The Art of Composition: How I Create Impactful Visuals - Part 1.
Great photography isn’t just about having the best gear—it’s about how you see and frame the world. Composition is the foundation of every powerful image, shaping how a viewer engages with and interprets the scene.
For me, composition is a deliberate process, not just a set of rules. It’s about balancing structure with creativity, guiding the eye naturally while leaving space for interpretation. More importantly, it’s about using composition to reinforce emotion in an image.
I’ve put together seven composition techniques that I use to create impactful visuals. This week, we’ll focus on four key techniques that help me compose a shot. Breaking them into smaller chunks will allow you to practice each one and refine your approach.
15-Minute Challenge
Pick one of the rules below, grab any camera, and spend 15 minutes finding a composition that applies it. Observe, adjust, and refine. Then move on to the next. Repeat. The more you practice, the better you get. It beats reading the news at the moment for sure.
The Key Elements of Composition I Use
1. Rule of Thirds
One of the most well-known principles in photography, the Rule of Thirds helps create a natural balance. By dividing the frame into nine equal sections and positioning key elements along these lines or their intersections, I guide the viewer’s eye intuitively through the image.
✔ Subject Placement: The Torii gate is positioned along the left vertical third, aligning with a strong intersection point.
✔ Horizon Alignment: The horizon sits on the lower third, creating balance and emphasizing the sky
Tip: When composing a shot, I often ask myself: Does this subject feel naturally placed, or is it competing for attention? If an image feels unbalanced, I try shifting the subject slightly to one of the intersecting points.
2. Leading Lines
Lines are everywhere—roads, fences, shadows, rivers—and they help draw the viewer’s eye into the image. I use leading lines to create depth and direct attention toward my subject. Whether they converge in the distance or subtly frame an element, they bring a dynamic flow to the composition.
✔ Stream Guides the Eye – The water flow naturally leads the viewer from the foreground toward the middle of the scene, enhancing depth.
✔ Shoreline Directs to Mountains – The curve of the shoreline subtly guides attention toward the distant mountains, reinforcing a sense of scale and grandeur.
Tip: When scouting a location, I look for natural or man-made lines that point toward the subject. Experimenting with different angles can change the strength of the leading lines in an image.
3. Framing Within a Frame
Using natural elements like windows, doorways, trees, or even shadows to frame the subject adds depth and layers to an image. This technique enhances focus and storytelling, subtly guiding the viewer’s eye while creating a stronger sense of composition. Cropping in post-production can be especially useful in refining the framing and ensuring the subject remains the focal point.
✔ The Arch as a Natural Frame – The viaduct’s central arch acts as a perfect framing element, directing the viewer’s attention toward the subject while adding depth and structure to the composition.
✔ The Tree as the Subject – The tree is correctly placed within the arch, ensuring it becomes the focal point. The surrounding negative space keeps distractions to a minimum, reinforcing the subject’s importance.
✔ Contrast & Depth – The dark, textured stone contrasts beautifully with the soft sky and organic tree, creating a clear distinction between the frame and the framed subject.
Tip: I always check the edges of my frame for potential framing elements. Even subtle framing—like a slight overhang of leaves or a blurred foreground object—can add depth and context. Make sure you image has breathing room for cropping later.
4. Negative Space
Sometimes, what’s not in the frame is just as important as what is. Negative space simplifies the composition, creating emphasis and mood. A single subject surrounded by vast openness can evoke solitude, serenity, or contemplation.
✔ Sky as Negative Space – The sky takes up most of the frame, creating a strong sense of openness and scale. The smooth gradient of colors keeps the image simple and uncluttered.
✔ Minimalist Composition – The small structure in the bottom right stands out against the empty space, drawing attention without distractions. This makes the subject more impactful.
✔ Horizon Placement – The horizon sits near the lower third, emphasizing the vastness of the sky while keeping the land and building in context.
✔ Mood & Feel – The negative space adds a quiet, isolated feel, making the image feel calm and reflective.
Tip: If a shot feels cluttered, I step back and rethink how much of the scene truly adds value. A well-placed subject against an uncluttered background often has more impact than a busy composition.
