9 simple composition tips that will make your photos look better

You know some of them already, the rule of thirds, etc. but it’s nice to see them illustrated with great pictures and be reminded of the most important rule of all: That you can and should break them.

If you’re looking to improve your photography skills then there’s no better person to teach you than Steve McCurry. The award-winning American photographer is the man behind the famous “Afghan Girl” photograph (which appeared on the cover of National Geographic back in 1984), and these awesome composition tips will show you how to take stunning pictures of your own.

McCurry’s simple but effective tips are easy to follow but difficult to master, but as the photographer notes, “Remember, the composition is important, but also rules are meant to be broken. So the main point is to enjoy yourself while you’re photographing and photograph in your own way and your own style.”

Here they are, courtesy of McCurry

1. Rule of Thirds: Place points of interest on intersections
   
2. Leading Lines: Use natural lines to lead the eye into the picture
   
3. Diagonals: Diagonal lines create movement
   
4. Framing: Use natural frames like windows
   
5. The figure to Ground: The contrast between subject and background
   
6. Fill the Frame: Get close to subjects
   
7. Center Dominant Eye: Put the dominant eye in the center of the picture
   
8. Patterns and Repetitions: Patterns are pleasing
   
9. Symmetry: Symmetry is pleasing