Composition Cheat Sheet for Photographers
Mastering Interiors & Exteriors with Editorial Precision
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Your Quick Guide to Interior Photography Success
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, mastering composition will elevate your work to the next level. The Composition Cheat Sheet for Photographers will give you practical rules and tips that you can apply during your shoots for stunning results.
Master These Composition Techniques for Better Interior Photos
Rule of Thirds: Dividing the frame into thirds to create balanced and dynamic compositions.
Z-Pattern: Leading the viewer's eye along a Z-shaped path for natural flow.
Golden Spiral: Using a logarithmic spiral to guide the viewer’s eye through the image.
Diagonal Lines: Creating movement and depth by placing lines at diagonal angles.
Radial Composition: Focusing attention toward the center by arranging elements around a central point.
S-Curve: Leading the viewer’s eye along an “S” shaped curve to add flow and interest.
Tension (X-Shape): Using intersecting lines to create visual tension and dynamic energy.
L-Shape: Using corner lines to direct focus or create depth.
Pyramid: Organizing elements into a triangular shape to create stability and hierarchy.
Leading Lines: Guiding the viewer’s eye through the image with lines that lead to a focal point.
Symmetry: Using balanced, mirrored elements to create harmony and order.
Framing: Using surrounding elements to frame the subject and direct focus.
Scale & Perspective: Playing with the size of objects and depth to create a sense of space or proportion.
Want to Take Your Interior Photography to the Next Level?
Get access to the full Composition Cheat Sheet to learn 12 essential composition techniques that will help you capture balanced, dynamic, and visually stunning photos.
Why This Cheat Sheet Will Make a Difference
Quick & Actionable Tips: Perfect for when you're on set and need to make quick decisions.
Save Time & Shoot with Confidence: No more guesswork! Apply the rules instinctively to make every shot count.
Elevate Your Work: With these tips, you'll consistently capture professional, magazine-worthy images.
Trusted by Leading Interior Designers and Featured in Top Publications
Give Your Compositions the Structure They Deserve — and Watch Your Work Stand Out
As a photographer and designer, I know that a great image starts long before you hit the shutter. It’s the careful thought behind each element of your composition that transforms an ordinary shot into something extraordinary. From the balance of the frame to the flow of the viewer’s eye, composition is what makes your work resonate.
That’s why I created the Composition Cheat Sheet: a comprehensive guide to mastering the key techniques that elevate your images. Whether you’re a photographer, designer, or creative professional, mastering composition is crucial to telling a compelling visual story.
This cheat sheet isn’t just a list of rules. It’s a tool to help you:
Understand how to create dynamic and harmonious compositions
Plan your shoots with purpose and precision
Approach your work with the techniques that get your images noticed across platforms
I’ve included everything from the classic Rule of Thirds to more advanced techniques like the Golden Spiral and S-Curve, along with real-world examples to help you apply them to your own shots.
With this guide in hand, you’ll have the tools to confidently craft images that stand out—not just on set, but in front of your audience. Whether you’re shooting for a client, creating content for a blog, or building your portfolio, mastering composition will set you apart.
Let’s take your work to the next level and make every shot count.
Some Kind Words
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![A photo of Christina Canale]()
"Before working with Jeff, I’d had a few shoots that looked nice technically but didn’t quite capture the essence of my work. I was hesitant to do another shoot that might miss the mark creatively. What drew me to Jeff was his editorial eye and his use of light in his images. There was a thoughtfulness in how he composed each image, and I could tell he understood how to tell a visual story. From the first conversation, Jeff was collaborative and invested. He helped me feel prepared and excited for the shoot. On the day itself, his calm confidence put everyone at ease, and his direction was clear but never intrusive. It truly felt like a creative partnership. Jeff is great at understanding balance and does not settle until the image is just right. If you’re looking for a photographer who can elevate your brand with images that feel both beautiful and true, Jeff is the person you want behind the lens. Working with him didn’t just give me great photos, it gave my work a stronger voice."
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![A photo of Mike Sikes]()
“We loved working with Jeff on the photography of residential projects. He approaches his work and photography with a very artistic and creative eye, but is also not only delightful, but also very quick and efficient.”
- Mark Sikes
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![A portrait of Hilary Walker]()
"Jeff has been a trusted collaborator for many years and continues to deliver beautiful work, no matter the brief. His energy is calm and confident and he makes the process of planning for a shoot smooth and easy. On set, he’s always open to trying new things and makes a consistent effort to level up the quality of his work."
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![A photo of Kate Bendewald]()
“I’ve been working with Jeff for six years, and after working with other photographers, I now understand what a difference the right person behind the lens makes. Before Jeff, the photos were fine—but they didn’t capture the soul of my work. Jeff takes the time to understand the intention behind every project and translate that into storytelling imagery. He’s a true pro: collaborative, calm, and easy to work with. From planning to final edits, he makes the process seamless. It always feels like I’m working with a creative partner—not just a photographer.”
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![A photo of Taylor Murphy]()
"Jeff is excellent at immediately knowing what a shot is lacking, and has a multitude of options in combatting a lack luster image. His decision making is quick and efficient, which helps to stretch the most out of any shoot day. Jeff’s love of his work is infectious, and is always excited about bringing your spaces to life through his talents. His genuine support of his client’s work is very comforting and unique to his personality, which in turn makes the overall experience of working with him so much more enjoyable and successful."
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![A photo of Whitney Walker]()
“Working with Jeff has been one of the best investments I’ve made for my business. His eye for styling, calm energy on shoot day, and editorial approach helped my work get featured in my target publications. He makes the process seamless and enjoyable—and the visibility from our shoots has directly led to client growth over the last six years. He genuinely wants the best for his clients and I value his genuine, kind disposition."
