Why Strong Photography Composition Matters More Than You Think | by Holly Awwad
Have you ever looked at a photo and felt an instant connection without really knowing why? It’s not just the subject that draws you in…it’s the way the image is composed.
Our brains are wired to process visual information instinctively. We prioritize contrast, follow paths, group shapes and colors, and look for balance without even thinking about it. Good composition works with these natural instincts, guiding the eye, evoking emotion, and strengthening the story you want to tell.
Without it, even beautiful subjects can fall flat. With it, even the simplest scene can feel rich, dynamic, and unforgettable.
How Our Eyes "Read" a Photograph
When someone looks at your photo, their brain immediately:
Notices areas of high contrast and sharp focus
Follows lines and curves that suggest movement
Groups similar shapes, colors, or textures together
Seeks balance and visual harmony
As photographers, we can use composition to control how the viewer experiences our images. We want to guide what they notice first, where their eye travels, and what they feel along the way.
4 Key Concepts That Can Transform Your Photography
If you want to start shooting with stronger, more intentional composition, here are four powerful ideas to practice:
1. Open vs. Closed Composition
Closed compositions keep all the important elements contained within the frame. They feel structured, resolved, and complete. Open compositions, on the other hand, allow elements to lead off the edges, suggesting movement and a larger world beyond the image.
Choosing between open and closed composition isn’t random. It’s part of how you shape the emotional impact of your photo. Closed frames can feel secure and focused. Open frames can feel dynamic, free, and even a little chaotic. Both have their place depending on the story you want to tell.
2. The Power of the Golden Ratio
You’ve probably heard of the Rule of Thirds, but the Golden Ratio, a natural proportion found in art, architecture, and nature, goes even deeper. Composing with the Phi Grid (based on the Golden Ratio) or the Fibonacci Spiral creates a flow that feels intuitive and naturally pleasing to the human eye. By aligning subjects or important elements along these proportions, your images will feel more balanced, harmonious, and compelling… even if the viewer doesn’t consciously know why.
3. Micro Composition: Fine-Tuning Within the Frame
Micro composition is about the little details within your image. The small choices that act as building blocks to create more depth, mood, and connection. Instead of just thinking about your subject, start paying attention to the foreground, midground, and background.
Ask yourself:
What’s supporting the subject?
What’s distracting?
How can you use light, layers, or intentional blur to pull the viewer into the scene?
Sometimes moving just a few inches, changing your angle, or repositioning a hand or a flower can make all the difference between a flat photo and one that feels truly alive and 3 dimensional.
4. Using Depth to Enhance Storytelling
Photography is a two-dimensional art form, but great photographers know how to create the illusion of depth. Adding depth makes your photos feel immersive and real, and it invites viewers to step inside your story.
You can create depth in many ways, including:
Layering subjects (foreground, midground, background)
Using a shallow depth of field to isolate your subject
Composing with leading lines, diagonals, and scale
Using light and shadow to separate elements
Depth isn't just about making an image prettier. It's about strengthening the emotional pull of your story.
Want to Dive Deeper Into Mastering Composition?
If you’re ready to start seeing your scenes and your storytelling differently, I created a full course that breaks it all down:
Perfecting Photography Composition: The Ultimate Guide for Visual Impact
Inside, we cover everything from how our brains process an image, to the foundations of composition, the “rules” and when to break them, to advanced techniques that help you create more intentional, dynamic images… to editing your final image to make it have the most impact.
BONUS: When you purchase this brand new course, you’ll get FREE access to a private group on FB from June 2 - 8, 2025 where we can work through all these concepts together, and I’ll be answering your questions and providing personalized feedback!
👉 You can check out the course here if you’re ready to learn more.
Whether you shoot nature, portraits, travel, or everyday life, strong composition will transform the way you photograph and view the world.
