Photography Composition Cheat Sheet

Last Updated: November 21, 2025

Rules of Composition

Rule of Thirds
Divide frame into 9 parts
Leading Lines
Use lines to guide eye
Framing
Use natural frames
Symmetry
Balance elements
Negative Space
Empty space around subject
Depth
Foreground, middle, background

Lighting

Golden Hour
Hour after sunrise/before sunset
Blue Hour
Twilight before sunrise/after sunset
Backlight
Light behind subject
Side Light
Emphasizes texture
💡 Pro Tip: Break the rules once you understand them!
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