When it comes to composition, the most beneficial rule of composition is the rule of thirds. This will be helpful to both professionals and amateurs. You will find that the rule of the thirds will help your photograph have visual impact. The rule of thirds is not difficult to learn or understand. You always want to keep this rule of composition in mind before taking any photograph. It will soon become second nature to you and you will see a definite improvement in the impact and visual quality of your photos.
Fortunately, our minds can be quickly conditioned to think in in the rule of thirds mode. It will quickly become second nature to you. If your viewfinder has a grid option, use it. This was set originally designed to make using the rule of thirds easy. If your camera does not have this option, you'll have to imagine it. When looking at a frame, you will want to mentally make a note of a tic-tac-toe box so that you can envision lines that are running horizontally and vertically.
Next, check out your subject matter in relationship to the horizontal lines. Your photograph will have the most impact if the horizon is placed close to one of these lines, so that your sky occupies about 1/3 or 2/3 of the picture. This will give your photograph good balance and have a greater visual impact. The next step is to look at your subject matter in relationship to the four points on the grid where the horizontal and vertical lines intersect. Also known as "sweet spots" by photographers. By placing your main subject matter in the sweet spots, or area of most visual importance, the viewers eye will be sub-consciously drawn to your main point of interest.
A good photographer will include diagonal lines whenever possible. Your photograph will appear more pleasing if diagonal lines run through one or two of the sweet spots. The rule of thirds is not carved in stone however is a very good basic rule of composition. You should always keep it in mind when you are photographing anything. Sometimes you need to be willing to break these rules, but you need to understand the importance of these basic elements of composition. It will help you to be more consistent and your search for composition will become second nature to you. The basic rules of composition can be applied to all forms of photography. These same rules apply to still life shots, landscapes, commercial, fine art and even when arranging portraits. Good composition is the difference between a great photograph and an ordinary picture with just a few seconds of thought and planning.
Terry Day is an International Hall of Fame Photographer. He has been a Master Photographer and member of the Professional Photographers of America for 30 years. You can sign up for his free photo tips and view a portfolio of his work - http://www.photographylessoncenter.com
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