What is the 20-60-20 Rule in Photography?
The 20-60-20 rule in photography, attributed to renowned photographer Paul Nicklen, is a strategic guideline for how to structure your time during a photo session. This approach divides your shoot into three distinct phases: 20% for safe, technically sound shots; 60% for creative experimentation; and 20% for bold, once-in-a-lifetime captures.
The First 20%: Building Foundation and Trust
The opening 20% serves as your warm-up phase—both literally and figuratively. This is when you capture those essential reference shots or fulfill specific brief requirements. Starting here ensures you've delivered on your promises at the bare minimum, which is crucial for building client trust, especially with new relationships.
During this phase, you're establishing the shooting rhythm and getting comfortable with your subject. Both photographer and model are finding their groove—you're contorting into various shooting positions while your subject shakes off any initial stiffness. This physical and mental warm-up creates the foundation for genuine connection and collaboration.
Technically, this is your calibration time. You're dialing in exposure settings, perfecting lighting, and fine-tuning camera configurations to capture exactly what was envisioned. The trust built during these opening moments becomes invaluable for the creative phases ahead.
The 60%: Where Magic Happens
The middle 60% is where the shoot truly comes alive. With technical elements locked in and confidence established, you can focus entirely on composition and creative exploration. This is when static poses give way to dynamic movement—subjects abandon the chair and start engaging with the space and props around them.
During this phase, subjects typically gain confidence to express their unique personality and style. They begin communicating poses and movements that feel authentic to them. As the photographer, this is your opportunity to ask, "Is there anything you want to try?" Because trust has been established, both parties understand that experimentation is welcome, and not every attempt needs to be perfect.
The Final 20%: Pure Creative Flow
The last 20% represents photography's most exhilarating territory. By this point, you've captured sufficient material and can afford to take risks. This is when I literally tell subjects to "throw the chair"—the moment when getting dirty doesn't matter because we've already secured the essential shots.
If there's water nearby, they dive in. Shoes come off, ladders get climbed, and creative boundaries dissolve. This phase feels like pure creative flow, where spontaneity and artistic vision converge. It's my favorite space to exist in as a photographer because the pressure is off, and pure magic can happen.
Implementing the 20-60-20 Rule
Paul Nicklen's 20-60-20 rule transforms photo sessions from chaotic scrambles into structured creative journeys. By following this framework, you ensure client satisfaction while maximizing opportunities for artistic breakthrough. The rule provides both security and freedom—guaranteeing deliverables while creating space for extraordinary captures that define truly memorable photography.
