The Elements and Principles Definitions and Pictures

Leading Lines

Leading lines refers to a composition technique whereby the viewer's eye is attracted to lines that lead directly to the principle subject in the image. 

Vertical Lines

As horizontal lines, can be accentuated by shooting in horizontal format vertical lines can be used very effectively by swapping the way you hold your camera into a vertical framing. This lengthens the vertical subject further which can emphasize its height.

Horizontal Lines

An image that conveys a message of ‘stability’ or even ‘rest’. Horizons, fallen trees, oceans, sleeping people – all of these subjects have something about them that speaks either of permanency and timelessness or rest. 

Diagonal Lines

Diagonal lines generally work well to draw the eye of an image’s viewer through the photograph. They create points of interest as they intersect with other lines and often give images depth by suggesting perspective.

Curved Lines

S-curves, or curved lines, help to guide a viewer’s eyes through the frame. An S-curve line should be balanced and create a sense of tranquility or refinement. Common places to find S-curves are roads, trails, and rivers.

Symmetrical Lines

Made up of exactly similar parts facing each other or around an axis; showing symmetry.

Asymmetrical Lines

Having parts that fail to correspond to one another in shape, size, or arrangement; lacking symmetry.

Unity

The state of being united or joined as a whole.

Variety

The quality or state of being different or diverse; the absence of uniformity, sameness, or monotony.

Movement / Rhythm

An act of changing physical location or position or of having this change.

Emphasis

Special importance, value, or prominence given to something.

Proportion / Scale

A part, share, or number considered in comparative relation to a whole.

Repetition / Pattern

The action of repeating something that has already been said or written.

Bird’s Eye 

A bird's-eye view is an elevated view of an object from above, with a perspective as though the observer were a bird, often used in the making of blueprints, floor plans, and maps. It can be an aerial photograph, but also a drawing.

Worm’s Eye

A worm's-eye view is a view of an object from below, as though the observer were a worm; the opposite of a bird's-eye view.

Rule of Thirds 

The rule of thirds is a "rule of thumb" or guideline which applies to the process of composing visual images such as designs, films, paintings, and photographs.

Framing 

The role of any rule of composition is to draw the eye into a photograph. Framing refers to using elements of a scene to create a frame within your frame.

Simplicity

Several methods can achieve simplicity in a photograph. The most obvious is to place the subject against a neutral background such as a backdrop or the sky.