The Art of Composition: How I Create Impactful Visuals - Part 2
INTRO NEEDED
The Key Elements of Composition I Use - Building on Composition: Symmetry, Depth, and Light
Last week, we explored Rule of Thirds, Leading Lines, Frame Within a Frame, and Negative Space—key techniques that help create stronger, more intentional compositions. Hopefully, you’ve had time to try the 15-minute challenges and noticed how small changes, like shifting your subject off-center, can add more drama and impact to your shots.
This week, we’re diving into three more techniques: Symmetry & Balance, Depth & Perspective, and Light & Shadow Play. These elements bring harmony, dimension, and mood to your images, making them more immersive and visually compelling. As before, each guide comes with a practical challenge—so grab your camera and let’s keep refining your composition skills.
5. Symmetry & Balance (ish)
I look for symmetry in reflections, architecture, and patterns to create a sense of harmony. But I also embrace asymmetrical balance, where elements are intentionally offset for a more dynamic feel. Sometimes, a slight imbalance creates tension, making the shot more intriguing.
Is it balanced - Yes
✔ Balanced Weight Across the Frame – The image has multiple elements distributed across different areas, preventing one side from feeling too heavy. The houses and tree on the right are counterbalanced by the vegetation, pond, and reflections on the left.
✔ Foreground, Midground, and Background Layers – The pond and pipes in the foreground, the grass and houses in the middle, and the thatched-roof structures in the background create depth that keeps the image visually engaging.
Is it symmetrical - spoiler alert - NO
✖ No Mirrored Elements – True symmetry would require the left and right sides to be nearly identical or reflected, which isn’t the case here.
✖ Slightly Heavy Right Side – The tree and house on the right feel heavier compared to the more open space on the left.
Are these killer issues. I don’t think so but its good to have a critical eye to improve. I like this image as it has a lot going on, and I could just sit there and watch the fish in the pond, feel the wind in the reeds and smell lunch cooking in one of the houses.
Is this symmetrical - Yes (well ish…wont pass an architect’s eye but yeah lets roll with it)
✔ Perfect Symmetry – The shot is taken from a central perspective, ensuring that both sides of the structure mirror each other almost perfectly. The repeating lines and patterns in the architecture reinforce this balance.
✔ Strong Leading Lines – The converging lines of the roof and beams draw the eye upward, creating depth and making the composition dynamic while maintaining symmetry.
✔ Well-Aligned Center Point – The central column anchors the composition, acting as a strong vertical axis that divides the image into two balanced halves.
Is it balanced - nope
🔹 Additional Elements for Balance Are Needed – While the architecture itself is symmetrical (ish), adding a focal element (such as a person or object) centered at the base could introduce an extra layer of balance and storytelling.
🔹 Light is not balanced– The eye is naturally drawn to the lightest points of of photo. There is balance between the light and dark at the top of the photo but that impacts symmetry (ish).
Why This Image Works Better for Balance & Symmetry
✔ Subject Placement – The woman is positioned to the Rule of Thirds intersection, making the composition feel more natural and engaging. This placement draws attention while keeping the surrounding architectural elements in harmony.
✔ Defined Diagonal Flow – The diagonal lines of the staircases are prominent in this version, creating a stronger sense of “life of light” while maintaining balance.
✔ Clean & Structured Geometry – The lines and repeating patterns of the building reinforce the sense of symmetry and balance, even though it’s not perfectly mirrored.
Tip: I flip between symmetrical and asymmetrical compositions while shooting. Symmetry can feel calming, while slight imbalances add energy. I ask myself: What emotion am I trying to convey?
6. Depth & Perspective
Layering foreground, middle ground, and background transforms a flat image into a three-dimensional experience. Whether I use a wide aperture for a blurred background or incorporate leading lines to pull the eye through the scene, depth gives the viewer a sense of immersion.
✔ Dramatic Contrast – The interplay of strong highlights and deep shadows enhances texture and depth, making the image visually engaging.
✔ Natural Window Light – The backlit scene creates a soft rim light around the blacksmith, separating him from the background while adding atmosphere.
✔ Directional Light Focuses Attention – The window acts as a natural light source, subtly illuminating the subject’s face and hands, drawing attention to his expression and work.
✔ Deep Shadows for Mood – The dark shadows in the background and foreground add a sense of mystery and timelessness, fitting the historical setting.
✔ Textural Emphasis – The contrast highlights the rough metal, wooden textures, and worn surfaces, enhancing the storytelling aspect of the image.
Tip: Adding an object in the foreground—like a rock, fence post, or branch—can immediately give a sense of scale and draw the viewer into the scene. I move around to test how different foreground elements affect depth.
7. Light & Shadow Play
Light is everything in photography. The way it interacts with a scene—casting long shadows, creating dramatic highlights, or softening textures—can completely change the mood of an image. I often use shadows to add contrast and mystery or soft light to create warmth and emotion.
✔ Strong Geometric Shadow Play – The sharp-edged shadows on the street create a dynamic contrast between light and dark, adding drama to the scene.
✔ Directional Lighting Enhances Contrast – The high contrast between the sunlit areas and deep shadows makes the image visually striking and adds a sense of depth.
✔ Silhouettes & Shadows Add Storytelling – The lone pedestrian and their shadow are a key focal point, emphasizing mood and movement. The extended shadow helps lead the eye through the composition.
✔ Monochrome Processing Maximizes Impact – The lack of color emphasizes textures, contrast, and form, making the light/shadow interplay even more pronounced.
Tip: I always take a moment to assess how light falls on my subject before pressing the shutter. Shooting at golden hour or using side lighting can create depth, while backlighting can add a dramatic glow.
Bringing It All Together: Mastering Composition
Throughout this series, we’ve explored seven key composition techniques that elevate photography from simple snapshots to compelling visual storytelling:
Rule of Thirds – Placing subjects off-center for balance and impact.
Leading Lines – Guiding the viewer’s eye through the image.
Frame Within a Frame – Using natural elements to create depth and focus.
Negative Space – Emphasizing minimalism and subject isolation.
Symmetry & Balance – Creating visual harmony or intentional imbalance.
Depth & Perspective – Layering elements for a three-dimensional feel.
Light & Shadow Play – Using contrast to enhance mood and drama.
Each of these methods plays a unique role, but when combined, they work together to create truly immersive images. You’ve seen this in action through the sample photos—how strong leading lines complement depth and perspective, or how light and shadow add intensity to a perfectly balanced scene.
Now It’s Your Turn
The best way to improve your composition skills is to practice intentionally. Take the 15-minute challenge—pick one technique, find a subject, and experiment. Then move on to the next. See how combining these techniques changes your results.
I’d love to hear from you:
Which method resonated with you the most?
Which sample image inspired you the most?
Want feedback on your shots? Send them my way—I’m happy to offer coaching and critique to help you refine your skills.
Photography is a journey, and every great shot starts with how you see the world. Keep shooting, keep experimenting, and most importantly—enjoy the process..
