The 6 Guidelines of Composition
1. Simplicity - Keep your pictures simple. Get rid of distractions. Have a clear point of interest.
2. The Rule of Thirds
Picture a tic tac toe grid on your viewfinder. Put your point of interest where the lines cross. Your point of interest should not be in the center of the picture unless it fills up the entire frame of your picture.
3. Lines
Lines are strong visual tools. Vertical lines are active. Horizontal lines are more restful. Leading lines lead your eyes to the point of interest. C curves are the masculine curve. S curves are the feminine curve. Triangles are also important in the composition.
4. Balance
There are two main types of balance. They are symmetrical and asymmetrical. Symmetrical balance is the same on both sides and not very interesting. Asymmetrical balance is different on both sides and more interesting. All your pictures should be balanced.
5. Framing
Framing is where you put objects in your foreground to frame your point of interest. It creates a 3 dimensional look and can add interest to your photograph.
6. Avoid Mergers
Mergers are objects in your background that attach visually to your point of interest. When things in your background are right behind your point of interest, they look like they are a part of your point of interest.
7. Perspective
Bird's Eye View- Photo's taken from above looking down on something.
This photo is Bird's Eye View.
This photo is Bird's Eye View.
Worm's Eye or Child's Eye View- Photos taken from below looking up at something.