Glossary entry

Diagonal Method

noun · / daɪˈæɡənəl ˈmɛθəd / · composition system · also: Westhoff Diagonal Method, two-diagonal composition

A composition system formalised by Dutch photographer Edwin Westhoff in 2007 that uses both bisecting diagonals of a frame (corner to corner in both directions) as composition guides. Important detail aligns with these diagonals. Westhoff arrived at the system empirically by studying which compositions photographers consistently rated as visually pleasing — a research-based rather than theoretical origin that distinguishes it from older composition systems.

By Sarah Chen · Last updated 15 May 2026

Origin

Dutch photographer Edwin Westhoff published The Diagonal Method in 2007 as a critique of the rule of thirds. Westhoff's research method was empirical: he gathered hundreds of compositions consistently rated as visually pleasing and looked for the geometric structure they shared. He found that subjects sat on the bisecting diagonals far more reliably than on the thirds intersections. The method has gained traction in cinematography, photography teaching, and modern composition theory since publication.

Mechanics

The Diagonal Method draws two lines: the diagonal from the top-left corner to the bottom-right corner, and the diagonal from the top-right corner to the bottom-left corner. The two lines cross at the geometric centre of the frame and divide the image into four equal triangles. Westhoff's rule states that visually compelling compositions tend to have important detail (a subject's edge, a horizon, a leading line) aligned with one or both of these diagonals.

How it differs from related systems

Unlike the Rule of Thirds, which marks four discrete intersection points for placement, the Diagonal Method marks two continuous lines along which any point can serve as a focal placement. This makes it more flexible for compositions with elongated subjects (a falling rain streak, a road receding into the distance, a railway line). Unlike the Golden Triangle, which uses one primary diagonal plus two perpendicular drops, the Diagonal Method uses both bisecting diagonals symmetrically.

Modern use

The Diagonal Method is included in most contemporary composition curricula as one of the standard alternatives to the rule of thirds, alongside the Golden Ratio and the Rule of Fifths. It is most powerful for documentary, street, and cinematography work where leading lines or implied diagonals carry the image.

In Grid Maker Pro

Implemented as the Diagonal Method overlay — one of eight overlays in the Composition category. Works on any aspect ratio, not just the square frame Westhoff originally formulated.

Related terms

Rule of thirds — the system Westhoff critiqued.
Golden ratio — alternative refined composition system.

Citations

Westhoff, Edwin. The Diagonal Method. Self-published, 2007.

Definition

Diagonal Method is a term in the Grid Maker Pro overlay catalogue. The canonical construction is documented in the linked tool page; this entry summarises the geometric or historical context that justifies a dedicated overlay. The first principle, the typical application, and the audience that benefits most are noted below — refine this paragraph with the term-specific construction details before launch.

Etymology and origin

Diagonal Method has roots in either fine-art tradition, geometric formalism, or design-systems practice — sometimes all three. The first known publication or attribution, the figure who codified the modern usage, and the route by which the term entered Western art-school vocabulary all deserve a sentence or two here. The operator should fact-check the canonical attribution and add a primary-source citation in the Sources list below.

In practice

Practitioners reach for the Diagonal Method overlay when an image needs a quick check against a specific compositional principle. A portrait painter blocks in the construction once at thumbnail stage; a photographer applies it after the shoot during cull. The relevant overlay in Grid Maker Pro applies in one click — bookmark the deep-link if you use it daily.

Sources

Primary source — fill in citation, e.g. published treatise, peer-reviewed article, or canonical workbook.

Secondary source — supporting attribution, e.g. art-history survey or museum catalogue.

Practitioner source — interview, demo video, or studio note from a working artist / photographer / designer.