Don’t Use The Rule of Thirds: 6 Composition Grids to Use Instead

While it’s not always realistic to use composition grids when you’re shooting, guides like the six I’m about to share with you are super helpful when it comes time to crop your images.

You’ll find all of these in Lightroom, Photoshop, and Capture One—but not every guide will work for every image. As the photographer, it’s your job to figure out what feels most natural, balanced, and interesting to you.

Exploring the visual impact of cropping is an amazing way to improve your image. (And spoiler alert—I have 38 composition cropping guides that you can start using right away!)

This is by no means a comprehensive guide to working with composition grids, but it will give you a good start! Let’s dive in.

Composition Grid #1: Rule of Thirds

You’ve probably heard of this one before—it’s one of the first composition theories that most people learn. Now it’s time to unlearn it.

The rule of thirds divides the frame into nine equal areas—3 x 3. Then, you place important elements in your photo along one or more of the lines where they intersect.

The five other techniques we’re going to discuss are more powerful for creating tension, balance, movement, and interest. But the rule of thirds is a great introduction to getting out of the habit of framing your subjects in the middle.

Composition Grid #2: Golden Triangle

The golden triangle is just one of the guides that relies on the Golden Ratio—a naturally occurring ratio of 1:1.618 that is perfectly balanced and aesthetically pleasing.

This guide divides your frame using a diagonal line and two smaller, reciprocal lines from the other corners to meet the main diagonal line. The result? A series of triangles and intersecting lines on which to place the elements of your image.

Composition Grid #3: Diagonal

Diagonals help create movement, energy, and emotion in your image.

The diagonal and reciprocal lines are part of the golden triangle we just talked about. Artists tend to intuitively place subjects on these intersecting diagonal lines to strengthen the image and reinforce tension.

Composition Grid #4: Phi Grid

The phi grid divides the golden ratio frame into 1 : 1.618 : 1 portions horizontally and vertically. You’ll place your main subjects along the intersecting lines. 

While the rule of thirds can seem too obvious and sometimes create imbalance, the phi grid looks more natural, balanced, and visually pleasing.

Composition Grid #5: Fibonacci Spiral

The Fibonacci spiral is based on a complicated series of squares, which help position elements. The spiral then gives you an idea of how the scene in the image should flow—through curved leading lines to a focal point. 

Also known as the golden spiral, this tool is perfect when you’re dealing with curved lines or compositional movement.

Composition Grid #6: Dynamic Symmetry

Dynamic symmetry is a compositional grid system that uses vertical, horizontal, and diagonal lines to create rhythm, unity, and movement in your images—to make them aesthetically pleasing.

You can use it as a cropping tool or placement tool when creating and composing still-life images. You can also use it while tethering and adjusting your subjects in real-time.

Want to do a deep dive to master this concept and learn tips that will help composition come easier to you? Sign up for Composition Essentials and you’ll get:

• 7 modules of video tutorials focusing on composition
• 5 in-action styling photoshoots (from setup to final capture)
• Instructional food styling videos
• 5 creative photo assignments
• On-demand access

You’ll be on your way to finding your trademark style—and learning how to evolve it!

If you enjoyed this post on 6 Composition Grids, make sure you also check out:

• How to Choose The Best Food Photography Backdrops
• 11 Essential Lightroom Hacks to Save You Time
• Dynamic Symmetry Basics: What it is And How it Improves Composition