01 / Composition principle
Balance
How visual weight is distributed
Size, colour, and position all affect how much an element attracts attention. Look for a relationship that holds the whole composition together.
✳ The learning collection
Fifteen principles.
Endless ways to see.
A foundation for making more intentional visual decisions. These are useful starting points, not rules that every creative work must follow.
02 / Composition principle
Visual Hierarchy
The order in which things are seen
Give the viewer a clear starting point. Differences in scale, contrast, and placement help primary and secondary elements find their roles.
03 / Composition principle
Alignment
Invisible lines that connect elements
Shared edges and centres make separate elements feel related. A deliberate alignment gives a layout structure without adding visual clutter.
04 / Composition principle
Contrast
Difference that creates attention
Light against dark, large against small, quiet against bold. Meaningful differences help important elements stand out.
05 / Composition principle
Scale
Relative size and its drama
Changing the size of one element changes how we read everything around it. Use scale to create emphasis, depth, and surprise.
06 / Composition principle
Negative Space
The shape of emptiness
The area around a subject is part of the composition. Space can clarify relationships, frame a focal point, and give the eye a moment to rest.
07 / Composition principle
Focal Point
Where the eye lands first
A clear point of attention gives the viewer an entry into the image. Let supporting elements guide attention without competing for it.
08 / Composition principle
Rhythm
Movement through repeated intervals
Spacing and repetition establish a visual tempo. A change in that pattern can create a pause, an accent, or a sense of movement.
09 / Composition principle
Proportion
How parts relate to the whole
Relationships between areas and sizes shape the feeling of an image. Experiment with how much space each part needs.
10 / Composition principle
Repetition
Consistency that builds unity
Recurring shapes, colours, or directions connect a composition. A consistent visual pattern makes intentional variation easier to notice.
11 / Composition principle
Symmetry
Mirrored order and calm
Matching elements across an axis creates a strong sense of order. Notice how symmetry changes the mood and stability of a layout.
12 / Composition principle
Asymmetry
Balance through difference
Elements can feel balanced without being identical. Different sizes, positions, and visual weights can support each other across the frame.
13 / Composition principle
Rule of Thirds
Placing subjects on strong lines
Divide the frame into thirds as a starting guide for placement. Compare a subject at the centre with one near a third or intersection.
14 / Composition principle
Visual Flow
The path the eye travels
Direction, alignment, and changes in emphasis guide the eye through a composition. Think about the sequence in which the viewer discovers it.
15 / Composition principle
Framing
Borders that direct attention
Surrounding elements influence how we see a subject. A frame can isolate, connect, and give context to what matters.
Keep your curiosity close.