Photography is full of rules. Some make perfect sense, while others are repeated so often that we start taking them as the gospel truth. But is taking photos at midday really a big no-no? Do you always need to leave space in front of your subject’s face? Let’s look at 7 photography rules, why they exist, what they’re meant to prevent, and what happens when you break them.

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.

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.

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. 

Finding a nice location is not enough when taking portraits. You also have to position the subject, horizon, and other objects in the frame correctly. Let’s take a look at the most common beginner composition mistakes and some simple tips for fixing them. 

You took a photo, but once you open it on your computer, you realize something is missing. Cropping is one of the fastest ways to improve composition, remove distractions, and give your images a more polished and professional look. The right crop can change the aspect ratio, emphasize the main subject, and even rescue an otherwise ordinary shot. But like any editing, it comes with a few rules you need to know.  

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.  

Winter mountains offer breathtaking landscapes, extreme contrasts, and fast-paced action on the slopes. In this article, you’ll find practical tips for exposing snow correctly, working with shutter speed when photographing skiers, and using proven composition techniques. You’ll also learn when to choose minimalist shots or black and white, how to set up your camera in changing mountain conditions, and how to put together a cohesive photo series.