9 Photo Composition

Tips, As Seen in
Photographs by Steve
McCurry
MAR 16, 2015
MICHAE L ZHAN G

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Heres 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 McCurrys 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

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

3. Diagonals: Diagonal lines create great movement

4. Framing: Use natural frames like windows and doors

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

background

6. Fill the Frame: Get close to your subjects

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

of the photo

8. Patterns and Repetition: Patterns are aesthetically pleasing,

but the best is when the pattern is interrupted

9. Symmetry: Symmetry is pleasing to the eye

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 youre 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
TA G S :

COMPOSITION

COMPOSITIONTIPS

COOPH

EXAMPLES

I N S P I R ATIO N

LEADIN GLINES

LEARN

RULEO FTHIRDS

S TE VE MC CU R RY

TIPS

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