Mastering Composition – 5 Easy Ways to Instantly Improve Your Photos
Ever looked at a photo and felt like something was off—but you couldn’t quite put your finger on it? That’s composition at play. Strong composition is what separates a “meh” shot from a scroll-stopping image. The good news? You don’t need a fancy camera or expensive gear to improve it—just an eye for balance, structure, and intention.
Today, we’re diving into 5 easy ways to instantly improve your composition, with expert insights from Robin Fox—our queen of killer compositions inside Unraveled Academy. And if you want to take it even further, don’t miss this month’s Creative Practice Challenge, where you can experiment with these techniques in real-time and get inspired by Robin’s two Behind-the-Scenes and editing videos.
Oh, and if you’re the kind of person who loves a cheat sheet, we’ve got you—grab our free Composition Quick Guide to keep these tips handy! MEMBERS DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE HERE. Non-members, head HERE.
Image by Robin Claire Fox
1. Rule of Thirds: Stop Centering Everything
The Rule of Thirds is one of the easiest ways to create more dynamic images instantly. Imagine a grid dividing your frame into nine equal parts (most cameras and phones even have this as an overlay). Instead of placing your subject dead center, position them along one of the vertical or horizontal lines to add visual interest.
📌 Pro Tip: Align your subject’s eyes or the most important element of your photo along these lines to make your image feel more intentional.
Image by Robin Claire Fox
2. Leading Lines: Guide the Eye Where You Want It
Ever notice how some images draw you in immediately? That’s the power of leading lines. Roads, fences, staircases, shadows—anything that creates a natural path for the eye—can lead your viewer straight to your subject.
📌 Pro Tip: Look for lines in nature, architecture, and even body positioning to subtly direct focus in your images.
Image by Robin Claire Fox
3. Framing: Add Depth & Storytelling
Framing isn’t just for pictures on your wall—it’s also a powerful photography tool. Using natural elements like windows, doorways, trees, or hands to frame your subject can add depth, context, and storytelling to your shots.
📌 Pro Tip: Instead of shooting straight-on, look for foreground elements that can surround your subject to create a layered, immersive effect.
Image by Robin Claire Fox
4. Balance: Don’t Let Your Photos Feel “Off”
Balance is all about making sure your image doesn’t feel too weighted on one side. While symmetry is one way to do this, you can also achieve balance through color, texture, and negative space.
📌 Pro Tip: If you have a large subject on one side, balance it with a smaller but visually “heavy” element on the other (like a pop of color or a bright light source).
Image by Robin Claire Fox
5. Color Theory: Use Color Like an Artist
Color isn’t just about making your photos look pretty—it guides emotion and storytelling in your images. Complementary colors (opposites on the color wheel, like blue & orange) can create contrast, while analogous colors (close together, like blue & green) can evoke a sense of calm.
📌 Pro Tip: Pay attention to the color of clothing, backgrounds, and light sources to create harmony and intention in your shots.
Image by Robin Claire Fox
Our Creative Challenge AND Composition Course!
Ready to put these composition tips into action?
This April and May, we’re challenging you to take your composition skills to the next level with our Creative Practice & Challenge, led by Robin Fox. Plus, she’s dropping a brand-new course that dives deep into using composition to enhance your imagery.
Get a behind-the-scenes look at her process, learn practical techniques, and watch real-time breakdowns of composition in action. Then, put your skills to the test by submitting your best shot to our Creative Challenge!
Stay in the loop and get full access to everything by becoming an Unraveled Academy member today!
And don’t forget to grab our free Composition Quick Guide for a printable checklist of these techniques!
