SALE ALERT: This is you last chance! Today’s the last day to take advantage of 15% off Plus and Awesome account upgrades and renewals. Click Here to Upgrade Before the Promotion Ends

There are few names in the world of photography that hold as much weight as Steve McCurry. The photographer behind the unquestionably iconic Afghan Girl photograph — and hundreds more incredible photos besides — his command over light and composition is apparent in every single shot he publishes.

Photograph Great Steve Mc Curry by Alessandro Severgnini on 500px

Great Steve Mc Curry by Alessandro Severgnini on 500px

Which is probably why community-focused online photography magazine COOPH, reached out to Mr. McCurry and asked if he would let them use his work to illustrate 9 of the most important rules of composition.

Don’t let the seemingly basic nature of the subject matter fool you, this video is as useful for professionals as it is for beginners. You can’t break the rules until you know them backwards, forwards, and diagonally…