Ten tips for compelling visual designs
Keep it simple
Think critically about what should be included within the image frame, and more importantly, what shouldn’t. Exclude anything that doesn’t make the composition stronger.
Avoid visual merger
Change your position as necessary to open up space between important objects so that they don’t overlap.
Get close with wideangle lenses
By getting close to nearby objects with a wideangle lens, you can make even small objects look much larger and more prominent in the composition.
Wait for the decisive moment
Don’t just show up and shoot. When you’ve found the perfect subject or composition, wait for the ‘decisive moment’ that creates maximum visual energy.
Mix energy and balance
Too much balance in a composition is boring. Too much energy is chaotic. Try to find a mix between these two extremes.
Create a visual progression
A progression of multiple visual elements from the bottom to the top can encourage the viewer’s eye to travel deeper into the composition.
Use visual opposition
Opposing visual elements create energy in a composition. Look for lines or shapes that tilt or point in opposite directions, encouraging the viewer to study multiple parts of the composition.
Get diagonal
Diagonal lines, and diagonal visual relationships, bring energy to a composition. When appropriate, change your position to skew shapes diagonally.
Use shapes
Look for simple, bold and dynamic shapes such as triangles or circles to form the basis of your compositions.
Put something between you and your subject
Just photographing your subject often isn’t enough to make an effective photo. Include additional objects between you and your subject to create depth and enhance visual interest.