Mar 27, 2026
Photography
What is the 20-60-20 Rule in Photography?
The 20-60-20 rule is a structured shooting workflow used by photographers to balance technical safety, creative improvement and experimentation within a single session. It helps photographers systematically approach a shoot instead of relying on random trial and error.
This framework is used to ensure photographers first secure technically correct deliverables, then improve image quality through creative adjustments, and finally test new ideas without risking the final output. By following this approach, photographers improve consistency while also developing their creative decision making over time.
What is the 20-60-20 Rule?
The 20-60-20 rule is a practical shooting workflow that helps photographers manage risk, improve shot quality and encourage creative exploration within a single session. It suggests dividing your shooting approach into three phases. First secure technically correct images, then improve them creatively, and finally attempt experimental shots.
In simple terms, spend the first 20 percent of your time capturing safe deliverables, the next 60 percent refining composition, lighting and perspective to improve image quality, and the final 20 percent testing unconventional ideas. This ensures you always leave with usable photos while still pushing creative boundaries. The rule is not related to camera settings or composition formulas. It is a decision making framework used by professional photographers to balance consistency with creative growth.
Where Does This Rule Come From?
The 20-60-20 rule in photography comes from National Geographic wildlife photographer Paul Nicklen. He introduced it in his e-book Photographing Wild as a practical guide for shooting in unpredictable conditions — where light changes fast, subjects move, and you rarely get a second chance.
Nicklen needed a system that guaranteed he'd come back from every shoot with publishable images, without losing the drive to experiment and grow. The 20-60-20 rule solved both problems at once.
Since then, it's been adopted far beyond wildlife photography. Wedding photographers, portrait photographers, and event photographers use it as a reliable workflow for any high-stakes shoot.
Understanding the Three Zones
The First 20%: Secure the Safe Shots
The first 20 percent of any shoot should focus on securing technically correct images. This means checking exposure, confirming focus and ensuring composition works properly. The goal here is simple. Capture a clean and reliable shot that you can confidently deliver even if conditions change later.
This stage removes pressure because you already know you have usable images. Think of it as your insurance phase. Even if experimentation fails later, you still leave the shoot with strong deliverables.
The Middle 60%: Improve and Push Creativity
The next 60 percent is where real photography begins. This is where you improve the shots by changing angles, adjusting perspective and working with light more creatively. Moving around the subject, trying different focal lengths and refining composition often produces your best images.
This is usually where photographers create their strongest work. The safe shot gets the job done, but this stage is what creates portfolio worthy photos that make your work stand out.
The Last 20%: Experiment Without Fear
The final 20 percent is where experimentation happens. This is where you try ideas you normally would not attempt such as unusual framing, shooting into light or testing creative techniques.
Many of these shots may not work and that is expected. However this stage is where growth happens. Sometimes one experimental shot becomes the best image from the entire session. Even when they fail, these attempts improve your creative decision making for future shoots.
Also Read - Mistakes Photographers Make While Delivering Photos
How to Apply the 20-60-20 Rule While Shooting
The 20-60-20 rule works best when you follow it like a simple checklist instead of thinking about exact time. The idea is to move step by step so you first secure good photos, then improve them and finally try new ideas.
Step 1: Set your base shot first
Start by setting your camera properly. Adjust ISO, shutter speed and aperture based on the light. Take one test photo and check if the image is sharp and properly exposed. This completes your first 20 percent because now you already have a safe photo.
Step 2: Improve your shots in the 60 percent phase
After securing the safe photo, start improving your shots. Change your position, try different angles and move closer or farther from the subject. Try vertical photos instead of only horizontal ones. Look for better light, reflections, shadows or cleaner backgrounds. This is usually where your best photos come from.
Step 3: Try new ideas in the last 20 percent
Once you have safe and strong photos, start trying shots you normally would not try. You can test slower shutter speeds, shoot towards the light or try unusual framing. Some of these photos may not work and that is normal. Sometimes one experimental shot becomes the best photo from the whole shoot.
Many photographers make the mistake of stopping after getting one safe shot. The 20-60-20 rule helps you continue working the scene so you can find stronger and more creative photos.
How to Use the 20-60-20 Rule in Post-Processing
Start by selecting all technically correct photos with proper focus and exposure.
