17 Photography Composition Techniques for Top Travel Photos

Are you struggling to figure out what sets apart the amazing photos you see while scrolling through social media feeds and the ones you take on your camera?

Do your photos lack something, but you can’t quite figure out what?

Or maybe you’ve already been researching how to improve your travel photography with composition techniques, but find the rules confusing and contradictory. 

When I first started looking into photography composition techniques, I remember seeing the golden ratio diagram overlaid onto a photo and thinking – what the heck is that supposed to be?

And here’s a secret, I still feel the same way. 

That’s why I’ve written this blog.

I want to give you a real-world guide on composition without throwing a load of confusing 1000-year-old diagrams in your face.

I’m going to tell you exactly what to pay attention to and what to ignore. After reading this you’ll know how to compose better pictures instead of how to conform to rules.

I’ve spent 18 months travelling the world, capturing all kinds of compositions in every situation imaginable. Through real-world experience, not rigid rules, I’ve learned what truly makes an image work.

A few of the photos have even won photography competitions, proving that great composition is about knowing what to look for, not just following a formula!

What is composition in photography?

Composition is how you arrange elements in your frame. Whether you place your subject in the centre or off to the side, you’re making creative choices that shape the final image.

It is equally important whether you’re using a DSLR, Compact Camera or Smartphone.

But unlike camera settings like aperture or shutter speed, there’s no “right” formula for good composition. It’s something you’ll refine over time. Even experienced photographers are always learning and experimenting.

Now, we’ll be honest. There are many different types of composition in photography, and some techniques can feel a bit confusing or overcomplicated.

But a few are genuinely helpful, especially when you’re just getting started. I’ve included some composition tips for beginners and also some more advanced composition tips further on in the article.

17 Tips For Better Photography Composition

1. Rule of Thirds

The rule of thirds is often the first compositional technique photographers learn because it’s simple to understand and easy to apply. 

It works by dividing your photograph into thirds using two horizontal and two vertical lines, creating a grid. By placing your subject at one of the intersecting points or along one of the lines, you naturally create a balanced composition with minimal effort. 

This technique helps position your subject away from the centre while still leaving enough space from the edge of the frame, preventing the photo from looking awkward or unbalanced.

Another way to use the rule of thirds is by aligning key elements of your composition along the grid lines to create balance. In landscape photography, for example, you generally don’t want the horizon or the sky sitting directly in the middle of the frame, as this often looks static and unappealing. 

Instead, placing the horizon along the upper third of the image creates a more balanced and visually pleasing composition, allowing the foreground to add depth and interest to the scene. 

Conversely, if the sky is particularly striking, like during a dramatic sunset, you might place the horizon along the lower third to give the sky more emphasis.

Did you know you can view the rule of thirds (grid lines) on your camera? You can do this by going into the camera settings and changing it to show 3×3 grid lines. Below are some links which will tell you how to do this for different camera makes.

How to show the rule of thirds (grid lines) on Sony Cameras

How to show the rule of thirds (grid lines) on Canon Cameras

How to show the rule of thirds (grid lines) on Nikon Cameras

Next time you’re out shooting, switch your camera to manual focus and use a small spot focus positioned in one of the thirds of the frame.

Spend the day composing your shots this way, always placing your subject along one of the thirds. This hands-on approach will help you get a better feel for how the rule of thirds enhances your photos.

2. Make Sure the Horizon is Level

Nothing screams “inexperienced photographer” quite like a wonky horizon line. It’s an easy mistake to make, especially when you’re focused on other elements in the shot. But once you’re aware of it, it’s just as easy to fix.

The best way to avoid the issue altogether is to make sure the horizon is level in camera. This can be tricky when shooting handheld, especially on uneven surfaces. 

Some cameras have a built-in horizon levelling function that helps by displaying a guide to show when the camera is level, this can be activated in your display settings. 

If you’re using a tripod, check if it has a built-in spirit level. This can help you ensure your setup is level before you take the shot, saving you from needing to correct it in post.

So what if you’ve completely screwed it up in the field and your horizon isn’t level? Don’t worry, because it’s one of the easiest things to fix in your editing software. 

Most modern programs have an automatic straighten function, try this first, as it usually does a good job. However, it’s not always perfect, so you may need to adjust it manually. 

Simply go into crop mode, where a grid will appear, and rotate the image until the horizon sits parallel to one of the grid lines. With a quick fix, you’ll have a more polished and professional-looking photo.

3. Breathing space

One common mistake in early photography is not leaving enough breathing space which is the visual gap between your subject and the edges of the frame.

When this space is too tight, the photo can feel cramped or unintentional, as if the subject was accidentally cut off. It can make an otherwise strong image feel awkward or messy.

