Artist Viewfinder and Photography Composition Card Guide
Credit-card-sized clear composition grids. Hold one up to frame a scene before you shoot, draw or paint.
Quick Fixes — Read This Before Returning
- “The grid doesn’t match what my camera sees.” Use the card that matches your camera’s aspect ratio: 3:2 for most DSLR and mirrorless cameras, 4:3 for many compact and phone photo modes, 16:9 for video and widescreen phone modes.
- “I can’t fit the whole scene in.” Move the card further from your eye to zoom in, closer to your eye to take in more. Close one eye.
- “The cards are loose in the box.” Replacement cases are available: Small (PV-Case 1) and Large (PV-Case 2, holds up to 12 cards).
Are These the Right Instructions for You?
This page covers the individual viewfinders (Rule of Thirds, Golden Triangle, Fibonacci Grid, Spiral, Matrix and Diagonals, Square Diagonals, Vanishing Point, Harmonic Armature, Dynamic Symmetry Root 2, 3 and 4) and the viewfinder sets. Individual viewfinders come as three cards, one per aspect ratio.
Using a phone? The Smartphone Composition Viewer clips onto the phone screen instead.
How To Use It
- Pick the card for your aspect ratio.
- Hold it at arm’s length, close one eye, and look through it at the scene.
- Move the card nearer or further to change how much of the scene you frame — like a zoom lens.
- Move your position until the key parts of the scene sit on the grid lines or intersections.
- Take the shot, or sketch the main lines onto your page using the same grid.
Which Grid Should I Use?
- Rule of Thirds — the simplest starting point for any scene.
- Fibonacci / Golden Spiral — for a single strong subject with the scene leading into it.
- Golden Triangle and Diagonals — for scenes with strong diagonal lines.
- Vanishing Point — roads, hallways, rails and architecture.
- Harmonic Armature and Dynamic Symmetry — for more complex compositions and painting layouts.
The free 80-page eBook, Mastering Viewing Grids and Dynamic Symmetry in Photography, explains each grid with examples.
Looking After Your Cards
- Clear polycarbonate with UV-printed lines. Wipe with a microfibre cloth; for marks use a little isopropyl alcohol.
- Keep them in the case so the lines don’t collect scratches from keys and coins.
When to Email Us
Email sales@clpa.au with your order number and a photo if your tool arrives damaged, you ordered the wrong size, or a printed line looks off-register. We aim to reply within one Brisbane business day — if you are in the USA or UK, remember we are a day ahead. We make every tool in-house, so we can usually replace, exchange or quote a custom size faster than a return would take.
Returns and Warranty
Unused items can be returned within 30 days of delivery in original condition — see our Refund Policy. Every CLPA tool carries a 12-month manufacturer warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Bought on Amazon? Amazon’s return policy applies to your order, and our warranty still covers the tool.
More help: Frequently Asked Questions.
We Make What We Sell
Custom Laser Products Australia (CLPA) is a small veteran-owned family business. We design, laser-cut and UV-print every tool on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland. We are the manufacturer, not a reseller.
CLPA Customer Support · sales@clpa.au · clpa.au