Photo Tip #4 - How to Compose

Imagine your camera viewfinder as a frame with grid lines similar to a Tic-Tac-Toe square. Just by placing your subject off-center, at one of the intersections of lines can make wonders to your composition. It is easy for our eyes to be drawn to the middle of the frame but it doesn't make a great composition. By making your subject off-center and employing even just one technique to lead the eyes to the main part of the subject (i.e. the face, the eyes) such as framing, converging lines, selective focusing, selective lighting, etc., one can easily make the distinction between a snapshot and an artistic photo. Just don't forget to lock the focus and re-compose before you press the shutter.

In landscape photography, placing say your horizon not in the middle but at the upper third line or lower third line also can make or break the composition. Placing the horizon at the lower third suggest spaciousness, upper third suggest closeness. Choosing between the two depends on what you'd like to convey but there's no harm in doing it both ways. A great cloud formation that perhaps signify an approaching storm would look good if you show more of the sky, for example.

There are people who are naturally more creative but creativity can be developed and knowing the rules of thumb in basic composition helps. Just know when to break the rules if needed.