4. Leading Lines

When someone views your photo, you want to guide their eye through the image, creating a visual journey. This might sound odd, after all, don’t we just look at a photo and take it all in at once? 

Not quite. In a split second, the eye moves through the frame, picking up different elements, and leading lines help direct that movement.

So, what exactly are leading lines in photography?

They can be anything from obvious man-made structures like road markings or fences to natural elements like a winding river or a row of trees. Sometimes, they can be more abstract, like a few flowers lined up in front of a tree, subtly guiding the viewer’s eye toward the subject.

One common mistake I see, even from experienced photographers, is using leading lines that don’t actually lead anywhere. A classic example is train tracks stretching into the distance, it’s a shot many of us have taken at some point. 

But imagine how much more compelling that same scene would be with a train coming down the tracks or a beautifully detailed Victorian-style station in the background. 

The key is to use leading lines with intent, making sure they direct the viewer’s eye toward something interesting rather than just existing as a pattern in the frame.

5. Look for Patterns

Speaking of patterns, they’re great for compositions. A pattern can be the subject of a photo all on its own, creating striking, repetitive designs that draw the viewer in. Some patterns are obvious, especially in man-made structures, you’ll see them a lot in architectural photography, from rows of windows on a skyscraper to the repeating arches of a bridge.

Natural patterns, on the other hand, are often less precise but even more spectacular because they form organically.

You’ll find them in the delicate symmetry of flower petals, the spiralling cavities of fossils, the ripples in desert sand, or the waves rolling onto a shoreline. These patterns create rhythm and movement within an image, making them an excellent tool for composition.

Nature also lends itself well to textures, which can be just as powerful as patterns in a composition. Textures add depth and dimension, making an image feel more tangible. The rough bark of a tree, the cracked surface of parched earth, the intricate veins on a leaf, or the jagged edges of a rock face all create visual interest.

When shooting textures, light plays a crucial role—side lighting can enhance depth by casting shadows, while soft light can bring out fine details without harsh contrast. Whether you’re focusing on patterns or textures, both can turn a simple scene into a compelling composition.

Go out shooting and experiment with patterns and textures. Try filling the entire frame with the pattern or texture to make it the focal point of your shot. Getting in tight and eliminating background distractions helps emphasise the details, drawing the viewer’s eye to elements they might otherwise overlook. 

6. Closeup, Mid & Wide Shot

The best tip for good composition in photography is to capture a mix of closeups, mid, and wide shots. This approach helps tell a complete story by providing different perspectives—starting with a wide shot to establish the scene, moving to a mid shot to show the subject in its environment, and finishing with a closeup to highlight key details.

Wide Shot

I usually refer to this as the establishing shot. The goal is to capture as much of the environment as possible, setting the scene and providing context. A wide shot helps place the subject within its surroundings, giving a sense of scale and atmosphere.

For these shots, I often use a drone as it allows me to easily capture vast landscapes, sprawling cityscapes, or dramatic viewpoints that wouldn’t be possible from ground level.

Mid Shot

A mid shot includes both the subject and some of its environment, bridging the gap between the wide and closeup shots. The aim is to show how the subject interacts with its surroundings, whether it’s a person standing in front of a towering mountain or an old wooden boat resting on a quiet lake.

This type of shot adds depth to your storytelling, giving viewers a better understanding of the relationship between the subject and its location.

Closeup

Closeups focus on the finer details, whether it’s the intricate patterns and textures we discussed earlier or a portrait that captures emotion and expression. The goal is to remove distractions and draw attention solely to the subject.

Close-ups can be used to highlight character, texture, or emotion, anything that adds depth to the story you’re telling.

By capturing all three types of shots, you give yourself more variety and flexibility, ensuring you walk away with a well-rounded set of photographs that fully capture your subject.

7. Pay Attention to the Background

This is more of a reminder than a composition rule, but it’s crucial to practice. It’s easy to get so focused on your subject that you don’t notice what’s happening behind them. Then, when you review your shots later, you realise there’s a tree trunk perfectly positioned to look like it’s growing straight out of their head.

The background is just as important as the subject. Instead of only focusing on what’s in front of the lens, train yourself to see the entire frame. This can be easier in some situations than others, but it’s always worth your attention.

Clean, simple backgrounds help keep the focus on your subject without unnecessary distractions. On the other hand, cluttered or busy backgrounds can make your subject get lost in the scene.

That said, sometimes you want to include background elements to tell a story, like adding mountains behind a hiker to show the environment. The key is to be intentional, making sure the background complements the subject rather than competing with it.

8. Framing

Framing is a technique where you use an object in the foreground to frame the rest of the image, drawing attention to your subject and adding depth to the composition. 

