Applying the 20-60-20 Rule in Photography Composition Rules
When we think about photography, especially for weddings, events, or fashion shoots, composition plays a huge role in how the final image feels. One of the lesser-known but incredibly effective techniques to create balanced and engaging photos is the 20-60-20 rule. This rule helps us arrange elements within the frame in a way that feels natural and pleasing to the eye. Today, let's explore how we can apply this rule in our photography to capture those heartfelt, genuine moments that truly tell a story.
Understanding the 20-60-20 Rule in Photography Composition Rules
The 20-60-20 rule is a simple guideline that divides your frame into three horizontal sections: 20% on the left, 60% in the middle, and 20% on the right. This division helps us balance the composition by placing the main subject in the central 60% area, while the 20% sections on either side provide context or complementary elements.
Why does this work so well? Our eyes naturally gravitate towards the centre of an image, but having some space on either side prevents the photo from feeling cramped or too focused. It creates breathing room and a sense of harmony.
For example, when photographing a couple during their wedding, placing them in the middle 60% of the frame allows us to capture their expressions and emotions clearly. The 20% sections on the sides can include soft background elements like trees, flowers, or architectural details that add depth without distracting from the couple.
Here’s a quick way to visualise it:
Left 20%: Background or supporting elements
Middle 60%: Main subject or focus
Right 20%: Complementary elements or negative space
This rule is flexible and can be applied vertically or horizontally depending on the scene and the story we want to tell.
How to Use Photography Composition Rules to Enhance Your Shots
Applying composition rules like the 20-60-20 can feel a bit technical at first, but once we get the hang of it, it becomes second nature. Here are some practical tips to help us use this rule effectively:
Plan Your Frame
Before clicking the shutter, take a moment to look through your viewfinder or screen. Imagine dividing the frame into three parts. Where does your subject fit best? Is there enough space on the sides to balance the shot?
Use Natural Elements
Look for natural or architectural elements that can fill the 20% sections. This could be a tree branch, a window frame, or even a soft blur of people in the background. These elements add context and depth.
Keep the Focus Sharp in the Middle
Since the main subject sits in the middle 60%, make sure this area is in sharp focus. Use a wider aperture to blur the sides slightly if you want to emphasise the subject even more.
Experiment with Movement
If your subject is moving, try to keep them within the central 60% as they move across the frame. This keeps the viewer’s attention where it belongs.
Balance Colours and Light
Use the 20% sections to balance colours or light. For example, if your subject wears a bright dress, the sides could have softer, neutral tones to avoid overwhelming the viewer.
By practising these steps, we can create images that feel balanced and inviting, perfect for capturing those special moments.
What Colors Do Not Photograph Well?
Colours can make or break a photo. Some colours tend to photograph better than others, while some can cause issues like colour casts, loss of detail, or distraction. Here are a few colours we should be cautious about:
Bright Whites: Pure white can easily blow out in photos, losing all detail. It’s best to avoid large areas of bright white or use it carefully with proper exposure.
Neon Colours: Neon greens, pinks, and yellows can be too harsh and may cause colour bleeding or unnatural skin tones.
Very Dark Blacks: Deep blacks can lose detail and appear flat if not lit properly.
Small Patterns in Bright Colours: These can create a moiré effect, which looks like strange waves or patterns in digital photos.
Instead, we want to focus on colours that complement skin tones and the environment. Soft pastels, earthy tones, and jewel colours often work beautifully. When using the 20-60-20 rule photography technique, balancing these colours across the frame can enhance the overall harmony of the image.
Practical Examples of Applying the 20-60-20 Rule in Different Photography Styles
Let’s look at how this rule can be applied across various photography styles that are popular for special occasions:
Wedding Photography
In wedding photography, emotions and details matter most. We can place the couple in the middle 60% of the frame, capturing their expressions clearly. The 20% sections can include blurred guests, floral arrangements, or architectural details like arches or windows. This adds context without stealing focus.
Event Photography
For events, the 20-60-20 rule helps us highlight the main action while showing the atmosphere. For example, a speaker or performer can be centred, with the audience or decorations filling the sides. This creates a story within a single frame.
Fashion Photography
Fashion shoots benefit from this rule by placing the model in the central 60%, allowing their outfit and pose to shine. The sides can include complementary backgrounds or props that enhance the theme without cluttering the image.
Destination Shoots
When shooting at a destination, such as a scenic location outside London, the 20% sections can showcase the environment - a beach, historic building, or garden - while the subject remains the focus. This helps tell a fuller story of the moment and place.
By consciously applying this rule, we create images that feel intentional and balanced, making them more engaging and memorable.
Tips for Practising the 20-60-20 Rule in Your Photography
If you want to get comfortable with this rule, here are some simple exercises to try:
Grid Practice: Turn on the grid lines on your camera or phone. Use the grid to divide your frame roughly into 20-60-20 sections and place your subject accordingly.
Review and Reflect: After a shoot, review your photos and see how many follow this rule. Notice how the balanced ones feel compared to others.
Shoot Different Subjects: Try this rule with portraits, landscapes, and still life. Notice how it changes the feel of each photo.
Use Editing Tools: Sometimes cropping your photos after shooting can help you apply the 20-60-20 rule if you didn’t get it right in-camera.
Remember, rules are guides, not strict laws. Feel free to bend or break them when the moment calls for it. But having this rule in your toolkit will definitely improve your composition skills.
If you want to dive deeper, check out this helpful resource on 20 60 20 rule photography for more examples and tips.
Bringing It All Together for Your Special Moments
Using the 20-60-20 rule in photography composition rules helps us create images that feel natural, balanced, and full of life. Whether we’re capturing a couple’s first dance, a fashion shoot, or a lively event, this simple technique guides us to frame our subjects beautifully.
At Video Raul Studio, we believe in capturing genuine emotions and the unique atmosphere of every moment. Applying thoughtful composition rules like this one ensures our photos tell your story in the most heartfelt way possible.
So next time you pick up your camera or phone, try dividing your frame into 20-60-20 sections. See how it changes your perspective and the way you capture those unforgettable memories.
Let's keep exploring and creating images that speak from the heart.
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