Composition tips and techniques

Composition is the part of photography that doesn’t depend on your gear — it’s about what you see, where you stand, and what you choose to include (or leave out). These guides show you how to make your images stronger by thinking about structure and flow.

You'll learn how to use space, lines, balance, and color to create photos that feel more intentional and expressive — whether you’re shooting portraits, landscapes, or everyday life.

Articles in the series:

A series of beginner-friendly articles on how to compose better photos — using principles like framing, lighting, color, and visual balance to guide the viewer’s eye.
A beginner’s guide to black and white photography — when to use it, how to compose with contrast in mind, and how to convert color images effectively.
A beginner-friendly introduction to color theory for photographers — including complementary colors, emotional associations, and visual balance.
A beginner’s guide to leading lines — what they are, where to find them, and how to use them to guide the viewer's eye through a photo.
A beginner’s guide to light in photography — including direction, quality, color temperature, and how to make the most of any lighting situation.
A beginner’s guide to negative space in photography — what it is, why it works, and how to use it to simplify and strengthen your photos.
Learn the foundational rules of composition in photography — including balance, framing, symmetry, and how to break the rules with purpose.
A beginner’s guide to the rule of thirds — how it works, why it’s helpful, and when you might want to break it.