Photo Composition

Framing Composing a photo so that the subject is surrounded (framed) by the content – sky, ground, people – that highlights the subject.

Rule of thirds A method of dividing the photograph into thirds vertically and horizontally creating four intersection points. The main subject falls into one of the intersecting points, a little off-center in the photos.

Bird’s eye view A photo taken from above, as though the observer were a bird.

Height of action A photographic technique in which the photo is taken at precisely the right time to capture the peak of an action or event.

Repetition of patterns A photo composition technique in which texture, lines or other visual elements repeat in the photo.

Worm’s eye view A photo taken from below, as though the observer were a worm.

Leading lines A photo composition technique in which real or imaginary lines in a photo lead the eye to the dominant element, primary subject or center of interest.