Composition is as important to photography as grammar is to speech. If composition in a photograph is poor, the photographer's visual message may be veiled. A potentially pleasing photo opportunity, if not properly composed, could result in an ordinary snapshot. On the other hand, an otherwise ordinary subject might be composed in such an interesting way that an eye-appealing photo could result.

The suggestions below are intended as a starting point to good composition. They are rules of composition but not laws. Strict adherence to these guidelines does not guarantee success.

Photographs should have a conspicuous, clear center of interest. The center of interest may be thought of as the reason for shooting the photo.

Do not center the subject. Use the rule of thirds.

When shooting subject (person, car, etc.) in profile, allow more space on the side subject is facing.

Photograph vertical subjects in a vertical format and horizontal subjects in a horizontal format.

Do not center vertical or horizontal lines. Doing so tends to visually divide the picture in half. Examples: Horizon or other element.

Keep vertical and horizontal lines parallel to the edges of a photo.

When shooting two or more subjects, place them close together to create a visual unit. Move them, ask them to move or YOU move.

Arrange identical or similar elements into odd number groups. If there are three elements in a group, place them in a triangular arrangement.

Avoid undesirable mergers - For example, trees growing out of someone’s head. Avoid overlapping that blends one object with another of similar tone. If you want your subject to stand out clearly, choose a viewpoint or instant of shooting that places it against a background of contrasting value. The more you want to emphasize something, the greater the tone contrast you should use. Be aware of the subject - field relationship, the relationship of form and outline.

Do be decisive. If you want objects to overlap, have them overlap distinctly. A firm, positive, clear-cut quality gives your composition greater strength, beauty and effectiveness. Overlapping helps create the illusion of depth.

Use cropping L's to preview photo opportunities. (You always have some with you, your hands). With one eye closed, check for areas and objects that are distracting. Carefully decide where to crop photos. It is better to crop in the camera than in the dark room.

Divide photographic composition into thirds (for medium and long shots): one-third foreground, one-third middle ground and one-third background.

 

Hold the camera diagonally to emphasize action or to create interest when composition appears static. More than just a little bit. Only a little looks like an error on your part.

Horizontal framing implies tranquility, spaciousness, indicates strength, depth, and dignity.

Use natural framing to isolate subject, to create depth, and to delineate interesting shapes. Example: Foreground Framing - trees, windows, etc.

Reducing the number of tones, for example, by silhouetting, can create strong graphic qualities while simplifying composition.

Use leading lines to draw attention to subject and to add perspective. Make sure they lead into your subject and not out of the picture frame.

Avoid busy backgrounds. Crop in tight on your subject.

Do not limit yourself to eye-level picture-taking. Consider shooting from a worm's eye view or bird's eye view,

Simple, graphic compositions may be achieved with pattern and repetition, i.e., rhythm.

"Hogarth’s Line of Beauty", commonly called the ‘S’ curve is one of the easiest and most pleasing forms to look at. It suggests beauty, gentle movement, and grace.

The triangle implies strength and stability. Triangles hold the attention within the margin of photos.

Study photographs in books, magazines, galleries, at the school library, etc. Look at the composition, the lighting, the perspective. What do you like about the image, what do you not like about it.. Learn from those who went before you!

Fill the frame. Use your shoe leather zoom attachment, your feet. It’s cheep and always with you.

Use your camera often! Take it with you everywhere, shoot, shoot, shoot.. Film is cheep. The more you work, the more you will learn.

Don’t forget to edit your work. Show only your best and people will think you a better photographer. Even pros produce inferior work. They just don’t show it.