7 COMPOSITION TIPS THAT WILL IMPROVE YOUR PHOTOS

If you've wondered why some photos just look better, one of the secrets is often the composition.

In this guide, we lay out 7 composition tips that will improve your photos, providing clear, straightforward ways to transform your shots from good to great.

1. HARNESSING THE RULE OF THIRDS

The Rule of Thirds serves as an important compositional tool in photography, especially for beginners. Imagine your frame divided into nine equal rectangles, created by two horizontal and two vertical lines. The magic happens when you place your main subject along these lines or at their intersecting points. It's a simple trick, but one that can drastically improve the overall composition of your photos.

This rule is such a fundamental part of good composition that many modern cameras and smartphones have a Rule of Thirds grid overlay feature. This handy tool can assist you in aligning your subjects with the compositional lines and intersections.

But remember, while the Rule of Thirds is a valuable guideline, it's not the be-all and end-all. There's no right or wrong way to compose a photo. Sometimes, you might choose to depart from this rule to emphasize symmetry or when your subject has enough visual strength to command attention on its own. So don't be afraid to experiment!

Interestingly, some shots that defy these rules turn out to be the most captivating. Think out-of-focus subjects, harsh light, or placing the subject's head on the left-hand side, leaving negative space on the right. All these can make for a perfect example of how breaking the rules can result in an engaging photo.

2. THE ART OF USING NEGATIVE SPACE

Next, we explore the concept of utilizing negative space. In photography, negative space refers to the part of the image that is empty or contains nothing but open space. It's all about focusing on what's not there, as much as what is.