Composition in Underwater Photography: The Rule of Thirds & The Fibonacci Spiral
- tiani dun
- Aug 31
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 31
I used to wonder how some photographers were able to capture such amazing images. For some reason, my photos would never turn out how I imagined! I wondered, 'What makes up a good photo anyway?' And what were all the pros doing that I wasn't?
I stumbled across the rules of composition in photography, and this was a serious game-changer for my work. Turns out that composition is super effective in creating interesting photos, and just by learning a couple of new principles, I was able to take my images to the next level. Here, I'll explain the principles behind two of my favourite tools I use today: The Rule of Thirds and the Fibonacci Spiral.
The Rule of Thirds:
The Rule of Thirds is really quite simple: imagine your frame is divided into nine equal sections (sometimes, these lines will even show up on your camera display). Placing your subject along the intersections of these lines (AKA the "power points") instantly creates a sense of balance in your images. For example, in the image above, the sharks are positioned slightly off-center. With this simple framing technique the photo appear more dynamic and the viewer's eyes are guided towards the sharks.
The Fibonacci Spiral:
The Fibonacci spiral (AKA the Golden Spiral) is another composition technique that is actually quite similar to the Rule of Thirds. It derives from the Fibonacci sequence (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, etc.), and if you draw a series of connected squares with the side lengths corresponding to these numbers, then a series of quarter-circles connecting the corners of squares, it creates a continuously expanding spiral. The spiral is a common pattern observed in nature, and you can see it in the seeds of a sunflower, in shells, waves, hurricanes, corals, and even the galaxy! When applied to photography, the spiral acts similarly to the "Power Points" of the Rule of Thirds and draws the viewer’s eyes naturally toward a subject. When it works, your images will begin to have a natural and balanced feel.
Why Composition is Important Underwater:
Things start to get very busy when you're under the sea! Fish are darting everywhere over hundreds of different species of corals, lighting changes quickly and things can start to feel chaotic pretty quickly. Good composition simplifies the scene and highlights what you want people to feel. Therefore, composition asks us as divers to position our subjects carefully, to be patient and wait for the right shot.
Composition can also be used to make the most of tricky lighting conditions (which, let's face it, happens a LOT when you're underwater). A diver placed under some sun rays, for example, can create a harmonious feel if the subject is well-placed. With good composition the negative space is used to your advantage, and can compliment your subject while also simplifying your image.
A Few Tips and Tricks:
Try placing your marine life subjects along thirds or spiral curves instead of in the center of your frame.
Place the reef on one side and fish on the other for a balanced shot.
Use your horizons, eg. a reef edge on the top third to add depth.
Look for natural leading lines, like a reef slope, to attract the viewer's eye.
Use frames like swim throughs and corals to draw attention to your subject.
Don’t be afraid to break the rules!
If you want to level up your photos, the rules of composition are a good place to start! The Rule of Thirds can help structure your images, while the Fibonacci spiral is perfect for creating a natural balance. Both principles can help to turn your photos into a work of art! Ultimately, composition is about telling the story of the ocean in a way that feels inspiring to us. So trust your instincts and don't be afraid to get creative with your shots!
If you are interested in learning more, join one of our Underwater Photography Dive Trips or sign up for an Online UW Photo Workshop!
If you have any questions about underwater photography and composition, then feel free to join our Learn UW Photography Facebook Group or send us an email to: contact@diveandmore.com. We are always happy to discuss more!
Best fishes,
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