Japan Photo Guide

Just like in real life, it is not good to always have your subject in the center of your frame. Actually, it is almost always better not to have your subject in the center because it usually makes the photograph more dynamic. Of course there are some situations when you want the subject to be in the center, but in general you should avoid putting your subject in the center to make your photograph more interesting. Here is an example of Himeji Castle where one of the photographs has Himeji Castle pretty much in the center and one where Himeji Castle is not.

Basically imagine if you divide the the photo into 9 sections with 4 lines (2 horizontal and 2 vertical). Like the example below. A good rule of thumb is to put your subject at one of the four intersections 1/3 of the way from either side. Of course you don’t have to aim exactly for 1/3 of the way from the side but you get the idea. Check out another example below from cherry blossom tree in Kyoto.

I actually like both of these photographs for different reasons, but visually speaking the photo of the cherry blossom tree on the bottom is much more interesting and dynamic.

See the rest of the travel photography tips and tricks!