Basic Composition

Basic composition is a good place to start if you're a beginning photographer. Also, it's good to revisit these principles no matter where your skills are because they'll remind you about what got you there in the first place. The first and most important rule is that there really are no rules. Whatever looks good, looks good. What we offer here are guidelines that, if followed, will generally help you produce a good photograph. Not all good, or even great, photographs follow these rules.

1. Avoid the bullseye! Follow the rule of thirds.
2. Do not divide a picture in half with a horizon.
3. Try to find leading lines to direct the eye to the main center of interest.
4. Look for interesting foreground element to create framing.
5. Use the direction of major lines to create repose, strength, action, or chaos.
6. Do not permit a strong line to leave or enter the image from a corner.
7. Create unity and perspective by making similar shapes intersect.
8. Be aware of dynamic symmetry.
9. Don't allow mergers which can create ambiguity.
10. Don't construct images using series of unbroken lines (layer caking).
11. Allow room for action to take place.
12. Break these rules as often as is necessary to make great pictures!!!