Composition Principals

-Simplicity

Be sure to make a choice about what you want to highlight within the frame.

Be sure the composition is highlighting the meaning of your subject.

Be sure that your subject doesn’t get lost within a busy background.

Move around to get into the best position to feature your subject.

-Rule of Thirds

Imagine two horizontal and two vertical lines dividing your photo into thirds with four intersecting points—just like a tic-tac-toe board.

Place your main subject where the lines cross, rather than centered in the frame.

Your photo will feel more balanced when your subject is off-center.


-Avoiding Mergers

Be aware of the background; avoid clutter and objects that will distract from the main focal point of your shot.







-Lines

Look for dynamic lines and graphic patterns when creating compositions.

Diagonal lines are especially dynamic.

S-Curves within the frame create graceful, eye-catching compositions.

Use lines to lead viewers into the frame.


-Framing

Frame objects of interest with natural cropping tools.

Guide the viewers eyes to certain parts of the frame by dissecting it, cropping it, and re-framing.

Establish depth, scale, play with foreground and background.