97 Photo Composition Techniques & Tips – 4-Step System by Mike James

Stop feeling overwhelmed by composition rules. This course breaks down 97 techniques into a simple, repeatable 4-step system. You’ll learn to position your camera, your subject, and the supporting elements, then use editing tools to polish the final shot. It’s a practical, no-fluff approach to making your photos stronger, whether you’re shooting with a smartphone or a DSLR.

🎯 What you’ll learn

• Apply a 4-step system to simplify the composition process.
• Intuitively select from 97 compositional techniques and tools.
• Strategically edit photos to direct the viewer’s attention.
• Analyze your favorite photos to identify the techniques used.

✅ Requirements

• Skills: Basic familiarity with your camera or smartphone camera app.
• Tools: A camera (any type) or a smartphone. Snapseed, Lightroom, and HandyPhoto apps (free or paid versions) for the editing section.
• Hardware: A device capable of running the editing apps.

📝 Description

Preview: This isn’t a list of 97 random rules to memorize. It’s a 4-step system that organizes them into a logical workflow. You start by positioning the camera, then the subject, then the supporting elements. Finally, you use photo editing tools to fine-tune the composition. The idea is to combine one technique from each step to instantly create a stronger image.

The course is built around three core learning outcomes. First, you’ll learn to intuitively select from a huge list of techniques without overthinking. Second, you’ll learn to strategically edit your photos to control where the viewer looks. Third, you’ll be able to analyze any photo you love and understand exactly why it works. The instructor, Mike James, focuses on practical application over theory. He shows you how to use apps like Snapseed and Lightroom for specific tasks like cropping, straightening, and adding depth. The goal is to make composition a natural part of your shooting process, not a chore.

🧑‍🎓 Who this course is for

• Photographers who feel stuck using the same basic composition techniques.
• Anyone who feels overwhelmed by the number of composition “rules” out there.
• Mobile photographers looking to improve their editing workflow for composition.
• Beginners who want a structured, repeatable system to build strong habits.

🧑‍🏫 About the Author

Mike James is a professional smartphone photography educator from Australia. He combines a technical photography background with a passion for teaching. Mike has presented at photography clubs, developed online content, and delivered in-person workshops. His teaching style focuses on making complex theories accessible and fun, especially for photographers who want to ignore the technical stuff and focus on creativity.

🏁 Final Result

• A portfolio of 9 different photos of the same subject, demonstrating your ability to find multiple strong compositions.
• A clear understanding of how to apply the 4-step system to any future photo.
• The ability to strategically edit a single photo to create completely different visual flows and reactions.