5 Photo Composition Tips to Improve Your Content

Nowadays, the line between professional and amateur photographers is growing progressively blurrier. With all the tremendous affordable cameras and tons of amazing YouTube videos, blogs, and other resources, there’s a lot for anybody to sink their teeth into. That’s one of the reasons why photography is becoming more and more popular.

Whether you are looking to be the next Ansel Adam or just want to liven up your Instagram shots, it’s extremely important to pay attention to the composition of your photos.

Here are five quick and easy tips you can start using now.

Before we dive in

The technique is all-important. But a little research and education can also go a long way. As you start trying out these tricks for yourself, do a little photography research.

Browse the internet and check out photos from around the world. One great way to do that is with a VPN. With a VPN, you can change your virtual server location to places around the world to unlock local search results so you can see what photographers like you in Japan, France, and Chile are up to.

Now let’s jump in.

1. Balance is everything

While we assume you know about the Rule of thirds, it’s easy for newbies to overly focus on it. You don’t want to place so much interest in it that the rest of the space is empty.

This area, also known as negative space, is not a bad thing. Instead, you want to find ways to harness it.

You can balance it or add other objects and colors to equalize the center of interest. In short, balance your interest with other objects and colors, and that will make it pop even more.

2. Change Your Perspective

Changing your perspective is not just something you want to do to better empathize with people, but also take better photos!

It’s easy to get stuck on things that are at your eye level. But the world is full of fascinating vantage points. Give your photo a fresh perspective and try it out.

Maybe you’ll lie on the ground or climb up a tree. Just make sure you’re not wearing your nice clothes!

3. Leading Lines

You don’t realize it, but you actually do so in the same way you read words when you view an image. That means you scan it moving your eyes from left to right.

But your eyes will naturally follow any lines in the image. For example, if you have a highway in the photo, your eyes will zigzag along with it.

If your focus is the road, then use these lines as a basis. Otherwise, experiment with different varieties like straight, curving, S, and so on to build dynamic image entry points.

Even if the lines aren’t focused, they are a good way to pull interest into a particular area of your shot. That means you can use leading lines in all types of different photography.

4. Think About the Background

On the whole, we are getting better attuned to the background. Most smartphones nowadays even include portrait modes to better focus on the subject.

While you’re shooting, do the same. If you see distracting colors, strange patterns, or other objects you don’t want in your shot, then re-evaluate your shooting angle.

Look for backgrounds that don’t obtrude onto your subject or modify your aperture settings to soften the background. Basically, make it work for you and not against you!

5. Rule of Odds

You know the Rule of Thirds, but how about the Rule of Odds? This rule describes that images will often be more appealing if there are an odd number of subjects in the shot.

There is a sound theory that backs this up. With an even number of subjects, the viewer doesn’t know which to focus upon. Odd, on the other hand, feels more natural to the eye.

It’s also easier for people to switch their focuses. Of course, context will determine the shot, but it’s something to keep in mind.

Enhance Your Photography With These Tips

From here, you can be extremely nuanced. Diagonals, triangles, patterns, and textures are just a few more things to focus on.

For now, however, less is more. These are the five key areas you can use to enhance your photos immediately and take almost no time to master.

So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start photographing all the beautiful things around you.