- Rule of Thirds – Instead of placing the main subject in the center of the frame, divide the frame into thirds horizontally and vertically and place the main subject at one of these intersections.
![](https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/comd1340-d085-fall23/files/2020/08/AMHOUSTONIG_10313877167.jpg)
2. Leading Lines – lines in the photograph that lead the eye to the main subject
![](https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/comd1340-d085-fall23/files/2022/02/hine_leadinglines-1024x726.jpeg)
3. Diagonals – Sloping lines
![](https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/comd1340ol89fall2020/files/2020/09/AWSS35953_35953_37898018.jpg)
Photographer: Steve McCurry
4. Frame within a frame
![](https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/comd1340-d085-fall23/files/2022/02/W-Eugene-Smith-A-Life-in-Photography-1024x576.jpeg)
5. Figure to Ground – Figure to Ground -the relationship between the subject and the background sometimes described as negative and positive space.
![](https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/comd1340-d085-fall23/files/2022/02/ray-metzker-black-white-photograph5.jpeg)
6. Fill the Frame – get closer. Never plan to crop later.
![](https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/comd1340-d085-fall23/files/2020/09/SS36847_36847_34790839-1.jpg)
7. Patterns – repeated elements. Break the pattern for visual interest
![](https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/comd1340-d085-fall23/files/2022/02/STNMTZ_20140407_5838.jpeg)
8. Symmetry – If you fold the image in half the two haves are very similar and have equal visual weight. Or make it asymmetrical to add tension to the composition.
![](https://openlab.citytech.cuny.edu/comd1340ol89fall2020/files/2020/09/AMAGNUMIG_10311535523.jpg)
Photographer: Steve McCurry
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