Take photos which exemplify Rules of Composition and photos which combine Rules of Composition with Visual Elements.
Rules of Composition
Focus the Viewer’s attention (often achieved by blurring the background)
Rule of Thirds
Rule of Even & Odd
Triangles
Simplification (often achieved through using Space in the composition)
Symmetry
Pattern & Repetition
Frame within a Frame
A crucial part of the process is trying to achieve balance in your photos. This can be a difficult thing to learn. Review your photos as you go along and judge which photos are more balanced.
The layout of your images influences how visually effective or stimulating your photos will be. When composing your photo, seek a balance in the colour, the lighting, and object placement within the frame’s constricting rectangle. When we talk about “balance” in a photograph, we mean a composition that has arranged the visual elements in such a way as to be pleasing to the eye. We’ve all seen group photos (of friends and family) in which the subjects are stuck in the centre of the frame with no apparent design other than to fit everyone in the frame, and without regard to effectively filling the frame either. This typical shot lacks interesting composition in the layout, and there’s probably way too much empty space above their heads as well. You seek to achieve interesting composition and perspective by being creative with where and how you physically position the camera, such that the composition has a unique perspective, or view of the world. For example, if you put the camera at the level of the floor when your pet or baby approaches the camera, that photo has a much more interesting composition and perspective than if the camera were held at full height while looking down at the pet or baby. Like many art concepts, perspective and composition is either instinctual, or it can be developed through practice and study.
Mr Edwards: Media Studies 