Composition Rules

Diagonal Lines or Leading Lines : work well to draw the eye of an image's viewer through the photograph. They create points of interest as they intersect with other lines and often give images depth by suggesting perspective. They can also add a sense of action to an image and add a dynamic looks and feel.

Rule of thirds is applied by aligning a subject with the guide lines and their intersection points, placing the horizon on the top or bottom line, or allowing linear features in the image to flow from section to section.

Negative space refers to the subject in the photo.

Symmetry refers to a line that splits an object in half and, if both sides of the object are an exact mirror image of each other, then this object is said to be symmetrical.

Symmetrical Balance. While not all balanced photographs are symmetrical, all symmetrical photographs are balanced. Symmetry (also known as formal balance) is achieved when both sides of the image hold equal weight.

Asymmetry refers to a lack of symmetry, or balance, in the photograph. In an asymmetrical photograph, if the photograph were to be sliced in half, neither side would be symmetrical.

S-Curve as the name suggests, a major element of the composition would be an object such as a stream, path, railing, or other curved object that creates an "S."

Composition is the placement or arrangement of visual elements or ingredients in a work of art, as distinct from the subject of a work.

Positive space refers to the entire photo.

The rules of composition only apply to photography.