobtrusive backgrounds

Good Composition

Bad Composition

Bad Composition

CroppingFocus on the main subject

Get closer

Eliminate background noise

Bad to Good Composition