Composition rules exist to train your eye. Once they're instinctive, breaking them deliberately is how you develop a style.
01Centre with intent
Dead-centre framing feels confrontational and calm at the same time — perfect for symmetry and strong portraits.
02Negative space
Leaving most of the frame empty can say more about scale and isolation than filling it ever could.
03Break the horizon
Put the horizon very high or very low — never accidentally in the middle. Commit to sky or to land.
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Written by
Maya Laurent
Portrait and documentary photographer for 12 years. Maya edits our photography guides and still shoots mostly on a 35mm and a 50mm prime.