It’s a more advanced technique because it requires some technical control over your camera settings. To pull it off effectively, you’ll need to use manual focus to ensure the camera doesn’t lock onto the frame itself, leaving the main subject blurry. 

Frames can be found everywhere with natural arches, doorways, overhanging branches or even gaps between buildings. The trick is simply remembering to look for them and incorporating them intentionally into your shot.

9. Symmetry and Reflections

It’s well known that symmetry is naturally pleasing to the eye. In photography, a balanced composition creates a sense of harmony, and what better way to achieve balance than by capturing something perfectly symmetrical?

This is why certain patterns are so visually appealing, our brains are drawn to order and repetition.

Finding symmetry in nature can be particularly rewarding, as it often feels more rare and unexpected. However, composing a truly symmetrical shot takes careful positioning. You’ll need to be standing exactly in the centre of the scene when taking the shot, this isn’t something you can simply crop and fix in editing.

One of the most effective ways to introduce symmetry into your photography is through reflections. These can be found in puddles, lakes, mirrors, glass surfaces, or even polished floors. When shooting reflections in water, you may need to use an ND filter, especially if you’re working with a moving body of water like a lake with small ripples.

The ND filter will help smooth out the surface, creating a cleaner, more defined reflection.

10. Foreground, Midground, and Background Subjects

This principle is especially important in landscape photography. Landscapes are often filled with multiple elements, so it’s essential to think about how each object contributes to the overall composition. Instead of just focusing on a single subject, consider how foreground, midground, and background elements work together to create depth and context.

Take a waterfall, for example. While the waterfall itself might be the main subject, the surrounding environment plays a crucial role in making the image feel immersive. 

To create a well-composed shot, you could include a plant at the edge of the pool in the foreground, drawing the viewer’s eye into the scene. In the background, overhanging trees could help frame the waterfall, adding scale and atmosphere.

By layering different elements in the foreground, midground, and background, you create a sense of depth and storytelling. Rather than just documenting the subject, this approach helps convey the full experience of the place, making your photo more dynamic and interesting.

11. Shooting from Eye Level or a Low Perspective

Shooting from above is often a mistake in photography because it’s an easy default perspective that can make images look flat and uninteresting. 

Since we naturally view the world from a standing position, taking a photo from this angle rarely adds anything unique to the shot.

Take photographing a dog, for example. If you snap a picture while standing above it, you’ll likely end up with a very average photo where the dog’s face isn’t clearly visible. But if you drop down to eye level, you’ll capture a much more engaging shot, showing the dog’s expression and personality. 

Go even lower and shoot from the ground, looking up, and suddenly, the dog appears more grand and imposing, completely changing the feel of the image.

The concept of shooting at eye level is particularly important in travel photography portraits. It helps create a stronger connection between the subject and the viewer, making the image feel more personal and engaging. 

A low-down perspective, on the other hand, can shift the power dynamic of the image. It can make a subject appear more authoritative or respected. For instance, photographing an elder in a community from a slightly lower angle can subtly convey a sense of wisdom, experience and stature.

After all, travel is about connecting with people, learning about different cultures, and realising that, at the core, we’re all quite similar. Looking directly into someone’s eyes through a portrait builds that sense of understanding and relatability.

That’s why we always encourage speaking to the people you photograph. Building a genuine connection not only makes your portraits more compelling but also enriches your travel experience.

12. Use a Drone to Get a New Perspective

Nothing shakes up photography composition quite like a drone. Suddenly, you’re able to capture entirely unique photographs that simply aren’t possible with a handheld camera. 

Drones give travel photographers a fresh perspective, allowing them to shoot well-known monuments in new ways and capture vast landscapes from above.

When it comes to drone composition, the two most common approaches are shooting from a 45-degree downward angle or going for a top-down, vertical view. 

The 45-degree angle helps showcase depth and scale, making landscapes and cityscapes feel more immersive. 

The top-down view, on the other hand, creates striking, graphic compositions by flattening the scene and revealing patterns that aren’t obvious from the ground.

One technique we use often (but isn’t talked about as much in drone composition tips) is using the drone for a slightly higher perspective rather than just extreme aerial shots. 

Sometimes, you might find that a railing or a distracting foreground element is ruining your composition at a photo spot. In these cases, sending the drone up just a metre or two can give you a cleaner, more refined shot that wouldn’t be possible with a handheld camera or even a tripod. 

It’s a subtle but powerful way to improve your photography composition and get the best angle for your shot.

We absolutely love the DJI Mavic 3 Pro. It’s a little large in size but the camera quality is outstanding. Due to its size its also great at flying in high winds, so you can happily send it in the air on top of a volcano!

