Most wedding photographers know how to pose couples and families and, if they're serious, they know how to light a room, but what about photographic composition? How does composition affect the impact of wedding photography? Most times, the way a photographer positions elements in their photograph can literally turn what could be a so-so image into something extraordinary. The beauty of a great composition is that it isn’t formulaic. An artist can fill the frame with their subject to create something powerful and up close, or they can utilize more negative space to have something equally impactful. They can even break all the rules and still achieve visual flow and balance. When it comes to great photo compositions, it is all about incorporating certain elements that help convey the story the photographer wants to tell. And by using what’s available in a  scene, photographers like the ones shown below create the most stunning compositions that are priceless to the couples they work with.

In its most basic form, a good photographic composition is at the foundation of an image and relies on the placement of the subject within its frame. It often helps to include a strong point of interest, masterful depth of field, and leading lines that draw your eye to the subject. Some of the greatest compositions incorporate environmental elements to add interest while others go outside the box, so to speak, and are more innovative. Photos with symmetry, composed with blocks of color or texture or stark backgrounds may combine several principles into one image. They may be shot from up high or down low; and can be photographed horizontally or vertically to create a striking photography composition. 

As Jazz great Charlie Parker once said to other artists, “Master your instrument, master the music, and then forget all that crap and just play.” The following photographers have done exactly that by using their cameras and their instruments! Scroll down to see more extraordinary photography compositions that create an impact, tell a story and basically blow us away! Then, don’t miss our carefully curated directory of the world’s best wedding photographers, where you’ll find experienced photographers with the ability and talent to capture your wedding photos with exceptional artistry.