This activity is part of the ERIC KIM COURSE: Ultimate Beginner’s Guide to Mastering Photography, available on Udemy. To sign up for the video course and participate in the activities, enroll here.
In this fun activity, we will practice shooting a diagonal composition, and shouldn’t take you more than 5 minutes.
Take at least 2 photos of the same scene:
- A photo straight and head-on.
- Other photos shot with a diagonal composition (tilt your camera or find a diagonal element to frame your shot).
Example 1 : Straight Photo
Example 2: Diagonal Composition with a Diagonal Element in the Frame
A Diagonal Element provides more visual interest to the viewer and more dynamism to your compositions. 
In terms of your subject-matter, you can go out and photograph a tree, a light post, architecture, or even shoot a portrait of your friend or partner. Or you can take photos inside your own home.
When you’re making a diagonal composition, tilt your camera to the left or right, and connect the diagonals from one edge of your frame to the other.
The goal of this activity is for you to learn how to make more Dynamic Images, through the dynamic composition of a diagonal line. A diagonal composition can turn an ordinary thing into an extraordinary image.
After you are done making the diagonal photo:
When reviewing your photo, compare the two compositions, straight on and diagonal. Then ask yourself, “Which photo looks best to me, and why?”
- Upload your favorite diagonal composition photograph to Eric Kim Forum (this thread) and provide feedback to other photos in the thread.
- Optional: Share your favorite diagonal composition on social media (Facebook/Instagram) with the hashtag #erickimcourse
Have fun!
Eric
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horizontal and diagonal lines, and a bit of motion in the second one