13. Look for Contrasting Colours

One of the best tips for photography composition techniques is to use contrasting colours. Contrasting colours sit on opposite sides of the colour wheel, creating a visual pop that draws the viewer’s eye.

For example, red and green are complementary colours. Since Emma and I love photographing lush green environments, she always carries a red jacket or skirt to create contrast.

This small detail makes a huge difference, her red clothing stands out against the greenery, drawing attention to the subject without losing her in the rest of the environment.

Finding natural colour contrasts while travelling can be tricky because they don’t always appear naturally. However, when you do come across them, they can make for striking images.

We’ve been lucky a few times, like when we saw giant red flowers in Bali growing out of the rice fields and near waterfalls, creating an incredible contrast between the rich red petals and the deep green foliage.

Negative space can also evoke emotion. A subject surrounded by a wide expanse of sky or sea can create a feeling of solitude, for example. It’s a subtle way to shape the mood of your photo while keeping the composition clean and uncluttered.

15. Minimalist compositions

Speaking of clean and uncluttered compositions, let’s take a look at minimalist photography. A minimalist composition is all about simplicity, typically featuring a single subject surrounded by empty space. The goal is to remove anything that could distract from the subject, allowing it to fully hold the viewer’s attention.

That subject doesn’t always have to be one object. You might photograph two trees in a snowdrift or a couple holding hands on a vast beach. What defines a minimalist image is not the number of elements but the clarity of focus and the absence of clutter. Every part of the frame should serve a purpose or be intentionally left empty.

Minimalist photography is powerful because of its restraint. By stripping the scene down to just the essentials, you create space for the viewer to pause, reflect, and engage with the subject on a deeper level.

16. Tell a Story with Your Photo

Ok, so I’ve saved the best for last. If you’re a travel photographer, telling a story should be at the heart of every photo you take. You’re trying to show the world what you see, but remember when you experience something, you’re not just seeing it. You’re experiencing the atmosphere around you through your senses of smell, hearing, and touch.

But through photography, you only have one sense to work with: sight. So how do you convey everything else?

You translate those other senses into visual cues. If you’re walking through a bustling market and the buttery smell of popcorn hits you, include the popcorn stand in your shot. Let the viewer see what you’re smelling. 

If you’re on a chaotic street corner filled with honking horns and speeding scooters, capture the blur of movement or the flow of traffic to give a sense of sound and energy.

This is a great way to shift your mindset as a photographer. Instead of focusing only on what you see, start tuning into what you feel. Your photographs will become more immersive, more layered, and much more powerful.

Storytelling can also come through in portraiture. Say you’re photographing a local artisan, of course, you’ll want to show their finished work. But go deeper. Include close-ups of their hands as they work, the materials they use or the space they create in.

These details tell a richer, more intimate story of the person behind the craft.

The most important question you can ask yourself before pressing the shutter is – what can I include in this photo to show the viewer everything I’m sensing right now? That’s where the storytelling really begins.

17. What is the Golden Ratio in Photography?

The golden ratio is a mathematical ratio often found in nature, art, and architecture that’s believed to create naturally pleasing compositions. In photography, it’s used to guide the placement of elements within a frame, creating a spiral or curve that leads the viewer’s eye through the image in a harmonious way.

That said, I’ve never once taken a photo in my career while consciously thinking, “I’m going to use the golden ratio for this shot.” I still struggle to apply it intentionally in my own photography. If I’ve ever followed it, it’s been purely instinctive and only realised after the fact.

In most composition blogs I looked at while researching this post, I didn’t come across any convincing examples of the golden spiral being used effectively. More often than not, it looked like a spiral had just been slapped on top of a photo, with the writer then having to justify why it worked.

Unless you’ve already mastered the more practical photography composition techniques, like the rule of thirds, framing and leading lines, don’t focus on the golden ratio. It’s an interesting concept but not something that needs to play a central role in your travel photography.

Next Steps: Use the Rules of composition and Then Learn When to Break Them

I get it, learning composition can feel frustrating.

I’ve been there too.

Unlike shutter speed or ISO, there’s no switch that suddenly makes you good at it. A lot of it is subjective, and even the pros break the so-called “rules” all the time.

But here’s the thing, understanding these techniques gives you a foundation. It helps you avoid common mistakes and gives you something solid to build on. Perfect scenes where every rule fits neatly? They’re rare.

But knowing what to look for means you’re more likely to notice those opportunities and compose better pictures because of it.

So don’t stress about ticking every box.

Use the rules when they make sense, break them when they don’t and keep shooting.

Want me to take a look at your photos?
Check our our Photo Feedback + session where I will let you know how your compositions are shaping up. I’ll provide you with honest feedback and some practical tips that you can apply on your next shoot.