Until you get a feel for page placement with your scrapbooking layouts, take a look at some of the suggestions below. Everybody has their own style so any suggestions are purely that; suggestions. They should only be used as a guideline as we all find different things visually pleasing so go with what you like, not what you think is right.

Before you begin preparing placement of your photos, make sure that you are not using original photographs! This is very important as you may make mistakes or simply require the image further down the track.

Composition relates to the grouping of principals that are incorporated into a visual design. This consists of colour, texture, shape, proportion and balance. Every page should have a focal point upon which the viewer's eyes will be first attracted to. 

Asymmetrical Layouts

Informal photos are great for asymmetrical layouts. For example, on one page use one large photo and on the other page use two small photos. This gives your pages an energetic feel.

Connections

Try to link your main items together. Do this by having your subjects touch or overlap each other. You can also use embellishments such as ribbon and wire to link them together.

Contrast

Use colour to define your pages. For example use one large black and white photo with several colour photographs or one colour photo and several black and white. Size and texture used in the same way will also have great results. Very effective!

Cropping

This involves trimming your photo. This can often be useful when your subject is off-centre. Use paper punches, templates, scissors, a craft knife, a paper trimmer or shaped scissors and blades to create different effects. Never crop a polaroid as these snaps contain acid that may seep once cut. Remember that you don't have to keep your photo in the traditional shape - any shape will do! Don't crop your photos into too many different shapes for the one page as this can be overwhelming.

Eye Focus

Use the subject's eyes in your pictures to "look" or point toward a particular element that you would like to be a main attraction on your layout.

Framing

Cutting a frame from cardstock will add emphasis to your photograph. For more depth add two or three frames to a photo. To create more interest use different textures, colours and thicknesses. You can also use already made frames such as die cuts, and stickers or frames from materials such as wood, metal and plastic.

Mounting/Matting

This is a great technique for bringing attention to your focal point. Place your photo onto a slightly larger piece of background card or paper. To add more depth matt two or three 'frames' to your picture, each slightly bigger than the other. To create more interest use different textures, colours and thicknesses.

Repitition in Layouts

Repeat colours, shapes, patterns, textures and sizes. For example use one shape but in several different patterns. Use the same texture with different shapes or the same colour with different shapes and so on.

Scrapper's Rule of Three

One of my favourite methods in planning a scrapbook layout is simple to remember and easy to put into place. Divide your page into thirds horizontally and vertically (either physically or in your imagination). This now creates a grid of nine squares. Where these lines intersect are the points where your viewer's eye is naturally drawn. Use these points to place your key items. You can also use the lines as an indication of where to run a ribbon or place a torn strip of paper etc.

Sizing

The larger the object on page is, generally the more one's eye will be attracted to it. To give the illusion of a large object, simply group several smaller objects together.

Symmetrical Layouts

Creating a two page layout where the pages mirror each other. This technique will create a visual balance with your layout. It's also great if you're lacking ideas - instead of coming up with two layouts, there's only need for one!

The Odd Rule

Whether it's in relation to images or embellishments using odd numbers is generally more visually pleasing.. Try grouping your different pictures and embellishments in numerous odd numbers for a well balanced design.

Triangles

A simple way to create balance with your layouts is by creating an invisible triangle. do this by placing your photographs or embelllishments where you would imagine the three points of your triangle to be. This way your viewer's eyes flow between the subjects on your design. You can combine your embellishments and images to create your triangle.

If you are finding it difficult to balance your photos and create a nice flow, stand back from your pages. Pay attention to where your eye is drawn and where you would like it to go. Think about anything on your page which maybe distracting.