The document discusses guidelines for achieving good composition in photographs. It outlines several important composition rules including balance, depth of field, framing, lines, the rule of thirds, simplicity, and symmetry. Specific tips are provided for each rule, such as using the rule of thirds to place the subject off-center, framing the subject with natural surroundings, and balancing empty space with a secondary point of interest. While the rules are important for composition, the document notes they are not absolute and can be broken to still create amazing photos as long as the photographer understands the rules.

1. Compositions
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2.  Composing a photograph is to take the
most important parts of the photograph
and arranging them in a way that will be
pleasing to the viewer’s eye.
 There are several different guidelines
that can be followed to achieve good
composition. The following are
important rules to follow.
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3.  Balance
 Depth of Field
 Framing
 Lines
 Rule of Thirds
 Simplicity
 Symmetry
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4.  Shapes, colours, and
light should
compliment one
another.
 A secondary point of
interest can be used
to balance out the
empty space caused
by the Rule of Thirds
(more later).
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5.  The sharpest point
of focus around the
subject
 Keeps the focus on
the important
subject and helps it
to stand out from
the background
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6.  Use natural
surroundings to
frame the main
point of interest
 Isolates subject,
draws the viewer’s
focus to it as well
as keeps the focus
on it
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7. Lines lead the eye
deeper into the
image, or to the
point of interest
Straight, curved,
diagonal, and
parallel can all be
used effectively
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8.  The best placement of the subject can usually
be determined by The Rule of Thirds.
 Imagine the grid above. Where the lines
intersect are the best placement points. Avoid
the centre.
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9.  A cluttered image
can confuse the
eye
 Eliminate
distractions to
assure the focus is
on the main
subject
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10. Must break the
Rule of Thirds for
this one. Center the
subject in the
camera’s view.
Both sides must be
equal to achieve
the symmetry
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11. While these are all important elements
to create visually interesting
photographs, keep in mind they are not
absolute rules.
It’s possible to break these rules and still
have amazing composition. But to break
the rules, you need to know the rules.
Good luck.
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