Design Principles for Photography

Over the years, I have noticed that many photographers create strong compositions by instinct or intuition. They know when an image feels right, but often can't explain why. The truth is, those instincts are rooted in fundamental design principles. This presentation uncovers those principles, helping photographers or any visual communicator understand what makes an image visually successful so they can create with greater purpose, confidence, and consistency.

DESIGN PRINCIPLES

for Photography

Workshop, Spring 2025

Why rule of thirds creates more engagement than centered composition?

Runner-up : Creative Quarterly

Title: Green Light - black and white photography

School: Louisiana Tech University

Photographer: Srdjan Marjanovic

Runner-up : GuruShots

Title: Crystals - color photography

Photographer: Srdjan Marjanovic

We evolved to survive uncertainty. That is why your eye follows a photo that feels unfinished—it is the brain’s way of asking, “Is this important?”

So from evolution to Gestalt Principles, we have gone from instinctively scanning for predators to intentionally crafting compelling visual narratives. That is the power of design principles—they speak the same language our brains have always known.

The purpose of Design Principles is to deliver a message in the most organized and functional way.