| Composition is defined as the combining of distinct | | | | surroundings could be anything such as bushes, |
| parts or elements to form a whole. In | | | | windows, trees or even a doorway. When using |
| photography that definition is very important in | | | | this rule be sure to focus on the main subject and |
| taking quality pictures. The following rules of | | | | not on the surroundings that are framing it. It is |
| composition should be learned and considered but | | | | also a good idea to use a narrow aperture (high f |
| not necessarily used in every photo. Once you | | | | stop) when using this rule in order to create a |
| have learned these rules you will be more | | | | high depth-of-field.TEXTUREThe texture rule can |
| observant of the possible photo opportunities that | | | | add a great amount of interest to most photos. |
| surround you. But keep in mind that the really | | | | When people see texture in a photo it can spark |
| famous photographers usually find a creative way | | | | their imagination and make the photo more real to |
| to stretch or break the rules of composition.RULE | | | | life. Texture would be a good idea when taking |
| OF THIRDSThe rule of thirds has been used | | | | photos of rocks, walls, surfaces, hands or even |
| through the centuries and is probably the most | | | | leaves. In order to create texture try to |
| recognized rule. The rule of thirds directs that the | | | | compose your photo so the light is coming from |
| frame can be divided into three vertical sections | | | | the side and therefore casting shadows in key |
| and three horizontal sections. Wherever the | | | | places.DIAGONALSThe diagonal rule directs that |
| separating lines connect is an ideal spot for a | | | | diagonal elements or lines can make a photo more |
| subject or point of interest. By positioning your | | | | dynamic. Diagonal elements could be fence posts, |
| main subject at any of the four intersection | | | | roads or even tree branches.LEADING LINESThe |
| points, you are giving your subject more | | | | leading lines rule can be used to direct the eye |
| emphasis than if it is right in the middle of the | | | | deeper into a photo and commonly to the main |
| photo. The intersection points can also work if | | | | subject. Leading lines can lure the eye to a |
| there is more than one main subject in a photo. | | | | subject by leading to it from any side or depth of |
| Most famous photographs and paintings have the | | | | the photo. Leading lines could be roads, rivers, |
| rule of thirds applied to them in some way or | | | | tree branches or even bridges.COLORThe color |
| another.SIMPLICITYThe simplicity rule directs that | | | | rule is what adds interest and emotion to your |
| you should keep the items in your photo relatively | | | | pictures. Different color configurations can inspire |
| simple. If your main subject is close to the lens, | | | | and amaze viewers. Colors can also be used to |
| then your background should be very simple in | | | | accent certain parts of a photo.It might not be a |
| order to avoid distractions. Another good idea is | | | | bad idea to keep these key terms with you when |
| to avoid objects or lines that lead the eye away | | | | you practice taking photos. The best way to learn |
| from your main subject.CONTRASTThe contrast | | | | and improve your composition is just to use them |
| rule directs that light subjects should be placed | | | | often and to experiment.Richard Schneider is a |
| against dark backgrounds and vice | | | | digital photography enthusiast and founder of |
| versa.FRAMINGThe framing rule directs that using | | | | which offers tips and news about digital |
| natural surroundings mindfully can add more | | | | photography, digital camera reviews, photoshop |
| meaning and focus to your subject. The | | | | tutorials and computer wallpaper. |