The 12 Rules of Composition

The 12 Rules of Composition

1) Simplify the scene – This image represents the rule ‘simplify the scene’ because in the image there isn’t any rubbish/clutter to distract the audience from the subject, this means that it is a clear image with a clear focal point.



2) Avoid the middle – This image represents the rule ‘avoid the middle’ because the subject is slightly on the right-hand side of the image, this balances the image which makes it look far more interesting.


3) Leading lines -  This image represents the rule ‘leading lines’ because the lines from the wall and the bushes create a clear focal point, leading the audience the main subject in the image which is the shed.


4) Diagonals - This image represents the rule ‘diagonals’ because the image presents a feel of movement with the subject and also shows another angle of the subject to the audience that might reveal something significant.






5) Backgrounds - This image represents the rule ‘backgrounds’ because the background links with the subject, therefore the background is a focal point for this image as well as the subject.


6) The rule of thirds - This image represents the rule ‘the rule of thirds’ because if you were to split the image up into a grid, the eyes of the subject would be placed on the intersect, therefore making it the main focal point.




7) The use of composition to tell a story - This image shows composition telling a story because the image reflects loneliness and depression therefore without using dialogue, the use of composition tells a story



8) The rule of odds -  This image represents the rule ‘the rule of odds’ because clearly there are three objects, this means that the human eye will be attracted to the subjects instead of the space around the objects, this also means that the subjects are the main focal points of the image which is very important with com position.



9) Leave Space - This image represents the rule ‘leave space’ because in front of the subject there is space if something is happening, this creates a sense of intrigue for the audience who can’t what’s happening off shot.


10)  Fill the frame - This image represents the rule ‘fill the frame’ because in the image, all you can see is the subject, the background has been cropped out so the audience is fully focused on the subject.




11) Make the shot balanced - This image represents the rule ‘making the shot balanced’ because the subject is showing a light contrast, and to balance the image, the background has a dark contrast that balances the image but still has the subject as the main focal point because the image is balanced.



12) Change the viewpoint - This image represents the rule ‘change the viewpoint’ because the shot being a low angle means it gives the subject a sense of superiority, also it makes the subject look larger in size to emphasize its superiority.