13 Rules of Photographic Composition You Must Know

The difference between a good and a bad photograph can be subtle, but crucial. Even if the colours, exposure and focus are perfect, there are fundamental elements that influence how a photo is perceived.

These elements are known as «reglas de composición» and are essential for any photographer, whether beginner or professional. In this article, we will explore 13 rules of photographic image composition that will help you improve your skills.

1. Identify the Centre of Interest

Each photograph should have a centre of interest light. This is the main element of the photo that should capture the viewer's attention. It can be anything: a person, an object, a landscape.

It does not necessarily have to be in the centre of the image, but it should be obvious to the naked eye. Deciding on the centre of interest before shooting the camera is fundamental to good composition. Once you have it, you can focus (or blur) other elements to draw attention to it.

2. Fill in the Frame

Fill in the frame means that the main subject takes up most of the photograph. This eliminates unnecessary distractions and focuses attention on what really matters. Often, by trying to include too many elements, the photo loses clarity and purpose.

When in doubt, it is best to simplify and leave out any elements that do not contribute to the story you want to tell.

3. Lean on the Lines

The lines are powerful in photographic composition. They can be horizontal, vertical, diagonal or converging, and each type of line directs the viewer's gaze in a different way.

Horizontal and vertical lines tend to be more static, while diagonal lines are more dynamic and create a sense of movement. Using lines in your photos can guide the viewer's attention and add depth to the image.

4. Work the Flow

The flow refers to how the viewer's eye moves from one part of the photograph to another. Lines are a useful tool for creating flow, but you can also use other elements.

A good flow leads the eye naturally through the image, keeping the viewer interested and engaged. Balancing static and dynamic elements can give a sense of movement and direction to your photos.

5. Play with the address

The direction in photography is similar to flow, but focuses on the illusion of movement. An object that appears to be in motion, such as a person walking or a moving car, can create a direction in the photo.

Even in static images, you can suggest movement and guide the viewer's gaze by imagining what might happen next.

6. The Repeated Elements

The replay of elements adds rhythm and structure to a photograph. Repeated elements such as balloons, birds or moving people can create interesting visual patterns.

They can also suggest a relationship or connection between elements, adding depth and meaning to the image.

7. Colours Always Say Something

Colour is a crucial aspect of photographic composition. Colours both in images and in the cinema, warm (reds, oranges, yellows) and cold (blues, greens, violets) can evoke different emotions and atmospheres.

In addition, the tonal contrast between light and dark areas can highlight specific elements and create a more impactful composition. Understanding how to use colour can significantly improve your photographs.

8. The Interest of the Groups of Three

There is a special perception of odd numbers in photography, especially the odd ones. groups of three. One element may seem isolated, two may be too static, but three elements create an attractive visual balance.

Grouping elements in threes can make your composition more interesting and dynamic.

9. The Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds is a classic composition technique. Imagine dividing your image into a 3×3 grid. The points where the lines intersect are natural areas of interest.

Placing the centre of interest at one of these points can make the photo more balanced and attractive. Many modern cameras allow you to overlay a grid on the screen to help you apply this rule.

10. The Negative Space

The negative space refers to the large empty spaces in a photograph, usually surrounding the centre of interest. This space can be white, black or any other colour.

Using negative space can convey loneliness, calm or isolation, adding an extra dimension to your composition. Although not used in every photo, it is a useful technique to have in your repertoire.

11. Working the Three Dimensions: Front and Back

The content of the front and the fund of a photo is crucial. The two should complement each other without distracting from the centre of interest. The depth of field is a key tool here.

By controlling the diaphragm openingYou can blur the background so that the front stands out more clearly. This helps to direct the viewer's attention to the main element.

12. Natural Framing

The natural framing uses elements within the scene to create a frame around the centre of interest. Doors, windows, bridges, tree branches, among others, can serve as natural frames that direct the viewer's gaze towards the main subject.

This adds depth and context to the photo, making the centre of interest stand out even more.

13. S-curves

The S-curves are very effective visual forms in photographic composition. They are attractive because they naturally guide the viewer's eye through the image, creating a sense of movement and fluidity.

S-curves can be found in many everyday elements such as roads, rivers or even a person's posture. Using these curves can make your photos more dynamic and attractive.

Conclusions of the photographic composition

These 13 rules of photographic composition are essential tools that can transform your photographs from good to great. While some rules may seem more intuitive than others, they all have the potential to improve your images when applied correctly.

The key is to practice and experiment with each of them until they become a natural part of your creative process. Remember that in photography, as in any art form, the rules are made to be known and sometimes to be challenged, so grab your camera and start exploring the wonderful world of photography. photo composition!