Rule of Thirds
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The rule of thirds says that you should position the most important element (dominant) in your scene along these lines, or at points where they intersect. Doing so will add balance and interest to your photo.
Balancing Elements
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Placing your main subject off-center, as with the rule of thirds, creates a more interesting photo, but can leave a void in the scene which can make it feel empty. You should balance the "weight" of your subject by including another object of lesser importance (subordinate emphasis) to fill the space.
Leading Lines
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Pulling us into the picture:
Leading Lines
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Pulling us towards the subject:
Leading Lines
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Taking us on a journey through the scene:
Horizontal Lines
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ends a static, calm feel to a picture
Vertical Lines
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Often suggests permanence and stability
Diagonal Lines
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Introduce feelings of drama, movement, uncertainty
Symmetry and Pattern
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They can make for very eye-catching compositions, particularly in situations where they are not expected. Another great way to use them is to break the symmetry or pattern in some way, introducing tension and a focal point to the scene.
Birds Eye View
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Elevated view of an object from above, with a perspective as though the observer was a bird.
Bugs Eye View
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A perspective seen from below or from a low position as though the observer was a bug.
Framing
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By placing frames around the edge of a composition you help to isolate the main subject from the outside world. The result is a more focused image which draws your eye naturally to the focal point (main point of interest).
Cropping
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By cropping tight around the subject you eliminate the background "noise", ensuring the subject gets the viewer's undivided attention.
Perspective
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Sometimes a change of perspective can add impact to a photograph. Try taking a photo from a different angle, through a window, or a doorway. Think about changing from your norm. Try crouching down, or moving to the right or left.
Odd Numbers
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The rule of odds states that images are more visually appealing when there is an odd number of subjects. For example, if you are going to place more than one person in a photograph, don't use two, use 3, 5 or 7. Studies have shown that people are actually more at ease and comfort when viewing imagery with an odd number of subjects.
Space
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In order to portray movement, context and the idea that the photo is bigger than just the part you are seeing, you need to leave clutter free "white" spaces. Leaving space in the direction a subject is looking or moving will allow for the viewer to wonder what is just beyond the boundaries of the photo.