The easiest way to make more dynamic, better compositions: integrate more diagonals into your photos.

Why diagonal lines?

Imagine putting a ball on a horizontal surface. It will not roll.

If you put a ball on a diagonal surface it will roll down.

Diagonal lines are more dynamic than horizontal and vertical lines. Diagonal lines give you a sense of movement, of potential energy, and a sense of uncertainty.

Here are some tips on making stronger diagonal compositions:

1. Dutch Angle: Tilt your camera

Many film directors have tilted their cameras on purpose, to add more drama to their images (they call it ‘dutch angle‘).

Try to connect lines, or diagonal lines, at the edges of your frame.

Tilt your photos purposefully — to add more dynamism, and drama to your images.

2. Look for leading lines

In the background, look for a leading line, in the form of a diagonal.

Wait for your subject to enter the frame. They call this the ‘fishing’ technique. You find a good background, and wait to catch your fish.

3. Practice on trees

Easiest way to practice diagonal lines: photograph trees. Get a tree to come out from the corner of your frame. And force the diagonal.

Also you can photograph arms, skyscrapers, or any other line you see on the ground.

4. Diagonal hand gestures

Try to capture diagonal hand-gestures. You can either wait for your subject to do a hand gesture; then make a photo, or you can just ask your subject to raise their arm, and try to photograph their arm as a diagonal.

5. Look for triangles

The root of a triangle is from diagonal lines.

So to make better diagonal compositions; photograph more triangles.

Conclusion

Look for diagonal lines in nature, tilt your camera to create a diagonal, and keep looking for it. The more you look; the more diagonals you will find.

To take your diagonals to the next level, learn about the Golden Rectangle Composition.

Always,

Eric