Henri Cartier-Bresson talked of The Decisive Moment — the exact point at which an artist intuitively knows to click the shutter to capture a scene. As wedding photographers, we understand the crucial importance of being "in the moment" and capturing the expressions and emotions of a scene — but many great photographs involve more than that. The design of an image encourages us to connect further with the subject, using visual cues to help tell more of the story.
At The Centre for Creative Photography in Adelaide, I was taught to spend time analysing the work of my favourite photographers to see why their pieces affected me. Was it simply the interesting character or scene being photographed that appealed to me, or was there more to it?
Listed below are seven of the design elements that helped create some of my recent "Hero Shots" — the most effective or favourite images from a shoot.
Last updated: May 2026
1. Frames Within the Frame
Shapes within the surroundings that form a natural "frame" around the subjects, emphasising the special nature of their relationship — as though the scene was already a framed piece of art. Look for doorways, archways, windows, or overhanging branches to create this effect.
Nikon D700, 50mm — 1/500s f/2.5
2. Shape or Pattern Repetition
Using shapes in the environment to mirror or echo your subjects is a fun and visually pleasing compositional trick. Repeating patterns — whether architectural, natural, or incidental — create rhythm and draw the eye through the frame.
Nikon D700, 35mm — 1/4000s f/2.5
3. Leading Lines
Lines within the surroundings that draw the viewer's eye towards the most important part of the image — the faces of your subjects. Roads, fences, staircases, rivers, and rows of trees all make powerful leading lines.
Nikon D700, 35mm — 1/125s f/1.8
4. Foreground/Background Relationship
Allowing the background of an image to have a meaningful connection with the foreground, rather than simply acting as a backdrop. In this image we only see Kate's back and enough of her arm to know she is waving to the stand-up paddle-boarder behind her — telling a lovely little story in a single frame.
Nikon D700, 85mm — 1/320s f/5
5. Single Point Perspective
Placing your subjects in front of the single vanishing point towards which the perspective of a room or scene converges. This works similarly to leading lines and frames within a frame — focusing the viewer's eye and giving the subjects a feeling of great importance and presence.
Nikon D700, 50mm — 1/400s f/2.8
6. Points of Light and Dark
Using a single point of lightness (or darkness) to immediately draw the viewer's eye to your subject and heighten the drama of a scene. This technique is particularly powerful in low-light environments where a shaft of light isolates the subject from a dark background.
Nikon D700, 35mm — 1/1000s f/3.5
7. Negative Space
Allowing the subjects to occupy only a small part of an otherwise plain frame — emphasising the sheer scale of the world around them, and symbolising their future journey through that world together. Negative space creates breathing room in an image and can be profoundly moving when used well.
Nikon D700, 50mm — 1/5000s f/2.8
Putting These Techniques Into Practice
The best way to develop your compositional eye is to study the work of photographers you admire and ask yourself why an image works. Is it the subject alone, or is there a design element at play? Over time, recognising and applying these techniques will become instinctive — and your images will be stronger for it.
For more photography inspiration and technique guides, explore the Ted's Cameras Photography Tips blog. And if you're looking to upgrade your gear, browse our range of mirrorless cameras and professional lenses to help you realise your creative vision.
Photography and words by Lucy Spartalis.