One of the most important things in taking a photo is the composition. Composition is simply put, how the elements of a photo are arranged. There are many rules about composition in photography and as with all rules, they are made to know, and break carefully and purposefully. In this blog I will tell you about rules I have known and used for some time, as well as some rules I have learned about and will definitely try to keep in mind when taking future photos.
1. Symmetry
In my humble opinion, symmetry is one of the most satisfying things to look at. Just a clean image with symmetrical elements can be amazing. To up your photography game, take a moment when shooting to see if you can change your angle so that the framing of your image is symmetrical.
Verhouding 5 op 7 
Verhouding 5 op 7
2. Leading lines
Leading lines are lines that lead towards your subject. Drawing attention to it. Leading lines can be just about anything: a row of trees, rails, sidewalk or people. When taking photos try to find some leading lines and place your subject in the center of them.
Verhouding 5 op 7 
Verhouding 5 op 7 
3. Rule of thirds
The rule of thirds is one of the most basic rules of composition. It is included in most phone cameras nowadays and in some professional cameras too. The idea is to place the elements of your photo on one third of your image. Elements include the horizon and your subject.
4. Framing
This tool for composition completely blew my mind when I found out about in a few years ago. It is about framing you subject using elements that are in front of your subject.
Verhouding 3 op 4
5. Negative space
Sometimes less is more, that is what this rule of composition embodies. I feel that photos are often too cluttered and some empty or negative space would help it. I see this as a first step towards taking minimalistic photos, but also use it to make my photos more calming to look at.
Verhouding 4 op 5 
Verhouding 5 op 7
6. Perspective
Perspective is not really a rule, but I put it in this list to remind you and myself to change it up every once in a while. Try switching it up, shoot from lower or higher, more to the left or to the right. Maybe take a step back or forward. Just try something else and see if it works better than your original idea.
7. Patterns and repetition
Another way to draw attention to your subject is to find a pattern or something repetitive and have your subject interrupt it.
8. Rule of odds
This is one of the rules I heard about, but never researched or used. Apparently, it is more pleasing to look at a photo in which there is an odd number of subjects rather than an even number of subjects.
9. Break the rules
Once you know how you can use these rules, you also know how to break them. I fully encourage you to do so, as it will allow you to create your own style of photography. I know my compositional rules, but I have broken them as well.
