Top 5 Photography Composition Techniques the Pro's Use

Do you want to create better images?

If so, check this out. I have five easy composition techniques that I want to share with you today that the pros use to create amazing images: Every. Single. Time.

So, in this video, you’ll learn all five, including three you’ve probably never heard of before, which are essential for creating amazing images.

And stick around until the end, and I’ll reveal a bonus composition technique that can take your photography skills to the next level. If you’re ready, let’s do it.

1st Photo Composition Techniques

One of the first photo composition rules I learned is probably the same one you mastered when you began your photography journey.

And that’s because it’s super-duper easy to learn and apply. And it’s easy to spot in photos.

Can you see it in these images? If so, comment below, and… don’t peek at anyone else’s answers.

Okay, this one is easy… I used the Rule of Thirds to place this boulder at a point where the vertical and horizontal lines intersect, and according to the Rule, that’s the best place to place your subject for a stronger composition.

Now, the Rule of Thirds gets a bad rap, and some photographers say it’s overused. This is true despite its ease of use.

However, knowing WHEN and when NOT to use it is critical.

I have a video tutorial on best practices for using the Rule of Thirds in photography, which you can find here.

2nd Photo Composition Techniques

The purpose of photo composition rules, in general, is to help you arrange elements in a scene, grab a viewer's attention, and guide them through your image to enjoy the story you’re telling.

One of the best ways to do that is by visually leading the viewer to a focal point.

This first image shows a subtle Leading Line that directs the eye to the boulder. It’s not the strongest example, but it gets the job done.

Now, check out this second image. Here, the lines of the road create a much stronger Leading Line that guides the viewer from the foreground all the way to the background.

This technique makes the photo more engaging and dynamic.

3rd Photo Composition Techniques

One way to elevate your photo compositions and create better images is to utilize shapes in a scene. Triangles, in particular, are the most powerful.

Incorporating triangles within your frame will make your photo compositions more engaging and your images more interesting.

So, triangles can divide the space, guide the viewer's eye like Leading Lines, and add a touch of visual interest.

While it might sound challenging, spotting them becomes easier once you start looking for them!

This image is loaded with triangles, each dividing the image and allowing our eyes to naturally follow the flow of the shapes from one part of the image to another.

In this image, the triangles are a little more separated and less obvious, but each still guides us throughout the rest of the image.

When deciding how to direct your viewer's attention, you can incorporate Leading Lines and Triangles to create a natural flow that feels intuitive and pleasing.

4th Photo Composition Techniques

This next composition rule is often overlooked but is crucial for elevating your photography: storytelling through light and time of day.

The key, before you press the shutter button, is to think about the story you want to tell. And yes, every photo can tell a story, whether it’s a landscape, wildlife, or portrait.

I explore this concept further in my Composition Made Easy system, which you can access for free via the link in the description.

Once you’ve decided on the story, timing becomes vital—specifically, the time of day you’re shooting since it can drastically alter your final image.

For example, this first image was taken during Blue Hour at 7:34 a.m., just 13 minutes before sunrise. Now, look at the same location 51 minutes after sunrise. The color tones and mood are completely different.

Here’s another example of Horseshoe Bend 60 seconds after sunrise and 20 minutes later. Again, the “color of light” and the overall mood have changed.

On your next photoshoot, consider how the “color of light” can alter your image or shape your subject as the light wraps around it and casts short or long shadows—all of which can add context or enhance the story you’re telling in your image.

5th Photo Composition Techniques

This next composition technique uses contrasting colors to make your subject pop.

It’s a very powerful technique for grabbing a person's interest and directing them to your primary subject.

In this image, the dominant tones are blue and purple, and the “color of light” enhances the natural colors of the boulders and rocks during Blue Hour.

The single large boulder, being a different color, naturally draws the viewer’s eye. This simple use of contrasting colors makes it easy to direct attention exactly where you want it, making the photo more striking and intentional.

Composing an image can be super simple when you follow my Composition Made Easy system.

Bonus Photo Composition Techniques

Now for the bonus composition technique that will elevate your photography since it’s been scientifically proven to create better images and has been used by artists for centuries—in everything from paintings to photography, music, and even architecture.

In a way, it’s an upgraded adaptation of the Rule of Thirds with a twist.

The concept of this photo composition rule traces its origins to ancient Greek mathematicians, and no, you don’t need to be good at math to use it.

Essentially, this composition technique is based on the ratio of 1.618, which in photography is known as the Golden Ratio composition rule.

Like the Rule of Thirds, you arrange elements in your photo into nine grids or sections.

But, due to the 1.618 to 1 ratio, the grids are of unequal size, and when you draw a line from the opposite corner of each square, you end up with a spiral, or what is known as the Golden Spiral.

This “Golden Spiral” is seen throughout nature, creating balance and harmony.

When used with your photos, it will create a more balanced and dynamic image than the Rule of Thirds or any other photo composition rule.

Now that you know the six photo composition techniques the pros use to create better images, there’s one problem.

Are they perfect for your next image? Maybe. Maybe not.

The key is to choose the composition technique that best fits your creative vision—don’t force one if it doesn’t suit your shot.

You should also consider five things before selecting a composition rule, which I cover in my Composition Made Easy system.

Next, dive into my composition playlist to explore over thirty photo composition techniques and rules.