Remove duplicate, blurry or wrongly exposed images first to clean your selection.
From the remaining photos, identify the safe shots that you know you can deliver.
Then select the strongest photos where composition, light or expressions look better.
Focus editing time mainly on these strong photos as they usually become your final delivery images.
Review your experimental shots separately to see if any unique image stands out.
Edit experimental photos only if they add creative value or portfolio value.
Follow this order while editing. First safe photos, then strong photos, then experimental photos.
Also Read - How to Use Samaro for Sharing Photos in Weddings
When the 20-60-20 Rule Works Best
Portrait Photography
In portrait sessions, the first 20% is your standard headshot or three-quarter pose in good light. The 60% is when you start directing — moving the subject, adjusting the background, changing the light angle. The final 20% is when you try the unconventional — an unusual crop, a dramatic shadow, a candid moment between posed shots.
Clients always get a solid, usable portrait from the first 20%. The best image in the final gallery almost always comes from the 60%.
Wedding & Event Photography
Weddings are fast and unpredictable. The 20-60-20 rule is especially useful here because it gives you a structure when the day is chaotic.
At the ceremony: secure the standard aisle shot first (20%). Then work angles — side, elevated, close-up on details (60%). Then try something you've never done at a wedding before — shoot through a flower arrangement, use a reflection, go ultra-wide on the room (20%).
You always have the safe shot. You always leave with something beyond that.
Product Photography
In a controlled studio setup, the 20-60-20 rule works as a creative escalation framework.
First 20%: clean, flat-lay or standard product shot on white — the image every client expects. Middle 60%: contextual shots with props, lifestyle backgrounds, or dramatic lighting setups. Last 20%: abstract angles, macro detail shots, experimental lighting that may or may not work as a final deliverable.
The 60% creative shots are often the ones that make it to advertising campaigns. The 20% experiments are what push product photography into editorial territory.
Conclusion
The 20-60-20 rule is not about perfection. It's about structure. It guarantees you never leave a shoot with only safe, predictable images. And it ensures you never waste a session chasing impossible experiments without a reliable shot already secured.
Think of it as a mental checklist you carry into every shoot: lock in the safe shot, then push hard in the creative middle, then go somewhere unexpected at the end. Follow that sequence consistently, and both the quality and range of your photography will improve with every session.
FAQs
1. What is the 20-60-20 rule in photography?
The 20-60-20 rule is a simple shooting method that helps photographers divide their effort into three parts. The first 20 percent is used to capture safe and technically correct photos. The next 60 percent is used to improve those photos by trying better angles, light and composition. The final 20 percent is used for experimenting with new ideas. This method helps photographers get reliable photos while also improving creativity.
2. What is the main benefit of using the 20-60-20 rule in photography?
The main benefit is that it gives structure to your shoot. Instead of randomly taking photos, you first secure safe images, then improve them and finally try creative ideas. This helps photographers get both reliable and creative results from the same session.
3. Is the 20-60-20 rule only for professional photographers?
No, beginners can also use this rule because it teaches a simple shooting process. First take a correct photo, then try to make it better, and then experiment. This helps beginners improve faster without feeling confused during shoots.
4. Can the 20-60-20 rule be used in wedding photography?
Yes, it works very well in weddings because situations change quickly. Photographers can first capture important moments safely, then try better angles, and finally attempt creative shots once key moments are covered.
5. Should photographers always follow the 20-60-20 rule strictly?
No, it should be treated as a guideline, not a strict rule. The idea is to follow the order of safe shots, strong shots and experimental shots so you do not miss important photos.
6. Why do photographers sometimes miss good shots during a shoot?
This usually happens when photographers either rush too much or stop after getting one good photo. Following a structured workflow like the 20-60-20 rule helps avoid this problem because it encourages working the scene properly.
7. How can photographers manage and organise photos after applying the 20-60-20 rule?
After shooting, photographers can organise their safe shots, strong shots and experimental shots using photo delivery platforms like Samaro. This helps in faster selection, proofing and delivery to clients.
8. How can photographers deliver photos faster after using a structured shooting workflow?
Once photos are structured properly, platforms like Samaro help photographers deliver galleries faster using organised albums, client selection tools and automated delivery workflows.
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