Photo Composition

Snapshots- a quick shot, often spontaneous, taken to record a moment in time
Photographs- an image taken with care and thought

Rule of Thirds- imaginary lines drawn dividing frame of camera into thirds both horizontally and vertically

• Place the important part off center where the lines intersect
• When working with horizon lines, but them at the top or bottom horizontal divider
• Or, fill up the frame with the subject for a close up image

Leading Lines- use the lines created within the foreground a background of the composition to lead the viewers eye through the photo
Lines can also draw attention to one or more intended subjects or a single focal point
Point of View- change the way your subject is perceived by changing the camera position
If you are photographing a subject that you want to seem very tall, compose the shot so that the camera is looking upwards

Simplicity- keep your background simple and clear of clutter
The mood and effectiveness of a photo can be altered by what is in the background
A chaotic composition will cause the viewer to look away