3 Simple Photography Composition Tips to Capture Memorable Travel Moments
They're so easy you can start using them right now.
Photography is more than just a hobby to me.
It’s a way to document my life, journey and experiences.
That’s especially important as an Aussie expat living in the US right now. I want to capture these memories so I can look back on those photos in years or decades to come and be reminded of our adventures abroad.
But photography and capturing good photos doesn’t have to be hard.
And you definitely don’t need a fancy camera to capture great photos. Chances are the smart phone in your pocket is already a fantastic camera—and one you always have with you.
I’m a self-taught photographer and have been taking photos for 20+ years.
I’ve taken photos for family and friends and done a number of client projects and gigs, but 80% of my photography is done during my travels.
I love travelling with a camera in hand.
It helps me slow down and pay attention to my surroundings when I travel.
There are a lot of photo composition techniques, tips and tricks out there to help you take memorable and unique photos.
But these are 3 of my favourite compositional techniques. And they’re so simple that you can start using today. You’ll see a huge improvement in your photos.
1. Embrace the Rule of Thirds
Early in my photography journey, I would put my subjects in the middle of the frame, thinking it was the best way to showcase the subject.
But the easiest way you can improve your photos right now is to use the Rule of Thirds.
Imagine a 3x3 grid frame over your scene. Place the subject at one of the intersections. This simple “rule” can turn your photos into something more engaging and pleasing to the eye.
Why it works: This technique creates balance and guides the viewer's eye through the frame.
Try this:
When photographing landmark, position it off-center to include more of the surrounding environment.
For people photos, align the subject's eyes along the upper third line.
Pro tip: Most smartphones have a grid feature—turn it on to assist with composition.
2. Seek Out Symmetry
This might sound counterintuitive to the rule of thirds.
But remember, every “rule” can and should be broken in photography!
I find using symmetry tends to work really well in architectural and urban photos.
During my walk across Brooklyn Bridge in New York City, I couldn’t help but take this shot in the middle of the pedestrian bridge. Symmetry is the perfect technique to use here to create a more dramatic photo composition, especially with the leading lines created by the cables.
I positioned myself as close to the middle of the bridge as possible to center the bridge tower in the frame.
Creating a balanced and symmetrical image.
Why it works: Symmetry creates a sense of balance, order and can also create a dynamic feeling.
Try this:
Photograph reflections in water or glass for natural symmetry.
Capture architectural elements head-on to emphasize their symmetrical design.
Pro tip: Use leading lines, like pathways or corridors, to draw attention to the symmetrical elements.
3. Keep Horizons Straight
A common mistake I see people make when taking photos is crooked horizons.
It’s easy to fix when editing and post-processing of your images. But instead of wasting time fixing it in post, just turn on your grid view on your camera or smart phone.
It gives you the horizon lines as markers to help take straight photos.
A tilted horizon can be distracting to the viewer of the photo, so avoid it at all cost.
Unless you’re sending a creative message with a crooked horizon—in which case, make it really obvious that it’s supposed to be crooked.
Why it works: A level horizon makes the image look and feel more balanced. It’s less distracting to the eye because our mind is naturally drawn to something that “doesn’t sit right”.
Try this:
Use the grid feature on your camera to align the horizon.
If the photo is already taken, use editing tools to straighten the image.
Pro tip: Take a moment before shooting to pay attention to the horizon and make sure it’s level.
Final Thoughts: Good Photos Isn’t About The Gear
Photography has been a huge part of my life, travels and expat time abroad in the US.
It’s allowed me to capture and share the unique experiences of living abroad with friends and family at home, but more importantly it captures a moment in our lives that we can reflect upon in months, years or decades down the track.
These simple compositional techniques are now second nature to me when I pick up my Fujifilm X-T4 camera or smart phone camera to shoot.
And it will quickly become second nature to you to once you start paying attention to these simple tips when you take your next photo.
Master these three simple techniques, the rule of thirds, symmetry and straight horizons, and you’ll see your travel photos and snaps in your daily life improve dramatically.
The bottom line, good photography isn’t created from the latest and greatest gear—some of the best photos in history were created from vastly inferior cameras to what we have access today.
Instead, it’s about mastering the basics and practicing them every chance your get.
That’s how you can turn ho-hum photos into good photos that you’ll cherish for life.
So next time you’re out and about exploring a new place—whether it’s a national park in Utah or a quirky town you’ve stumbled on during your weekend road trip—remember:
📷 Place your subject off-center (Rule of Thirds)
📷 Or lean into symmetry
📷 And don’t forget to straighten that horizon
That’s it.
Do you have a favourite photo tip to share?—Would love to hear it in the comments below.
Happy shooting!
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These are easy to follow, great ideas, Janice! I will for sure use these next time I take photos.
Thank you for posting these! Glad to know I am not the only one whose horizons are always crooked. I have to go back and edit my photos to straighten the horizon every single time. They always lean the same way, though, so I've tried paying attention, and it works sometimes. But your idea of using the grid sounds so much easier! So I appreciate you talking about it, I will have to try it (as soon as I figure out how to set it up).