60‑20‑20 Rule: Simple Composition Trick for Better Photos
If you want your pictures to look balanced without spending hours on theory, the 60‑20‑20 rule is a handy shortcut. It tells you how much of the frame should be filled by the main subject, the background, and the empty space. Follow the numbers and you’ll get a clean, natural look that works for portraits, weddings, and product shots.
What Is the 60‑20‑20 Rule?
The rule breaks the frame into three zones. About 60% of the image is reserved for the main subject – the person, object, or action you want viewers to focus on. The next 20% is the immediate background – anything that adds context but doesn’t steal attention. The final 20% stays empty or contains very simple elements, giving the eye room to breathe.
Think of a portrait where the bride takes up most of the frame, the décor behind her is subtle, and the side of the photo is clear space. That’s the rule in action. It works because the eye naturally follows the biggest area, then scans the surrounding details, and finally rests on the empty part.
How to Apply It in Your Shoots
Start by deciding what the main focus is. Move closer or use a longer lens until the subject fills roughly three‑quarters of the view. Next, look at what’s directly behind. If it’s too busy, shift your angle or raise the aperture to blur it – that’s your 20% background.
Finally, create negative space. You can do this by leaving a clear wall, a sky, or a simple floor visible. Even a plain curtain works. The empty area should sit opposite the subject, balancing the composition.
Check your framing on the camera’s grid lines. Many cameras let you overlay a 3‑by‑3 grid; place the subject in one of the larger squares, keep the background in a smaller square, and let the rest stay empty.
Practice with everyday objects. Take a coffee mug, a book, and a plain wall. Fill the frame with the mug (60%), let the wall show a hint (20%), and leave a strip of floor empty (20%). You’ll see instantly how the rule makes the scene feel intentional.
When shooting events, move around the venue to find spots where the rule works naturally. A group of guests against a patterned banner can be trimmed so the guests cover most of the frame, the banner is soft, and the side of the room stays clear.
Remember, the rule is a guide, not a law. If a scene looks better with a different balance, trust your eye. But using 60‑20‑20 as a starting point saves you from guesswork and helps you build stronger compositions quickly.
At Rio Photography Services we use this rule for many client shoots – from wedding portraits to corporate headshots. It gives us a reliable way to deliver images that feel professional yet relaxed.
Give the 60‑20‑20 rule a try on your next photo session. Snap a few test shots, adjust the percentages, and notice how the image feels more organized. You’ll find it becomes second nature, and your photos will start looking sharper and more engaging without extra editing.
Ready to upgrade your composition game? Grab your camera, pick a subject, and apply the 60‑20‑20 rule. You’ll see the difference within minutes.