A square photograph is not just a cropped rectangle. With a 1:1 aspect ratio, it changes the way we work with composition, symmetry, rhythm, and negative space. In this article, I’ll show you how photographers like Vivian Maier and Roman Franc have come to love the square format, how it influences the way they perceive their images, and how you can master square composition—even if your camera only shoots in a rectangular format.

Diagonal composition is one of the most effective compositional techniques in photography. It adds movement, depth, and tension to an image and naturally guides the viewer’s eye through the frame. In this article, I‘ll show you how to use diagonals in landscape, portrait, and action photography, when they work best, and how to avoid the most common mistakes.

Debates over megapixels and sensor size can easily overshadow what really matters. It’s the story, the emotions, and the light that make a great photo, not the technology. In this article, we’ll look at when it makes sense to use a smartphone and when a camera is the better choice. We’ll take into account how quickly you need to react, whether you want to remain inconspicuous in a crowd, how people around you respond, and what you plan to do with the photo. There is a comparison of the key settings of both options at the end.

In this article, I also give tips on when it’s worth intentionally breaking the rules and when other approaches, such as the rule of fifths, or simply trusting your instincts, can give even stronger results.

Central composition is often considered a beginner’s mistake, but it can be a powerful tool. Learn when and how to use central composition to make your portraits, architecture shots, and landscapes look harmonious and professional.

Shooting in the city offers an endless variety of scenes – but that’s exactly what makes it challenging to navigate. We’ll show you how to photograph a big city so your shots have atmosphere, a story, and a clear visual style – from street photography to architecture to the details others walk right past.

The golden ratio is one of the most well-known composition principles in photography. But how do you use it in practice? We’ll show you how to work with the golden ratio grid and the Fibonacci spiral—and when it’s better to trust your intuition. 

There are times when you have a camera in your hand, your finger on the shutter button, and you just don’t know what to photograph. The inspiration hasn’t disappeared—you’re just looking in the wrong place. In this article, I show you where to find ideas for photoshoots, how to reignite your inspiration, and why you won’t find it by scrolling social media.  

When you follow the light, you don’t have to search for a subject. Let light be your guide—let it tell you where to go, when to press the shutter button, and what to leave in the shadows. Whether you’re shooting at home, outdoors, or in the city, working with natural light and contrast brings you back to observation, the importance of slowing down, and the joy of exploring your surroundings.  

Winter is the perfect time to focus on at-home photography. If you don’t feel like braving the cold but still want to sharpen your photography skills, try these six photography projects you can shoot from the comfort of your living room.