9 Photo Composition Tips, As Seen in Photographs by Steve McCurry

Here’s a great video on photographic composition, created by The Cooperative of Photography using tips and photographs by legendary photojournalist Steve McCurry. Each of the 9 composition tips is illustrated with examples from McCurry’s impressive body of work.

Here are the 9 tips covered in the video:

  1. Rule of Thirds: Place points of interest on the intersections and important elements along the lines
    thirds

  2. Leading Lines: Use natural lines to lead eyes into the picture
    leadinglines

  3. Diagonals: Diagonal lines create great movement
    diagonals

  4. Framing: Use natural frames like windows and doors
    framing

  5. Figure to Ground: Find a contrast between subject and background
    figureground

  6. Fill the Frame: Get close to your subjects
    fillframe

  7. Center Dominant Eye: Place the dominant eye in the center of the photo
    centerdominanteye

  8. Patterns and Repetition: Patterns are aesthetically pleasing, but the best is when the pattern is interrupted
    patterns

  9. Symmetry: Symmetry is pleasing to the eye
    symmetry

“Remember, the composition is important, but also rules are meant to be broken,” Steve McCurry says. “So the main point is to enjoy yourself while you’re photographing and photograph in your own way and your own style.”

You can find more photography content over in COOPH magazine and some neat photo gear in the COOPH online store.


Image credits: Video by COOPH, and example photographs by Steve McCurry

Discussion