The art of composition: complex rules and when to break them

From WhiteWall expert Katharina Wergen

Masterful Photography: Complex Composition Rules and How to Break Them Creatively

Composition in photography refers to the arrangement of various elements within the frame. A well-composed photo naturally guides the viewer’s eye through the image and emphasizes the most important parts of the scene. While basic principles such as the rule of thirds are often recommended to beginners, more advanced composition rules offer photographers the opportunity to explore visual design in depth and create outstanding visual works.

The Fibonacci Spiral, the Golden Ratio, and centered composition are three of the more sophisticated techniques that photographers use to structure and refine their images. In this article, we’ll explore these techniques, explain their purpose, and show you how and when breaking them can lead to unique and impactful photographs.

The Fibonacci Spiral: Harmony in Nature and Art

What is the Fibonacci Spiral?

The Fibonacci Spiral is based on the Fibonacci sequence – a mathematical progression in which each number is the sum of the two preceding ones (0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21,...). This spiral appears frequently in nature and can be seen in snail shells, sunflowers, and galaxies.

When the sequence is visualized as a series of squares arranged in a grid, a spiral emerges – the Fibonacci Spiral. In photography, this spiral helps guide the viewer’s eye through the image in a natural and aesthetically pleasing way.

Using the Fibonacci Spiral in Photography

To apply this principle, place the key elements of your photo along the spiral and its curves. This leads the viewer’s gaze through the composition and creates a sense of harmony and flow.

Example: Imagine photographing a landscape with a striking tree. Position the tree near the inner curve of the spiral, allowing it to guide the viewer’s eye toward other details in the background, such as a river or mountain. This works especially well in landscape and architectural photography.

When Should You Break the Fibonacci Spiral?

Admittedly, breaking the Fibonacci Spiral is often easier than applying it. Doing so intentionally can create tension or a sense of disorder, which may be desirable if you're aiming for surprise or unease.

Instead of aligning elements along the spiral, place them deliberately outside the spiral structure. This can be especially effective in abstract or contemporary photography.

Example: In a portrait, you might position the subject’s face outside of the spiral’s focal area to shift attention toward the background or other visual elements – creating an unusual and engaging composition.

The Golden Ratio: Perfect Proportions

What is the Golden Ratio?

The Golden Ratio is a mathematical relationship of approximately 1:1.618, long considered ideal and aesthetically pleasing. Found in nature, art, and architecture, it is used to create balance and harmony.

Using the Golden Ratio in Photography

In photography, the golden ratio can be used to create a balanced and aesthetically pleasing composition. By placing the most important elements of the image along the lines and intersections of the golden ratio, you can create an image that is particularly appealing to the viewer's eye.

This rule helps create a visually pleasing and balanced image. Divide the frame into sections using the 1:1.618 ratio and place your subject or key elements along these lines or intersections.

Example: In a cityscape, you might place the horizon along one of the ratio lines and align buildings or key structures at the intersections. This draws the viewer’s eye naturally and creates visual harmony.

When Should You Break the Golden Ratio?

Intentionally breaking this rule can result in unusual and compelling compositions. By ignoring ideal proportions, you introduce tension and unpredictability – useful for expressing emotions or abstract ideas.

Example: In a still life, you could position objects outside the ideal lines to create a sense of chaos or disorder. This is particularly effective in conceptual or fine art photography.

Centered Composition: Symmetry and Focus

What is Centered Composition?

Centered composition places the main subject in the middle of the frame. This technique creates visual impact and draws immediate attention to the subject. It’s a simple but powerful way to emphasize your focal point.

Using Centered Composition in Photography

This works especially well with symmetrical subjects or when the central object needs to stand out. It’s widely used in portrait and nature photography. Centered composition is ideal when symmetry and balance are key.

Example: A striking perfume bottle shot slightly from below and centered in the frame gives the product presence and emphasizes the elegance of both the design and the brand.

When Should You Break Centered Composition?

Breaking this rule can make images more dynamic and engaging. Instead of placing your subject dead center, shift it slightly to create asymmetry and highlight other parts of the frame.

Example: In a landscape, positioning the horizon or focal element slightly off-center can add depth and encourage the viewer to explore the entire scene.

Creative Freedom: When and How to Break the Rules of Composition

Understanding Rules as a Foundation

Knowing and applying these composition rules is essential for building a strong photographic foundation. However, they are not set in stone. Think of them as guidelines rather than constraints – a starting point for experimentation.

Treat these principles as a helpful framework for making deliberate design choices. Once you understand their effects and uses, you’ll also know when to break them for artistic impact.

Breaking the Rules as a Creative Tool

Deliberately defying traditional rules can lead to unique and unexpected images. Deviating from familiar visual paths can reveal new perspectives and effects, giving your photos a distinct artistic voice.

Examples of Creative Rule-Breaking:

• Asymmetrical portraits: Instead of centering the subject’s face, place it at the edge of the frame to tell a story about the surrounding space. Fashion photography often uses tilted horizons or cropped heads.

• Unconventional scenes: In street photography, balanced harmony isn’t always the goal. By shifting the horizon or including odd details, you can introduce drama and tension.

• Abstract compositions: In abstract photography, rules can be disregarded altogether. The focus lies in exploring shapes, colors, and textures for a unique visual experience.

• Compositions beyond the frame: When planning multi-part wall displays with lines flowing from one print into the next, traditional composition rules may actually hinder your concept.

If you’re planning a multi-piece display, check out WhiteWall’s overview of professional presentation options.

Conclusion: The Art of Breaking the Rules

While composition rules like the Fibonacci Spiral, the Golden Ratio, and centered layouts are powerful tools for creating striking photographs, knowing how and when to break them is just as vital. Intentionally breaking the rules can lead to memorable and original imagery that stands out.

Explore your creativity and experiment with different approaches. At WhiteWall, we help you turn your best images into stunning prints and presentations. Let your creativity flow and discover the limitless possibilities of photography.