Pattern

Patterns are commonly used in photography to create a visually appealing image. These patterns can be natural or man made, and appear when strong shapes, lines, or colors repeat themselves.

This photo by Ilan Bresler is a great example of patterns in photography because the windows in the buildings are all of similar shape, size and color so they create in interesting pattern. It is a wonderful picture and accurately shows a metropolitan landscape.

Environmental Portrait

Environmental portrait is a form of portraiture photography that takes place in the subjects natural habitat (home, work, etc.)

This photo shows a man in his normal environment. This photo feels very real because it wasn't set up in a studio, and the viewer can see the mans passion and love for what he does because he is surrounded by it. This photo adds a very personal feel, and the viewer makes an emotional connection with the man.

Nature

Nature photography is a style of photography that involves taking photos outdoors, specifically focusing on wildlife, plants and landscapes. Nature photography puts emphasis on being aesthetically pleasing rather than just telling a story.

This photo is a great example of nature photography. It focuses on a field of flowers, with the yellow of the sunflowers contrasting with the violet color of the sky. The light from the sun adds another element to the photo, especially with the rays drawing the eye to the horizon.

Rhythm

In photography, rhythm can be created by arranging and creating elements like repetition and symmetry. Many photographers create rhythm to make their photo look more artistic and visually interesting.

This photo creates rhythm because of the repetition of shape. It is also an interesting photo because the background is so plain, however the shapes are colored and quite odd. The intersections created by the stems of the shapes create a more visually interesting photograph.

Asymmetrical Placement

Asymmetrical placement is a photography technique in which the subject and the environment are related and both interesting. It is a more dynamic style of photography. It creates an interesting photograph because the viewer has to search to get more information about the photo.

This is a great photo because it creates curiosity in the viewer. What is she looking at? Who is she talking to? Why is she wearing a dress when it is obviously windy? These questions are all created by her placement in the photo. She is to one side, giving her a place to look, and giving her a place to move.

One to One Point of View

One to one point of view is a photography technique that involves taking photos at eye level. It is most commonly used in portraiture photography.

This is a great photo because the photographer on the same level as the child, making the viewer feel as though the child is looking right at them, and making them feel as though they are there with him. The child is in focus, but the background isn't which makes him stand out and look important.

Diagonal Line

Diagonal line is a photography technique that uses diagonal lines, whether man made, nature made, or created by the framing of the photograph, to compose the photo. Diagonal line in photography is used to convey uniqueness and creativity. Many photographers opt for this option because it looks more artistic in photographs.

This photo by Heather Pickard is a great example of diagonal lines in a photograph. Although it doesn't contain physical lines, the way she has framed the photo makes it look like the turtle is struggling uphill. The contrast of the colors in the turtle and the colors of the rock and water makes for a really pretty image.

Artistic Photography

Artistic photography is a style of photography that accurately represents the photographers vision for the photo.

This photograph is a very artistic one because it has been purposely put together. The contrast between the black of the ornament and the pastels of the background behind, create a truly interesting photograph. The placement of the ornament also creates interest because it is not exactly centered causing the viewers eye to wander.

Horizontal Line

Horizontal line is a photography technique that uses horizontal lines, whether man made, nature made, or created by the framing of the photograph, to compose the photo. Horizontal lines can be used in a photograph to convey stability and dependability.

This photograph is a great example of horizontal lines because it uses two different types of lines (the stairs and the wall). The colors of the photo also show the contrast between the steps and the wall, and give the steps a weathered look, compared with the more perfect wall.

Vertical Line

Vertical line is a photography technique that uses vertical lines, whether man made, nature made, or created by the framing of the photograph, to compose the photo.Vertical Lines in photography are used to convey strength and sometimes a more rigid and upright type of image.

This photo is a great example of vertical lines because the straight lines of the wooden fence create contrast with the curving line of the branch. Another aspect of this photo which makes it more interesting is the contrast in colors (red and green).

Photojournalism

Photojournalism is the art of communicating news news via pictures, especially on the internet and in magazines.

This photo by journalist Steve McCurry is a particularly powerful one, and one that has become very famous around the world. This picture is so powerful because of her eyes. Her eyes are the facial feature that the viewer is immediately drawn to, because of their color, and their placement in the photograph.  

Central Placement

Central placement is a photography composition technique that involves placing the subject of the photo in the center of the frame. This creates a single focus point in the image.

This photograph by Adam Paine is a fabulous example of central placement. The light reflecting on the sand creates a line leading the viewers eyes to the horizon. Also, because most of the photograph is a golden color, the silhouette of the person stands out as the single focal point of the image. 

Worms Eye View

Worms eye View photographs are taken from the point of view of of a worm (below the subject). It is often used to show power and strength of the subject, and make the photographer look inferior.
                               

This photo is take from a worm's eye point of view. this is a good photo because it is an interesting perspective on a flower, as you never really see the underside of a flower. The other interesting aspect of this photo is that because of where it was taken from, the flowers look huge against the bright blue sky. 

Edge of Frame

Edge of frame is a photography technique where the focus point of the picture is placed at the edge of the shot. This creates an interesting picture, causing the viewer to become curious because the subject and the environment are viewed as equal.

This photo by Mark Stagi, is a great example of edge of frame because the boat is positioned at the edge of the frame. Also, because there is so much negative space, it give the boat a place to go, creating an interesting photo. 

Open Format Cropping

Open format cropping is a photography technique that focuses on details of the subject, for example texture or shape. Photographers often crop out unnecessary parts of the photo to ensure that they get the most interesting details possible.

This photo by Torika is a great example of open format cropping. Because the viewer can't see most of the meerkats, it creates mystery as to what is beyond the frame, and leaves them with many questions. Also, the background is out of focus, making the meerkats stand out even more.

Closed Format Cropping

Closed format cropping is a photography technique in which all information about the subject/ location is provided. The photographer doesn't focus on detail, but instead focuses on capturing the image as a whole.

This photo by  Charles C. Ebbets shows people and the location as a whole. This is a powerful photograph because it creates a slightly uneasy feeling in the viewer, but is still so interesting to look at.

Birds Eye Point of Veiw

Birds eye point of view is a popular photography technique which involves taking the photo from above the subject. It is designed to make the viewer feel as if they were a flying bird looking down upon the subject. Birds eye view photographs usually focus on large areas.

This photo by Adam Baker is a great example of a photograph using the birds eye view technique, because the photo is clearly taken from above the frog. This photo is also a great photograph because of the use of negative space, which really makes the frog stand out.